The Office of the Vice-President, Research has launched an initiative to celebrate and support members of McMaster’s research community as they work to build on their discoveries to drive real-world impact.

Under the direction of Sukhvinder Obhi, associate vice-president, Research (Society & Impact), the Societal Impact Academy will host a series of programs that provide student and faculty researchers with the resources, opportunities and connections they need to drive positive change.

“Research has the power to transform lives — but only if it reaches the communities and societal stakeholders that need it most,” says Obhi, a professor in the department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour in the Faculty of Science.

“The Societal Impact Academy will equip researchers with the tools they need to mobilize their work and create ethical, meaningful change in areas like healthcare, public policy and services, the economy, the environment, society and culture.”

The academy brings together a number of ongoing and new initiatives that advance research mobilization and impact, including a seed grant, which awarded $85,000 to five campus-society research collaborations in 2024; a pitch competition showcasing graduate students’ innovative and impactful research projects; and the Society & Impact Luncheon series, exploring how academic researchers and community partners can work together to advance meaningful social change.

With the Office of the President, the academy also introduced a new President’s Award for Societal Impact, which is currently accepting applications. The award will be presented to a McMaster research team that has generated significant societal impact through knowledge mobilization, translation and exchange activities.

The academy will also spark dialogue between academic leaders and policymakers and identify opportunities for evidence-based policy influence.

The Societal Impact Academy’s programs are designed to build capacity for societal engagement and impact across disciplines, and position McMaster as a national leader and global powerhouse in translating research and knowledge capital into benefits for society.

“Our graduate student, postdoc and faculty researchers are constantly finding innovative ways to action their work and translate it into positive change for people and communities in Canada and around the world,” says Obhi.

“We’re thrilled to support them as they work to maximize the impact of their research and shape cleaner, healthier, more ethical societies,” he says.

Click here to learn more about the McMaster Societal Impact Academy.