Celebrating ACJI's recent workshop, 'Cultivating Research Impact in Socio-Legal Studies'

On Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 November, the Australian Centre for Justice Innovation's workshop, 'Cultivating Research Impact in Socio-Legal Studies', convened scholars from across Australia for insightful discussion on socio-legal research.

Through keynote presentations, roundtables and collaborative breakout sessions, participants examined both the conceptual and practical groundings of research impact, strengthening a shared commitment to advancing rigorous and engaged socio-legal scholarship.

Day 1 Highlights

The first day featured sessions that explored diverse approaches to assessing socio-legal research impact, with presentations featuring:

  • Prof Jen Hendry (The Chinese University of Hong Kong) on intentionality, agility and serendipity in cultivating socio-legal impact
  • Dr Ilana Bolingford (Queensland University of Technology) on navigating research engagement and impact in a changing academic landscape

Prof Jen Hendry (CUHK) delivers the workshop's keynote address.

In the afternoon, participants engaged in breakout discussions examining the purpose of research impact, followed by a roundtable discussion on research impact with, and through, communities. The conversation featured:

  • Prof Kate Seear (Deakin University)
  • A/Prof David Carter (University of New South Wales)
  • A/Prof Mal Smith (Griffith University)

Participants engage in group breakout discussions.

Day 2 Highlights

Day two began with a roundtable on the challenges surrounding socio-legal impact in times of climate crisis, featuring:

  • A/Prof Cristy Clark (University of Canberra)
  • Dr Brad Jessup (Melbourne Law School)
  • Chair: A/Prof Marc Trabsky

Roundtable discussion featuring A/Prof Marc Trabsky (left), Dr Brad Jessup (middle), A/Prof Cristy Clark (right).

In a breakout session, participants then explored what impact success looks like, and how it can be measured and implemented into funding and promotional applications.

The workshop concluded with an innovative 'Shark Tank' group presentation. Prompted with the question, 'If you were given $25k for impact, what would you do with your funding?', participants advocated for innovative research solutions driven by community-focused impact.

Cultivating Research Impact in Socio-Legal Studies

The 'Cultivating Research Impact in Socio-Legal Studies' workshop successfully provided a platform for socio-legal scholars to innovate and collaborate, paving the way for future advancements in the field.

Thank you to all participants for their collaborative engagement, and we look forward to continuing these timely discussions in 2026.

Centre Directors A/Prof Genevieve Grant, A/Prof Marc Trabsky, and Dean Prof Steven Vaughan.