IMPACT Scholars
The IMPACT Scholars program is designed to prepare UCSF faculty, staff, and students who conduct research to disseminate their findings to governmental policymakers and those who influence them (e.g., professional societies and advocacy organizations).
All UCSF-affiliated faculty, staff, and students who conduct research and are interested in disseminating the results of their research to a policy audience are welcome to apply. Applicants from all schools and departments and each of UCSF’s clinical sites and affiliates are welcome. Participants do not need to have a significant policy background prior to applying.
IMPACT Scholars will take the online ImS/EPI 249: Translating Evidence into Policy at no cost. In addition to the course, participants will meet 3 times during the course for networking, guest speakers, and other opportunities.
After participating in the IMPACT Scholars you will be able to:
- Define a specific policy problem and solution, based on evidence and experience.
- Determine what makes a policy “ripe” for influence.
- Identify policy targets at the local, state, national, and international level.
- Locate, interpret and influence existing legislative and administrative policy.
- Map stakeholders around a policy issue and identify strategies to engage supporters or diffuse opponents.
- Develop strategies for using the media to influence the policy process.
- Organize effective communication strategies with policymakers to influence decision making.
- Build strategic relationships with stakeholders engaged in a policy issue.
- Utilize principles of effective community engagement to partner with the community for policy change. · Plan and engage in community organizing and grassroots advocacy activities.
- Design a logic model to guide implementation and evaluation of a policy campaign.
- Assess your capacity to sustain your participation in the policy campaign.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to build relationships with other evidence-to-policy scientists at UCSF as part of the IMPACT Scholars program, which will bring together a cohort of 10 participants.
Email [email protected] with any questions.
Spring Quarter: March 31, 2025 – June 10, 2025
In-person sessions:
- Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Mission Bay
- Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Mission Bay
- Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Mission Bay UCSF
ImS 249 Course Catalog Description
Applications Due: February 7, 2025