The ESRC IAA adopts a people centred, co-creation approach to its activities. Central to this are our KE Champions, who help to develop partnerships, and drive KE and impact project implementation and delivery. KE Champions can be post-doctoral level researchers or PhD graduates who have shown an interest in engaging in KE and Impact activities, either to enhance their own skill sets or to help with a career transition.

The development of our KE Champions is significantly enhanced through the support of our Professors of Practice, who are individuals with substantial professional experience and expertise, appointed by the University as part of the KE career pathway, as well as our part-time Global Practitioners, aides from a variety of sectors.

A key aim of the ESRC IAA is to build new, excellent knowledge mobilisation capacities and resources within and across academic disciplines and in collaboration with policymakers, practitioners, businesses and third sector. An approach that empowers, develops and supports the impactful work of our network of KE Champions is crucial to achieve this.

Developing a new cohort of impactful researchers through opportunities to learn, collaborate and network is central to the equality and sustainability objectives of our IAA activities. Our KE Champion networking programme comprises multiple training and support components, including mentorship, twinning KE Champions with mentors from outside their immediate department/project and/or discipline.

In addition to the funding mechanisms to aid impact development, KE Champions are encouraged to take advantage of a comprehensive series of training opportunities tailored to meet their needs, including Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), Writing Effective Impact Case Studies and Digital Storyteling.

Further benefits of becoming an KE Champion include:

• Real value-add for the CV
• Increased awareness of funding stakeholders (e.g. Research Council) agenda for early-stage career development
• Increased awareness of the needs and requirements of commercially focused research work
• The support of our Professors of Practice and our Global Practitioners 
• Expanded network – within academia and industry
• Expanded knowledge of funding streams for engagement with SMEs