Making an Impact 2026 Programme 

Making an Impact is the University of Liverpool’s annual flagship programme focuses on developing the knowledge, skills and abilities that colleagues need to effectively generate research income and increase impact. 

All sessions align with the university strategy, Liverpool 2031, by contributing to the ongoing development of a fertile research culture and environment in which colleagues' success in research income and impact can flourish, and the Making an Impact 2026 Framework. 

Development opportunities will run from March – June 2026, with 3 full Making an Impact weeks from 1-19th June 2026. 

Upcoming development opportunities 

Name 

Date and time (UK) 

Format 

Type 

Framework Theme(s) 

Framework Perspective(s) 

Booking link 

Demystifying Research Commercialisation: A Beginner’s Guide 

Through insight from the University’s Enterprise Team, the workshop introduces the principles behind protecting and developing research for real-world use - giving participants a clearer picture of how innovation happens, what options exist, and how they can begin to build pathways to impact. 

Wed, 25 February 2026, 12.30 – 4.30pm 

In-person 

Interactive workshop and networking 

Engagement and Impact on the Economy 

 

B. Working with Business 

F. IP and commercialisation 

Book Now

Drive Research Impact: Influencing Non-Academic Partners 

Learn the theory behind how to speak the language of your non-academic collaborators to create project clarity and drive progress through effective decision making 

Wed, 11 Mar 2026, 2:30-4:30pm  

Online 

Interactive Workshop 

Engagement and Impact on the Economy 

Engagement and Impact beyond Academia 

Engagement and Impact on Digital and AI  

A. Research Partnerships 

B. Working with Business 

C. Working with the Third Sector 

H. Personal and Professional Impact Skills 

Book Now

Innovation Spark with Innovate UK Business Growth 

This series of interactive workshops is designed to equip researchers and students with practical tools and insights to navigate the innovation journey. Participants will learn how to transform ideas into impactful solutions, leverage available support systems, and develop strategies for sustainable growth.   

Thurs, 12, 19, and 26 March 2026, 3-5pm 

In-person 

Development programme 

Engagement and Impact beyond Academia 

B. Working with Business 

Book Now

Getting on the same page with research collaborations 

Join us for a short, practical workshop designed to help you build long-lasting collaborations that lead to meaningful research impact 

Mon, 23 Mar 2026, 10-12:30pm 

In-person 

Interactive workshop 

Engagement and Impact on Public Policy and Services 

Engagement and Impact on the Economy 

Engagement and Impact beyond Academia 

Engagement and Impact on Digital and AI 

Engagement and Impact on Culture and Environment 

A. Research partnerships 

B. Working with business 

C. Working with the public and third sector 

F. IP and commercialisation 

G. Public and community engagement 

H. Personal and professional research impact skills 

 

Book Now 

Commercially Confident 2026 

This structured training programme to help you explore the potential of your idea and set you on the right path, build your confidence, knowledge and identify practical next steps. A practical, supportive programme for researchers in the early stages of scaling up their innovations into real-world solutions that make a positive impact 

Through April – May 2026 

In-person 

Development programme 

Engagement and Impact on the Economy 

B. Working with Business 

F. IP and commercialisation 

Programme Overview (Commercially Confident 2026)

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Harnessing creativity and diverse ideas in a collaboration 

This short, interactive workshop explores how power and privilege influence research collaborations, offering practical strategies to build psychological safety and creativity within teams 

Thurs, 30 April 2026, 1:30-4pm 

In-person 

Interactive workshop 

Engagement and Impact on Public Policy and Services 

Engagement and Impact on the Economy 

Engagement and Impact beyond Academia 

Engagement and Impact on Digital and AI 

Engagement and Impact on Culture and Environment 

A. Research partnerships 

B. Working with business 

C. Working with the public and third sector 

D. Skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship 

G. Public and community engagement 

H. Personal and professional research impact skills 

 

Book Now