What is knowledge translation in academic research?

Knowledge translation is the process of getting the right research information to the right people at the right time in a useful format. It involves ensuring research findings are applicable, interesting, and accessible to the broader public and decision-makers.

How can researchers be more intentional about research impact?

Intentionality starts with planning early in the research lifecycle. Researchers should ask 'why' they are doing the work, identify their target audience, and involve stakeholders from the beginning to ensure the research influences the right decisions and policies.

What are the benefits of a research impact case study?

Impact case studies help researchers articulate and evidence the significance of their work. Beyond being a requirement for some national assessments, these studies serve as credible narratives that showcase the real-world value and legacy of a life's work in academia.

How are research funding requirements changing regarding visibility?

Funders globally are shifting toward narrative CVs and 'pathways to impact' requirements. Credibility is no longer based solely on publication counts; researchers must demonstrate how they share findings and contribute as leaders to their field and society.

Research Impact and Knowledge Translation for Academics

What is knowledge translation? How can we be intentional about research impact and engagement? Tamika Heiden, PhD and Kate Shook from the Research Impact Academy in Australia join Jennifer van Alstyne. This conversation is about how good visibility can help you tell your research story.

Tamika Heiden, PhD and Kate Shook from the Research Impact Academy in Australia join Jennifer van Alstyne on The Social Academic podcast. This conversation is about how visibility can help you tell your research story.

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This episode was broadcast live on March 17, 2026. A full transcript will be added to this blog post for you when a full review by a human has been completed. Thank you!

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About

The Research Impact Academy unveils incredible research that is being done around the world through specialised training solutions, consulting, and global membership for researchers and research support staff. They unite global expertise to support local expertise and save you time by making it easier for your research to be accessible.

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Tamika Heiden, PhD

Dr. Tamika Heiden is the Principal of the Research Impact Academy, where she has trained thousands of researchers worldwide in research impact and knowledge translation. With over a decade of experience across health, sport, and medical research, Tamika advises higher education, government, and industry sectors on embedding research impact practices. Tamika is an Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne and sits on the Scientific Committee for both the Primary Care Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Group in Melbourne and the Medical Research Foundation at Royal Perth Hospital. She also partners with the SickKids Hospital in Toronto.

Tamika’s work bridges research to practice, supporting high-level strategy and knowledge translation. Her dedication has led to contributions to high-level decision making, including providing evidence to the Senate Committee for the Medical Research Future Fund. Recognised with excellence awards from the SickKids Learning Institute and the Institute for Knowledge Mobilization, Tamika also founded the annual Research Impact Summit in 2016, reaching over 7,300 participants across 101 countries, with over 200 interviews from international experts.

Kate Shook

Kate Shook is a research impact professional at the Research Impact Academy (RIA), specialising in impact case studies, evaluation and reporting. With a background in education, research and policy, she has extensive experience across public and private sectors. Her skills in communication, advocacy, and project management, combined with her teaching experience, allow her to design and deliver content that engages diverse audiences and maximises impact. At RIA, Kate works collaboratively to help researchers create, capture, and communicate the significance of their work, supporting consulting services, training programs, and global membership initiatives. Through her expertise and dedication, Kate plays a key role in empowering researchers to showcase the value of their work, strengthen its reach and drive positive change.