James is a Research Impact and Engagement Manager, based in the Research Policy Office in the Research and Enterprise Directorate. James manages a team that provides support for research impact and engagement activities. 

Background

James has had a number of posts prior to joining Queen's, including communications and public affairs roles, working within and with government departments and political leaders in Northern Ireland. He also has experience working in research communications, assisting academic research groups working on education and conflict around the world to communicate with various state and non-state actors.

James’s skills in messaging, communication planning and delivery have been invaluable in his current role.

Current roles and responsibilities

As the Research Impact and Engagement Manager James's role, and that of his team, is to provide support for researchers in identifying potential impact, developing clear evidence for established impact, and supporting public engagement and communication in relation to the University’s impact agenda. The role requires strong communication skills, capability for strategic planning, and the ability to work with various stakeholders, often with competing expectations, within and outside the University.

James played a significant role in the development of the Engaged Research Action Plan, and he and his Team provided support for the various Impact Case Studies that formed part of the University's recent REF submission.

Contribution to specific research initiative or project

Over the past six months James and his team have been working closely with Professional Services and academic colleagues across the University to showcase key examples of the impact of research carried out at Queen's. 

One of the key aspects of this project was to create an easily accessible bank of online narratives which respond to our new strategic research themes and sub themes, and which can be used by colleagues and partners to celebrate the life changing research carried out at Queen's. 

James's team in Research and Enterprise was tasked with mapping examples of research onto the new strategic themes, creating content for each, and working closely with colleagues in Marketing, Recruitment, Communications and Internationalisation (MRCI) to build a research themes website. Using data from exercises such as REF, the Team were able to create a rich bank of content, highlighting quality research that has impact on health, society, economy, policy and the arts, here in Northern Ireland and across the world.

This project requires a high level of close cooperation between different teams in different Directorates, with each bringing a particular set of skills to the project. The first stage of the project was launched in December 2021 and has been well received by colleagues and stakeholders.  It is currently being used as the basis for an international marketing campaign to highlight the world leading research being carried out at Queen's. 

The second set of narratives are now in development, and the aim is to have a full batch of 75 completed and online by the beginning of the 2022-23 academic year.