A collective commitment to making and measuring the impact of science.

Pact for Impact embodies UNSW Science’s spirit of collaboration, dedication to the pursuit of excellence, the advancement of scientific understanding and commitment to improve the world we live in through science.

Measuring the impact of science is complex. That’s why we have created a new series of Impact Indicators to measure the tangible impact of science on the world around us. More details coming soon!

Report: The Economic Contribution of Science at UNSW

The research conducted at UNSW Science is a major economic force, funnelling more than $350 million into the Australian economy and adding $2.2 billion to the global GDP every year.

Our researchers tackle some of the world’s toughest problems—from developing new vaccines and combating climate change to securing food supplies. By teaming up with businesses, governments, NGOs, and communities, we’re not just advancing science—we’re multiplying its impact on the economy and society.
 

Explore our economic impact

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  • The Pact for Impact is an industry-first commitment, co-created by UNSW Science and its Pact Partners, to solve an industry-wide challenge to define impact, while making the commitment to find meaningful and tangible ways to measure the impact we make through science.

    The Pact for Impact campaign launched in March 2024 and is a core feature of the Faculty Strategy for the next ten years. It embodies the spirit of collaboration and highlights our mutual dedication towards the pursuit of excellence, the advancement of scientific understanding and commitment to improve the world we live in through science. We will be providing opportunities to connect with UNSW Science and Pact Partners in the future.

  • As part of the Pact for Impact campaign, UNSW Science includes collaborators and key stakeholders as UNSW Pact Partners. Together, we're making a symbolic and mutual commitment to drive the positive impact of science on our world.

    Being a UNSW Pact Partner simply means you and / or your organisation are symbolically committing to showing your support for making and measuring the positive impact of science alongside UNSW Science. The partnership is a platform to demonstrate your commitment to the advancement of scientific understanding.

  • Through the Pact for Impact, UNSW Science and its UNSW Pact Partners aim to drive societal, environmental and economic impact for all levels of society, both locally and globally, while giving the ‘impact’ of their work real-world meaning. It also aligns with UNSW Science’s commitment to being the leading voice for making and measuring impact.

  • UNSW Science is one of the largest and most diverse science faculties in Australia with eight schools, more than 30 study areas, 14 undergraduate programs, and 26 postgraduate coursework programs.

    The faculty drives innovation and impact through leading-edge research and industry-informed academic programs that positively impact people. Collaboration is at the heart of making impact, and at the heart of UNSW Science.

    However, the term impact is misunderstood and an abstract term.

    Our intention is to shine a spotlight on the importance of making and measuring real-world impact through science, and demonstrate its real-world application to improve society’s understanding of this diverse discipline.

  • UNSW Science is the first university faculty in Australia to symbolically commit to collaboration and the collective impact of science on the world.

    As a valued partner you play a key role in driving the importance of making an impact through science. The Pact for Impact provides a platform for you to demonstrate to your own network of clients, customers and employees that you / your organisation is committed to making a tangible impact through science to improve the world we live in.

    It is an opportunity to showcase your own positive impact stories and elevate community appreciation for your contributions to addressing today’s most important global challenges, while aligning with some of Australia’s leading organisations and peak bodies.

  • Yes - you are welcome to pledge your commitment to the Pact for Impact as an individual. We encourage you to share your impact stories, or simply sign the Pact to demonstrate your commitment to making an impact through science. We appreciate your support or involvement in whatever way that may look for you.

  • Yes. There are no exclusivity requirements that exclude you from partnering with other universities or research institutions.

  • There are no financial or legal contracts involved to become a UNSW Pact Partner.

  • There will be many opportunities to demonstrate our shared commitment and showcase the work we have done together and its collective impact, now and into the future.

    As a Pact Partner, you play an important role in the conversation around impact and have a platform to tell your own impact stories. This can be through various marketing and communication channels such as joining us at our Pact for Impact events, sharing the official Pact Partner badge on your website, participating in media interviews, or helping share engaging content with your own networks.

    While we certainly welcome and encourage your public support, there are no mandatory requirements to promote your involvement as a UNSW Pact Partner.

  • We acknowledge that measuring the impact of science is complex. However, as part of the Pact for Impact campaign, we are committed to finding a simple way to measure a complex subject to enable more people to understand the impact of science on the world around us. As such, UNSW Science has developed five Impact Indicators.

  • UNSW Science has produced a series of creative assets (i.e., badges, digital banners etc.) that can be used to promote the campaign, your participation across your own channels, and encourage your network to also sign up to become a UNSW Pact Partner. A link to these assets will be shared with you following your signing of the Pact.

    While there are no mandatory promotional requirements, we encourage you to share your commitment to the Pact for Impact to demonstrate you are part of this industry-first commitment.

    However, we kindly ask that you do not change any of the existing creative assets.

  • As a UNSW Pact Partner, your name and/or the name of your organisation may be utilised by UNSW Science to promote the Pact for Impact campaign.

    This includes within branding materials, the UNSW Science website and social media channels, at Pact for Impact events and activations, all of which aim to drive awareness and collaboration about the campaign.

  • No. As a Pact Partner, your contact details will only be used by UNSW Science to share information about the Pact for Impact campaign. NSW will not use your contact details to communicate broader communication materials nor will these details be passed on to other sectors within the university.

  • No - we welcome any individuals and organisations who would like to embody the spirit of collaboration and highlight our mutual dedication towards the pursuit of excellence, the advancement of scientific understanding and commitment to improve the world we live in through science.

  • To learn more or pledge your commitment to the UNSW Science Pact For Impact, visit our website or follow UNSW Science on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X.

  • If you are ready to become a UNSW Pact Partner, complete the form below or contact the UNSW Science Engagement team at science.engagement@unsw.edu.au to confirm your involvement.

Our impact

UNSW Science is proud to make a meaningful difference in society. Read more about how our collaboration with partners captures the essence of the Pact for Impact.

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Becoming a pact partner

Join and support UNSW Science’s Australian first-commitment to make and measure the impact made through science.

Pact Partners

Thank you to our Pact Partners that have joined us on our mission to make, measure and communicate the impact of science on everyday people and our planet.

Ways to connect