Fourth edition of the “Research Impact Narratives” challenge
For the fourth time, NOVA challenges its researchers to communicate the impact of their research projects through a narrative writing competition.
The first three editions received submissions from a wide range of scientific fields, across all NOVA Academic Units and several research units associated with the University, involving more than 400 faculty members and researchers. Within the scope of this challenge, 17 winners and 16 honourable mentions have already been awarded. These can be consulted here, as well as in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions of NOVA Science Magazine.
Applications for the “Research Impact Narratives” Challenge 2026 are now open and will close on 8 June 2026.
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 fourth 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 this 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 27 to June 8, 2026. Applications must be made electronically via this form.
As part of this edition, the online masterclass “Research Impact in Practice: Measurement, Analysis and Communication” will be delivered by Sara Michels, with the support of Chaperone, in partnership with Native Scientists.
This online masterclass aims to equip researchers with the skills to identify, measure and communicate the impact of their work in a clear and structured way. It focuses on practical ways to measure impact, collect and analyse data, structure results, and communicate outcomes effectively, with examples and good practices from different contexts.
Date: 19 May 2026 (online)
Time: 2:30 to 4:30 PM
Trainer: Sara Michels
Participation is free, but registration is mandatory.
