Building Partnerships for Research Impact

Behind every successful translational research project is collaboration. It’s not just the brilliance of one thinker but a network of allies—implementers, funders, designers, and policy champions—who turn findings into effective solutions. To truly make your research impactful, you must forge relationships that extend beyond your immediate discipline. Today, collaboration is the key to delivering real-world outcomes.

The Problem

Many researchers are groomed to be independent thinkers. However, in reality, driving change necessitates teamwork—and most researchers lack training in forging or managing partnerships.

You might hold the evidence but lack access to necessary networks. You may have the solution but no means for implementation. Without trusted allies who can help adapt, implement, or fund your initiatives, you risk stagnation.

Additionally, numerous research endeavors overlook local voices or existing systems, leading to "parachute science," where projects fail to sustain once funding dries up. For example, a study from 2020 indicated that 70% of research projects with no local input met with failure shortly after the funding period ended.

The Possibility

Building partnerships enhances the quality of your research.

For instance, Dr. Yolanda Berven, a public health researcher, constructed a coalition involving universities, NGOs, and private backers to expand a water-purification device co-created with local engineers. This partnership helped provide clean water to over 100,000 individuals in Southeast Asia, highlighting how collaborative efforts can amplify impact.

Similarly, Dr. Musa Danjuma worked with EdTech developers and education ministries in Northern Nigeria to transform findings from a low-literacy study into a mobile learning app. Now, this app is integrated into over 500 public schools, effectively improving literacy rates among children.

These instances prove that forward-thinking researchers are not lone rangers; they thrive through collaboration.

A community collaborating on research for sustainable solutions.

The Solution

At the Translational Research Forum, we help you turn relationships into results.

Learn how to:

🔗 Identify implementation partners from the start

🔄 Co-develop scalable pilots with shared ownership

💡 Use MOUs, IP-sharing, and impact metrics to build trust

📈 Pitch your work to NGOs, tech hubs, or ministries who can help grow it

Sessions include:

• “Building Research-Driven Coalitions”

• “Collaborating with Non-Academic Actors”

• “Managing Partnerships for Long-Term Success”

You’ll leave with templates, strategies, and a network of potential collaborators..

Approaches to Monetizing your Research

1 December 2025 at 10:00 – 4 December 2025 at 16:00Lekki

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Call to Action

Ready to build something bigger than your discipline?

👉 Join the Translational Research Forum and learn how the right partners can take your research further than you ever imagined.