Overview
Recognising the ever-evolving nature of their field, the University of Queensland connected with us to increase their impact and deepen engagement with industry partners.
![Project startae team](https://tgd-site.imgix.net/images/content/Project-startae-team.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&blur=800&fit=clip&q=75&w=300&s=8b318b59b519beeb1569cdc589fb6c4e)
The challenge
To ensure efficient, engaging and enduring value in multiple fields, the University of Queensland (UQ) had to adopt a new culture: away from the knowledge discipline of the past, and towards a more collaborative and impactful future.
However, within their various departments, UQ has over 3500 researchers. Change at such a scale is not easily adopted, and the globally reinforced university structures aren’t suited to such a shift.
![Project austin distel2](https://tgd-site.imgix.net/images/content/Project-austin-distel2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&blur=800&fit=clip&q=75&w=300&s=72b6ded8faaba848e2dffa3791d197d4)
The Project
Engaged by UQ’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, our team facilitated discussions with UQ staff and external partners to develop a research impact strategy.
Combining human-centred design with complex systems methods, we:
- Met to discuss project intent, scope, and requirements
- Collected qualitative data and categorised findings into a database of 450+ observations
- Conducted research quality analysis (RQA) using data on publications, grant funding and researchers
- Generated insights and initiatives to develop high quality, implementable initiatives
![Projects charles deluvio](https://tgd-site.imgix.net/images/content/Projects-charles-deluvio.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&blur=800&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=597&q=75&w=768&s=2c41d9886dfa8f7dbf929adcc0c58f36)
The Result
Coming alongside UQ stakeholders, our team co-designed an implementation plan to address organisational challenges. This included a new Global Change Institute to accelerate trans-disciplinary research through major partnerships.
The Future
Empowered with tools, methods and a comprehensive research and impact strategy, UQ can cultivate a culture that’s on track for impact.
What we delivered
- Established deep engagement with key partners, collecting observations from over 100 participants leading to 8 key insights
- Designed and detailed research impact pathways for 5 major research areas
- Co-designed a suite of six strategic behaviour change initiatives leveraging tools in technology, networks, and infrastructure
- Met regularly with internal co-design team, managing constant delivery and ensuring a successful implementation
- Connected weekly with our client to guide implementation and ensure the desired impact results were achieved