It is problem-focused: Labs privilege a concrete, real-world problem and bring multiple theoretical and disciplinary perspectives to bear in tackling it.
The problem is tractable: Impact Labs focus on a well-defined problem broken down into manageable pieces and use appropriate methods and research strategies over a finite time horizon to achieve impact.
It is rooted in partnership: Impact Labs involve partnerships with external collaborators (e.g. school district, a local government , Ministry of Education, NGOs, private sector, etc.) who co-create knowledge and impact by working together to frame problems, develop learning agendas, generate and test hypotheses, identify and implement effective interventions, and scale solutions.
It is built on an explicit theory of how science can contribute to public impact: Labs present a clear theory of change linking research to change on the targeted outcomes of interest, whether via new policies, programs, practices, or products that can be adopted or scaled by practitioners.
It involves a collaborative team: Impact Labs engage faculty, staff, and students working together with talented external practitioners based at Stanford or in external partners.
It provides learning opportunities: Impact Labs provide opportunities for in-depth student engagement from the undergraduate to the post-doctoral level. Impact Labs that receive start-up funds will be required to clearly contribute educational opportunities to the Stanford community.
Q. How are Impact Labs different from other kinds of centers/programs?
Impact labs do not seek to provide a common home for a diversity of faculty across campus working on common themes (but not actively collaborating)
They do not convene seminars, workshops, and events for like-minded scholars to come together, unless that serves the particular goals of the Impact Lab
They do not aim primarily to disseminate or translate existing academic research into action through public communications, though communications may be a piece of a particular Impact Lab’s theory of change
Q. What are the expectations around publishing academic work?
We anticipate that research undertaken will generate scientific contributions appropriate for academic publication. However, we will also evaluate the success of our investments in terms of the take-up of insights/interventions/models by partners and other practitioners.
Q. Can you review my draft proposal?
Unfortunately, we’re unable to review draft proposals. However, if you have questions about the RFPs, which stage you should apply for, or wish to brainstorm among various different options you’re considering proposing in your proposal, you can reach out to a member of SIL’s investment team using the contact information in the RFP.
