Research has a vital role in solving complex problems. In 2019, Prof. Brian Belcher was appointed as Ashoka Chair in Research Effectiveness. The Ashoka Chair continues work begun under a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (2013-2020). It supports the Sustainability Research Effectiveness (SRE) program’s efforts to develop and apply concepts, tools and methods to understand and measure how research contributes to changemaking processes, and to use that learning to guide improved research teaching and practice. SRE evaluations of graduate research projects provide relevant learning to equip Royal Roads with the know-how to fulfil its commitments to research impact and change-making education. SRE’s work also shapes research policy, management, and practice more broadly to help research funders and managers support relevant, credible, legitimate, and applicable/actionable research that makes a difference. The news story published by Royal Roads features some of the SRE program’s key methods, research findings, and outcomes to date.

How do we assess research impact for learning and accountability? Does transdisciplinary research lead to more effective outcomes? The CGIAR’s Forest Trees and Agroforestry Consortium Research Program has recently published a blog that provides an overview of two of our latest articles that address these key questions.

The Royal Roads Library has created a virtual tour of the Sustainability Research Effectiveness team’s showcase exhibit. The exhibit presents information about the program, its methods and tools, projects and case studies, findings to date, and working partnerships. It highlights the program’s work with Royal Roads graduate students to assess how graduate research contributes to change, as well as collaborations with the CGIAR that evaluate global research-for-development projects focused on sustainability.