Back to Research for Impact
University of Cape Town

Research for Impact

This course is about the Research for Impact approach - a set of principles and practices that will help you to make your research more impactful. Traditionally, the goals and outcomes of research projects were to contribute knowledge and communicate this knowledge through academic publications and journal articles. But If we truly want our research to have an impact, we need to do research differently. Research that influences change in policy, practice, behaviour, and attitudes. On this six-week journey, Jesse DeMaria-Kinney and Mark New share their experience of the Adaptation at Scale for Semi-arid Regions (ASSAR) Project, where they developed and refined the Research for Impact approach. They are joined by researchers and practitioners who followed this approach in their research. Together you will explore the five elements of the Research for Impact approach, i.e. Theory of Change; Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Strategic Communication, Capacity Development; and Influencing. You will also get opportunities to hear from researchers and practitioners on the ground who followed this approach and hopefully become inspired and equipped to incorporate these principles into your own research projects. The course is free to enroll and take. You will be offered the option of purchasing a certificate of completion, which you become eligible for if you successfully complete the course requirements. This can be an excellent way of staying motivated! Financial Aid is also available.

Status: Change Management
Status: Policy Analysis
BeginnerCourse20 hours

Featured reviews

MS

5.0Reviewed Sep 15, 2020

This course has been super helpful in broading my knowledge in research with people.

GR

5.0Reviewed May 23, 2020

Great experience in my career "to learn in a short period". Changed my idea of research for a great level. Thanks so much much Coursera, Oxfam and University of Capetown.

EK

5.0Reviewed Apr 4, 2023

The instructors, teachers and researchers show great pedagogic skills.

GR

5.0Reviewed Jun 30, 2021

A great way to practice research for impact. The activities are really helpful to apply what you have learned in the course.

AT

5.0Reviewed Apr 24, 2020

The approaches taught in the course offer pragmatic application in both upstream and downstream works. Highly recommended.

LG

5.0Reviewed Jun 23, 2023

This course was really Insightful and it has changed my entire approach to Research. Am so happy I took the course. Thank you Jesse and Mark and all the tutors.

FA

5.0Reviewed Feb 10, 2026

You will learn how to do an impact research design and follow the steps to make a change. A good perspective for researchers

KB

5.0Reviewed Sep 6, 2020

Outstanding, I have learned so much valuable information and I highly recommend this course.

RD

4.0Reviewed Apr 14, 2024

It is really a god course and lots of detailed inputs for researchers.

JJ

5.0Reviewed Jul 21, 2020

This course is absolutely worth it, I loved every part of it and it has changed my life.

MN

5.0Reviewed May 26, 2022

Thank you very much for a very comprehensive topics you have shared.. I have learned a lot. God bless

LM

5.0Reviewed Jul 11, 2021

This was a very productive course for me I would do it again if it had a higher level

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 66

Dipali Patel
5.0
Reviewed Jun 22, 2020
Manju Singh
5.0
Reviewed Apr 24, 2020
Claire Pearce
5.0
Reviewed Jun 11, 2019
Angelo Tubac
5.0
Reviewed Apr 25, 2020
Richard Osei-Yeboah
5.0
Reviewed Jul 11, 2019
Jordi Pietx
5.0
Reviewed Aug 9, 2020
Aweke Mulualem Gelaw
5.0
Reviewed Mar 8, 2021
Sukanta Mohapatra
5.0
Reviewed Jul 19, 2020
YEDAVELLY SRINIVAS REDDY
5.0
Reviewed Jul 18, 2020
Garcia, Rachelle
5.0
Reviewed Jun 30, 2021
Amal Jama
5.0
Reviewed Jun 26, 2019
Pawan Rana Magar
5.0
Reviewed Mar 24, 2020
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5.0
Reviewed Jul 22, 2020
Kadidiatou SOULEY YERO
5.0
Reviewed Apr 19, 2020
Rigzin Angmo
5.0
Reviewed Sep 10, 2020
Thamsanqa Basi
5.0
Reviewed Feb 7, 2021
chabalanga ng'ambi
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Reviewed Aug 16, 2020
maria jose borrero
5.0
Reviewed Feb 26, 2021
Estery Madavo
5.0
Reviewed Oct 19, 2020
Siyanda Vunukwa
5.0
Reviewed Jul 3, 2020