Successful impact initiatives originate from the creativity, curiosity and intrinsic motivation of individual researchers. ‘The desire to solve the puzzle’ - is often what drives researchers to get and stay involved in these kinds of activities (Lam, 2010).

‘Just do it!’

But how, when and where to start? It is a matter of ‘just getting started and do it’ as early in your career and research. But not without the right support and tools! In order to develop an impact idea you can use different tools and you should answer yourself and in collaboration with others different questions. There are usually also legal aspects (intellectual property) and maybe some risks or ethical issues associated with the idea. Contact your impact developer for further advise and let yourself get inspirated by the different tools:

Model Creating Impact in public health in 6+ steps

This model gives you a quick overview of the impact process: the different steps you can take, tools you can use and checks you must make. Creating impact is an iterative process, you will go back and forth. Also, the order of actions to be taken varies, there is not one right way or straight line to go through the process. Organize enough reality check moments during the process and create a strong team and network around you. And also passion, drive, and perseverance is important to succeed!

Checklist impact: from concept to implementation

What do you need to figure out to come to a solid implementation of your impact idea? Think about the content of your concept, organization, positioning, marketing & communication, planning, revenues and costs. This checklist complements Creating impact in 6+ steps.

Checklist for successful collaborations

Collaborating with government, public knowledge and healthcare institutions, companies and patient organizations are often crucial within the public health domain to be able to create impact. What is important to keep in mind if you collaborate? This checklist will help you with a few guidelines.

Checklist for network meetings

External organizations and professionals are often more than willing to talk to researchers. This also means you must prepare your meetings carefully: you are not only representing yourself but also your institute. This checklist helps to prepare a network meeting.

Stakeholder analysis and communication

Which stakeholders have an important interest in the execution of your impact project? How can you identify who your most important stakeholders are and work out their power and interest, so that you know who you should focus on and how? Use this grid and table to map this.