How do you take your research beyond the pages of a journal article and into the places where decisions are made? For early career researchers, this question is more important than ever.
In a world facing complex social and economic challenges, data-driven research is a powerful tool – but research alone isn’t enough. Real-world impact requires communication, creativity, and the confidence to engage with people outside of academia.
That’s why we are inviting you to Perspectives on Engagement and Impact, a free UK Data Service event designed specifically for early career researchers.
Taking place on Wednesday 11th February in the magnificent Engine Hall at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, this event will help you connect with peers and stakeholders and learn – from their perspective – how to engage people with your research in ways that drive real impact.
What makes this event different?
We’ve built on our experiences of organising impact events, including 2024’s UK Data Service ECR event.
We’ve also partnered with policy engagement specialists from CLOSER – the UK’s interdisciplinary partnership of leading social and biomedical longitudinal population studies – to bring you an amazing practical workshop. Modelled on their successful Policy Hub sessions, this hands-on workshop will guide you through creating your own policy brief.
We recognise that engaging with real stakeholders across different sectors is invaluable in understanding the real issues affecting people. Part of Perspectives on Engagement and Impact will be a stakeholder ‘speed dating’ activity, where you will have the opportunity to directly engage with stakeholders and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to know the answers to!
Our stakeholders will include NHS professionals improving services through evidence-based decisions and representatives from charities such as Resolve Poverty and the Royal British Legion who use data and engage with policy and action alongside different communities.
We’re aware that being an early career researcher is both an exciting and sometime daunting phase in your career, so our panel session will give you the chance to engage with some of our former Data Impact Fellows – people who are only a few steps ahead of you on their research journey – some in academia, some in other fields. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore together what some of the opportunities (and yes, challenges) are that you make come across as you develop your career as a researcher.
We’re also mixing up the traditional keynote speech – allow us to introduce Lightning talks – big ideas in short bursts, short insightful talks from decision-makers, academics, and voluntary-sector leaders.
How can I join the event?
Ready to take the next step in your impact journey? 
Join us at the People’s History Museum in Manchester on Wednesday 11th February 2026.
You can read more about the event on our dedicated event page, or head straight to our registration form by scanning the QR code or following the link.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Comment or question about this blog post?
Please email us!