Watch the Webinar: Empowering Social and Behavioral Science Researchers
In 2024, Sage surveyed social and behavioral science (SBS) researchers from 96 countries to better understand their motivation, if any, to conduct research that makes an impact outside of academic circles. Sage, the parent of Social Science Space, received over 1,800 responses, mostly from researchers working at academic institutions.
Some 30% said they receive no recognition at all. 92% of SBS researchers agree that the ultimate goal of research is to benefit society, but only 76% believe their peers agree, and only 68% feel their institutions agree. And only 37% said their institution rewards efforts to apply research outside of academia through tenure or promotion.
The webinar explorer the findings of a recent report showing the disconnect between researchers’ desires to make real-world impact and the incentive structures of their institutions.
A panel discussion with leaders from academia and policy-focused organizations will highlight practical solutions for connecting research with decision making. Panelists will discuss how the free tool, Sage Policy Profiles helps researchers see where their work is influencing policy and identify timely opportunities for engagement, while also rethinking how impact and incentives are defined in the social and behavioral sciences.
Panelists:
- Euan Adie, managing director at Overton
- Dr. Rebecca E. Heiser, research impacts specialist at Oregon State University
- Jessica Bennett, Ph.D., associate vice president of academic affairs at APLU
- Edmund Obeng, research associate at Sage
Do social scientists care if they make societal impact?: https://www.sagepub.com/explore-our-content/white-papers/2025/12/08/do-social-scientists-care-if-they-make-societal-impact?_gl=1*dkofl8*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTEzODY5NzM0NS4xNzc2MjY1OTQx*_ga_60R758KFDG*czE3NzYyNjU5NDEkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzYyNjU5NDQkajU3JGwwJGgxNTM1NTY4MzU3
Sage Policy Profiles: https://www.socialsciencespace.com/sagepolicyprofiles/
Public Impact Research resource hub: https://www.aplu.org/our-work/2-fostering-research-innovation/public-impact-research/
Advancing Research Impact in Society: https://researchinsociety.org/
Mapping Institutional Pathways for Advancing Research Impacts: https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/technical_reports/s7526n019
