From research to impact: How graduates transform society

“In a previous article , the critical role of research training in addressing the major challenges of the 21st century was highlighted. Beyond generating knowledge, it develops advanced analytical, integrative, and innovative capacities, as well as a wide range of transferable skills. These capabilities enable graduates to become effective agents of change within their organizations and communities. Rethinking how we assess research impact Traditionally, the societal impact of research has been measured through the dissemination of findings and their gradual integration into practice. However, these effects are often slow to materialize, diffuse and difficult to attribute to specific research outputs. As a result, this perspective provides only a partial view of how research contributes to society. In line with initiatives such as DORA , there is growing momentum to broaden how we understand and evaluate the impact of research. In this context, our team at Université Laval proposes a complementary approach: examining impact through the trajectories of research-trained graduates. Rather than conducting a traditional alumni tracking study, our approach examines the broader impacts that emerge as graduates integrate into society through their professional pathways. Once they leave the university, graduates mobilize their expertise, networks and experience across sectors and contexts. In doing so, they extend and amplify the reach of academic research, contributing directly to social, economic and cultural development. To better understand this contribution, our study was conducted in 2024-25 in two complementary phases: a survey of 637 individuals who had completed a research-based master’s or PhD and graduated 5 to 15 years prior to the study; and in-depth interviews with a separate group of graduates. The results are clear and compelling. Graduates as strategic actors in decision-making One striking finding is that nearly three-quarters of research-trained graduates regularly play an advisory role in decision-making within their organizations. This reflects not only their influence but also their direct contribution to shaping strategic directions. What sets these individuals apart is their ability to translate complex knowledge into actionable decisions. They serve as critical bridges between research and society — interpreting, adapting and mobilizing knowledge in ways that are relevant to context and stakeholders. As one policy advisor noted, the challenge lies not simply in mastering information, but rather “building credible, context-sensitive arguments capable of shaping public debate.” In this sense, research training becomes a powerful lever for influence and systemic change. Driving tangible contributions across sectors More than four out of five graduates report that their research training has enabled them to make at least one concrete contribution to society during their professional careers. These contributions span a wide range of domains, from public policy and technological innovation to architecture and professional practice. Despite their diversity, they point to a shared conclusion: research training delivers measurable, real-world impact. At the core of this impact lies a distinctive mindset. Graduates develop the ability to question assumptions, structure complex problems, and recombine knowledge to generate new solutions. Many respondents emphasized their ability to “think differently,” not as a matter of spontaneous creativity, but as the result of rigorous intellectual training acquired through research. A driving force for social innovation More than half of respondents reported involvement in initiatives aimed at improving individual and community well-being after graduation. These contributions span sectors such as education, public policy, health, the environment, technology and community development. This highlights a key insight: societal engagement is not peripheral to research careers; it is foundational. Respondents shared compelling examples, from contributing to government initiatives supporting Indigenous communities to applying economic theory to develop local complementary currencies. These are not isolated cases; they reflect a broader orientation shaped by research training, where professional work and societal impact are deeply intertwined. Graduate research training requires a significant investment from individuals, institutions and society alike. Our findings show that this investment yields meaningful and measurable returns, as detailed in the full report of this study (currently available in French). Research-trained graduates actively contribute to decision-making, co-creation of knowledge, and broader societal transformations. They also sustain critical connections between universities and society, influencing the evolution of research itself. In this sense, they emerge as key drivers of innovation which is both sustainable and meaningful. The challenge now is clear: to fully recognize this contribution and to integrate it into how we design the future of research training, research systems, and our societies. The post From research to impact: How graduates transform society appeared first on University Affairs .

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