Nearly 30 practicpants from 9 S-KPF teams and a group of researchers attended the IMM workshop series to build their IMM capacity (Photo: Social Innovation Team) In response to academia's increasing focus on impactful research, ORKTS introduced the Translating Research into Real-World Impact: Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) Learning Series. This initiative aims to empower CUHK academics and researchers to link their research, teaching, and community engagement with critical global social and environmental challenges.
Advancing from the IMM Introductory Webinar and IMM Taster Class, a transformative 4-half-day programme Managing for Impact: Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) in Practice Workshop Series has been completed in June 2025. This intensive series empowered participants to integrate the 12 Enterprise Actions of the SDG Impact Standards into their projects and ventures, using scenario-based learning drawn from real-world research spin-outs, social enterprises, and cross-disciplinary collaborations. By fostering practical skills and collaborative dialogue, the series has strengthened CUHK’s commitment to driving sustainable social and environmental impact.
The workshop welcomed nine S-KPF funded teams, alongside a select group of researchers from outside our funding network, creating a diverse and dynamic cohort. Participants engaged in lively group discussions, sharing insights from their unique experiences and analysing real-world IMM case studies. These interactions not only deepened their understanding of impact measurement and management but also sparked innovative ideas for applying IMM principles to their initiatives. The series demanded significant dedication, with weekly coursework challenging participants to refine their projects’ impact frameworks. Despite the rigorous schedule, their unwavering commitment shone through, reflecting their passion for creating meaningful change.
The completion of the IMM Workshop Series marks a significant milestone, but it is not the end of the participants’ IMM journey. To ensure sustained progress, our expert instructors, Ms Natalie Chan and Mr James Chan, the co-founders of PIE Strategy Limited, are providing tailored coaching sessions to guide teams in developing customised IMM roadmaps. These sessions will help participants translate workshop learnings into actionable strategies, ensuring their projects align with global sustainability goals and deliver measurable impact. This ongoing support underscores ORKTS’s dedication to nurturing a robust ecosystem of social innovation at CUHK and beyond.
We are immensely grateful to Ms Natalie Chan and Mr James Chan for their inspiring leadership and expertise. Their guidance empowered participants to navigate complex IMM concepts with confidence, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas flourished. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their enthusiasm and dedication, which made this series a vibrant platform for learning and growth.
The IMM Learning Series has set a strong foundation for impact-driven projects at CUHK. We look forward to seeing how participants apply their newfound skills to create lasting change.
