IETI

The effective and sustainable integration of societal and environmental impact of research into the agendas of research institutions remains limited. IETI aims to fill this gap, using the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN) as a case study. 

Therefore, we focus on three main objectives:

• exploring how MfN understands, practices, and assesses its impact,
• integrating public engagement (PE) into MfN research and staff careers and institutional strategies, and
• facilitating participatory, co-creative and innovative processes between academic and non-academic actors.

To this end, IETI focuses on three main work packages (WPs):

WP1: Concept and Contexts

This WP focuses on conducting a literature review, mapping IETI-relevant actors and building relationships with them, and mapping PE initiatives at MfN. It also includes an initial mapping of impact understandings, goals, methods, and barriers, as well as research exploring the understandings and relationships within and between MfN science–society fields. The outputs of this WP include a state-of-the-art overview, mapping results, established internal and external contacts and collaborations, a research report, a research paper, and institutional governance recommendations.

WP2: Impact Planning and Assessment

WP2 focuses on mapping and exploring impact frameworks and methodologies, as well as analysing the Theory of Change and other frameworks used in public engagement practice to theorise and plan change. It also explores how MfN understands, practices, and evaluates its institutional and social impact. In addition, the work package aims to develop tools for institutional self-evaluation and to promote reflexivity within institutions. The outputs of this work include a white paper, an evaluator’s role toolkit, a research paper, and institutional governance recommendations.

WP3: Culture Change & Co-Creation

This WP establishes action research as a process to support the integration of PE into MfN research and staff careers while addressing their needs. The work package investigates the motivations, barriers, and support needs of MfN researchers and staff, and develops methodologies and initiatives that enable collaboration between academic and non-academic actors. It also includes the development of training that strengthens impact-oriented research and public engagement. In addition, WP3 establishes the IETI Hub for Research Impact as an institutional programme designed to support MfN researchers and staff in developing impact-driven PE projects, while also investigating the impact of the Hub itself. The outputs of WP3 include the IETI Hub for Research Impact, an Impact Masterclass, three research papers, and institutional governance recommendations.

WP4: Communication & Networking

This work package focuses on project representation and communication of project progress, results, lessons learned, and recommendations through several internal and external meetings, communication channels, meetings, and events with external actors. The outputs include MfN internal meetings, the IETI website, the IETI LinkedIn page, the IETI webpage on the MfN website, IETI meetings or events with externals, and presentations at national and international conferences.