From Lab to Life: Training Researchers for Impact

Expectations on researchers are changing. Alongside scientific excellence, there is growing pressure to show how their work delivers benefits beyond universities and academic journals.

The Translating Research into Impact program responds to this shift by supporting early career researchers (ECRs) and PhD candidates to build the skills and confidence to achieve real-world outcomes.

Delivered by the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub’s Land and Primary Industries Network and the SQNNSW Innovation Hub, the program will train participants in research translation, stakeholder engagement and communication.

Project Lead Rebecca Lollback, SQNNSW Innovation Hub Lismore Node Manager, says the program encourages researchers to reflect on how their work is used outside universities.

“In academia, there is a lot of value placed on publications and grants,” Rebecca says.

“But imagine if we also focused on different questions. Who will your research help? How are you communicating with them? What problems will it solve? What will change? Why should people care?"

Following a competitive selection process, 23 ECRs from 10 universities have been chosen to take part, starting with a hands-on workshop at Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast campus on 26–27 February 2026.

Charles Sturt University PhD candidate Stepheine Ukoji says the program aligns closely with her goals.

“I have always been committed to producing research that speaks clearly to farmers and end-users, beyond academic jargon,” she says. “This opportunity aligns strongly with how I hope my work contributes to agriculture and climate-resilient food systems."

Read the full article at the Decarbonisation Hub.