Research Impact Narratives Challenge

Third edition of the “Research Impact Narratives” challenge

For the third time, NOVA is inviting its researchers to communicate the impact of their research projects through a narrative writing contest.

The first two editions received submissions from a wide range of scientific fields, involving all Academic Units of NOVA and several Research Units associated with the University, with a total of 354 faculty members and researchers participating. As part of the challenge, 12 winners have already been awarded and 11 honourable mentions distinguished. These can be viewed here, as well as in the NOVA Science Magazine editions of 2023 and 2024.

Applications for the third edition of this Challenge open on April, 28 and will close on June 6, 2025.

Scientific research, whether fundamental or applied, is one of the key pillars of the NOVA University Lisbon, with the potential to impact all aspects of society, including academic, social, environmental, cultural, or economic aspects.

Increasingly, decisions in political, business, or even individual contexts are based on the best available science, which requires universities to prepare and encourage researchers to communicate the impact of their research in clear and accessible language.

National and European research and innovation funding agencies have placed an increasing emphasis on the importance of research impact. At the European level, there is a clear drive toward adopting more qualitative, robust, and integrated assessment methodologies, exemplified by CoARA – Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment, of which NOVA is an initial signatory.

Given this transformational potential of scientific research, it is extremely important that its resulting impact is properly communicated and understood by society.

The goal of this third edition of the ‘Research Impact Narratives Challenge’ is, once again, to give all NOVA faculty and researchers the opportunity to write narratives that communicate the real impact of their research and its direct consequences for society in a way that everyone can understand.

The five best narratives will be awarded a pecuniary prize of €2,000 each, among other distinctions listed in the Challenge Regulation.

All faculty and researchers affiliated with any of NOVA’s Academic Units, regardless of their area or discipline, can participate in the second edition of the ‘Research Impact Narratives Challenge’.

All projects or scientific-based initiatives with significant impact are eligible, provided they meet the admission conditions described in the Challenge Regulation.

The application period runs from April 28 to June 6, 2025. Applications must be made electronically via this form.

To assist with writing, download an editable version of the form here.

As part of the third edition of the ‘Research Impact Narratives Challenge’, NOVA provides researchers with resources that help to understand the impact in research.

Research Impact Narratives Support Material.

For any questions or clarifications, contact nova.research@unl.pt