Impact article structure
| Elements | Description |
|---|---|
| EDI Problematization (Problem generation and impact to be achieved*) | An impact article should open with insights into how a EDI problem or challenge was identified. The process of defining the problem must be co-constructed with those most directly affected—including community partners, organizational collaborators, practitioners, and researchers—to avoid imposing externally determined priorities and to ensure that the problem reflects lived experience and contextual realities The research impact will be demonstrated by clearly articulating the necessary changes to effectively address the identified EDI challenge. The focus will be on highlighting how these changes, whether at the individual, community, social, economic, or environmental/global level, will foster meaningful progress. The described impact will emphasize the value of these changes and identify the partners and collaborators who will benefit most, ultimately leading to a more equitable and inclusive environment |
| Constituent Engagement (working with stakeholders*) | This section details the constituents engaged throughout the project, outlining the specific roles and contributions of each. It will also describe the process used to identify the necessary skills, disciplines, and constituent groups essential for addressing the EDI challenge. Reflections on the opportunities and challenges encountered during constituent engagement will be included, highlighting how collaboration enriched the understanding, investigation, and realization of impact. Additionally, the involvement of non-academic researchers in the research process and impact facilitation will be discussed, emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives and expertise in achieving meaningful outcomes |
| Collaboration Approaches (co-creation and learning*) | This section highlights the collaborative approaches, including those that took place throughout the research process. It will describe how ongoing collaboration with constituents provided opportunities to jointly develop insights, adapt approaches, and deepen understanding of impact. The reflection will include any shifts in perspective or methodology that resulted from this co-creative process, demonstrating how engagement with diverse constituents enhanced learning and informed more effective strategies for advancing EDI goals |
| Impact Outcomes | This section presents the evidence of impact achieved in advancing EDI, illustrating how the impact was defined in alignment with the initial objectives. It will detail the timeline of change, including how progress was measured and monitored over time. Additionally, the section will discuss the challenges encountered, such as data collection, tracking, and attribution, and reflect on which obstacles were successfully addressed and which remained. Unintended impacts, both positive and negative, will also be highlighted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the outcomes resulting from the initiative |
| Ethics of Impact | This section explores the ethical considerations surrounding the impact in EDI initiatives, focusing on questions of ownership and participation. It will examine who has defined what impact is, how it is valued, and for whom, highlighting the importance of consulting those most affected to ensure their needs and abilities are accurately understood and respected. The discussion will address issues of power dynamics, emphasizing the need for equitable contributions from all constituents and acknowledging potential knowledge and influence imbalances. It will also consider the broader implications of change, including potential unintended negative impacts on different groups. Additionally, the section will reflect on the commitments made to constituents during the research process and discuss the importance of establishing sustainable, respectful relationships that extend beyond the project, ensuring that a fair and thoughtful conclusion benefits all parties involved |
| Elements | Description |
|---|---|
| EDI Problematization (Problem generation and impact to be achieved*) | An impact article should open with insights into how a EDI problem or challenge was identified. The process of defining the problem must be co-constructed with those most directly affected—including community partners, organizational collaborators, practitioners, and researchers—to avoid imposing externally determined priorities and to ensure that the problem reflects lived experience and contextual realities |
| Constituent Engagement (working with stakeholders*) | This section details the constituents engaged throughout the project, outlining the specific roles and contributions of each. It will also describe the process used to identify the necessary skills, disciplines, and constituent groups essential for addressing the EDI challenge. Reflections on the opportunities and challenges encountered during constituent engagement will be included, highlighting how collaboration enriched the understanding, investigation, and realization of impact. Additionally, the involvement of non-academic researchers in the research process and impact facilitation will be discussed, emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives and expertise in achieving meaningful outcomes |
| Collaboration Approaches (co-creation and learning*) | This section highlights the collaborative approaches, including those that took place throughout the research process. It will describe how ongoing collaboration with constituents provided opportunities to jointly develop insights, adapt approaches, and deepen understanding of impact. The reflection will include any shifts in perspective or methodology that resulted from this co-creative process, demonstrating how engagement with diverse constituents enhanced learning and informed more effective strategies for advancing EDI goals |
| Impact Outcomes | This section presents the evidence of impact achieved in advancing EDI, illustrating how the impact was defined in alignment with the initial objectives. It will detail the timeline of change, including how progress was measured and monitored over time. Additionally, the section will discuss the challenges encountered, such as data collection, tracking, and attribution, and reflect on which obstacles were successfully addressed and which remained. Unintended impacts, both positive and negative, will also be highlighted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the outcomes resulting from the initiative |
| Ethics of Impact | This section explores the ethical considerations surrounding the impact in EDI initiatives, focusing on questions of ownership and participation. It will examine who has defined what impact is, how it is valued, and for whom, highlighting the importance of consulting those most affected to ensure their needs and abilities are accurately understood and respected. The discussion will address issues of power dynamics, emphasizing the need for equitable contributions from all constituents and acknowledging potential knowledge and influence imbalances. It will also consider the broader implications of change, including potential unintended negative impacts on different groups. Additionally, the section will reflect on the commitments made to constituents during the research process and discuss the importance of establishing sustainable, respectful relationships that extend beyond the project, ensuring that a fair and thoughtful conclusion benefits all parties involved |
Note(s): *Terminologies used in Keeling and Marshall (2022)