Research and Data Analysis

Research Impact Assessment and Evaluation Methodologies Training Course

Introduction

In today's knowledge-driven economy, the assessment and evaluation of research impact are critical for demonstrating value, enhancing accountability, and guiding strategic funding decisions. Research Impact Assessment (RIA) enables universities, think tanks, NGOs, and policymakers to measure the tangible and intangible outcomes of research across disciplines, ensuring alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), innovation policies, and public interests. Effective RIA requires robust methodologies, data-driven evaluation frameworks, and multidisciplinary approaches to capture societal, economic, and policy impacts in diverse sectors.

Research Impact Assessment and Evaluation Methodologies Training Course equips participants with cutting-edge tools, qualitative and quantitative techniques, and global best practices for evaluating research outcomes. Participants will gain practical expertise in designing Theory of Change models, applying bibliometrics, altmetrics, and qualitative impact pathways, ensuring research excellence and visibility. By integrating global case studies and participatory evaluation methods, the course enhances capacity for evidence-based policy-making, research funding decisions, and strategic planning.

Programme Curriculum

Research Impact Assessment and Evaluation Methodologies Training Course

Introduction

Course Objectives

Understand the principles of Research Impact Assessment (RIA) and its relevance in the research ecosystem.
Explore theories of change and logic models for mapping research impact pathways.
Apply qualitative and quantitative evaluation methodologies for diverse research contexts.
Utilize bibliometrics, citation analysis, and altmetrics for measuring scholarly influence.
Integrate social return on investment (SROI) and economic evaluation tools in research impact.
Analyze policy impact evaluation methods for evidence-informed decision-making.
Assess research contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national development.
Design effective stakeholder engagement frameworks for impact assessment.
Develop data collection and analysis strategies for impact evidence generation.
Employ mixed-methods approaches to capture complex research impacts.
Critically evaluate ethical considerations and biases in impact evaluation.
Explore global best practices and case studies on successful impact assessment.
Enhance skills in reporting and communicating research impact to diverse audiences.

Target Audience

University Research Managers and Administrators
Policy Makers and Government Officials
Donor Agencies and Funding Bodies
Research Institutions and Think Tanks
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Academics and Scholars
Data Analysts and Impact Consultants

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Research Impact Assessment

Definition and scope of Research Impact Assessment
Importance of RIA in the research ecosystem
Key principles and frameworks
Global trends and policy relevance
Challenges in assessing research impact
Case Study: The REF Framework in the UK

Module 2: Theories of Change and Logic Models

Understanding Theory of Change (ToC)
Designing research impact pathways
Logic models for impact planning
Linking research to SDGs and national priorities
Visualization tools for impact mapping
Case Study: CSIRO's Impact Framework

Module 3: Bibliometrics, Altmetrics, and Scholarly Metrics

Introduction to bibliometrics and citation analysis
Utilizing altmetrics for societal impact measurement
Data sources and analytic tools
Limitations of traditional metrics
Emerging trends in digital metrics
Case Study: Altmetric Data in Health Research Impact

Module 4: Economic Evaluation and Social Return on Investment (SROI)

Principles of economic evaluation in research
Calculating SROI for research initiatives
Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis
Applying economic tools in public research funding
Limitations and ethical considerations
Case Study: Evaluating Health Research ROI in Africa

Module 5: Policy Impact Evaluation

Methods for policy impact assessment
Tracing research influence on policy decisions
Data collection techniques for policy evaluation
Stakeholder analysis and policy mapping
Communicating evidence to policymakers
Case Study: Policy Impact of Climate Research in the EU

Module 6: Stakeholder Engagement in Impact Assessment

Identifying and categorizing stakeholders
Co-production of knowledge with stakeholders
Designing engagement strategies
Tools for participatory impact assessment
Managing stakeholder expectations
Case Study: Engaging Indigenous Communities in Environmental Research

Module 7: Mixed-Methods Approaches and Data Analytics

Combining qualitative and quantitative methods
Data integration strategies
Advanced analytics tools for impact assessment
Big data applications in RIA
Ethical data management
Case Study: Using Mixed-Methods in Educational Research Impact

Module 8: Reporting, Communication, and Ethical Considerations

Principles of effective impact reporting
Communication strategies for diverse audiences
Visualization techniques for impact data
Ethical issues in research evaluation
Overcoming bias in reporting
Case Study: Communicating Impact in the REF2021

Training Methodology

Interactive lectures with multimedia presentations
Group discussions and participatory exercises
Practical hands-on sessions with real datasets
Case study analysis and reflections
Role-playing for stakeholder engagement
Step-by-step guidance on developing impact pathways

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Research evaluation impact assessment methodologies

Programme Fee

Duration: 5 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $1,000

Physical Price: $1,500

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 23 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $1,000