Identifying and leveraging supports for social change

Keynote presentation by Dr Rebekah Willson, Assistant Professor, School of Information Studies at McGill University (Montréal, Canada), and Looking for Information: A Social Change Symposium Book Launch.

Please join us for the opening keynote of RMIT's Social Change Symposium, 'Identifying and leveraging supports for social change' presented by Dr. Rebekah (Becky) Willson, McGill University (Montréal, Canada).

As there are increasing calls by governments and funding agencies for research to have an impact on broader society, academics are being urged to think beyond their disciplines and universities to determine how their research makes a difference to society. And because of their passion for their work, most academics want to have social impact. However, for many academics – particularly those early in their careers – planning for research impact is an additional responsibility that can present new challenges. While academics are skilled in research, we may not be equally skilled in impact work. Making a change in society takes additional labour and there may be little training or obvious supports for undertaking the work. Based on Dr Willson's research, this keynote will explore some of the challenges that academics experience in undertaking this work, ways academics (including HDR students) can identify and use resources for making an impact with their research, as well as how universities and research leaders can foster impact.

Following this presentation, please join us to celebrate the publication of Looking for Information: Examining Research on How People Engage with Information by Prof. Lisa M. Given, Prof. Donald O. Case and Dr. Rebekah (Becky) Willson. The book launch will be hosted by Dr. Sarah Polkinghorne, with authors Prof Lisa Given and Dr. Becky Willson in attendance to present their reflections on the book and this important area of research.

photos of lisa given and rebekah wilson with book cover text reading 'studies in information. looking for information - examining research on how people engage with information - fifth edition, lisa m given, donald o case, rebekah willson'

This is an in-person event being held in the Council Chamber, Building 1, Level 2, Room 17, RMIT City Campus. 

Order of proceedings

  • 4:30pm keynote address
  • 5:15pm book launch
  • 5:45pm networking reception and refreshments.

The presentation is part of RMIT University's Social Change Symposium, presented in collaboration with the College of Design and Social Context and the Social Change Enabling Impact Platform.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information