IA Libraries

The LIAISE Network of Excellence has prepared two different libraries on IA which aim to facilitate access to existing research and one shared vocabulary to define the most important terms related to IA: browse the IA case Study Library, the IA Reference Libraries or the IA shared Vocabulary.

IA Bulletin

The LIAISE Network of Excellence publishes a monthly newsletter on Impact Assessment called the LIAISE news Bulletin which adresses practioneers, scientists, policy makers and the interested public alike. The newsletter covers developments in the field of impact assessment and points to new scientific and official publications, conferences and other relevant resources. It is in fact a monthly overview of the most important IA related updates uploaded on the website on a regular basis. Read the former issues of the [LIAISE news Bulletin] or [Subscribe today].

Innovation Report

The biannual LIAISE Innovation Report provides overview information on the latest developments in IA research to IA researchers, IA practitioners and other interested persons. It synthesizes and analyzes recent research and new publications in the field of Impact Assessment.

Toolbox

The Toolbox is the central component of the LIAISE Front office that can be conceived as an operational science-policy interface. Users will find relevant information to support all tasks and processes of Policy Impact. Assessment utilising  interconnected relational databases: on tools, impact areas, good practice and experts. Each database will include a standardised description with relevant information for the items. The toolbox will be complemented by a helpdesk to support the use of the toolbox in its different functionalities. 

Shared research agenda

IA for sustainable development is an interdisciplinary task that requires the knowledge of different scientific communities. However, their research activities are not often directed towards IA. There is a need to increase their awareness of the potentials and the requirements of IA. The shared research agenda identified and developed within WP2 is an important instrument to attract funding and promote research in the field of IA. Thereby, the thematic coverage of the network will steadily increase. 

The whole NoE will identify research needs in relation to IA tools and their application. These knowledge gaps will be translated into research questions. Through a continuous process, more and more funders and researchers will be attracted. This will contribute to the further integration of the partners in LIAISE and the external partners. Over time, the aim is to produce joint research programmes.

We expect considerable and growing interest in Impact Assesment: IA is an opportunity to apply and disseminate research from various disciplines, a growing interest of national funding agencies and commissioned studies can be expected.

Training curricula

LIAISE will develop specific training curricula for users and researchers, and test them by using the existing networks and training activities of the partners in LIAISE. Training needs and contents of training activities will be developed using input from the Shared Research Agenda. The theoretical and methodological activities for researchers will focus on capacity building at all levels on subjects such as: translating IA problems into researchable questions, development and testing of quantitative tools for IA, operational methods to enhance interdisciplinary research, methods for up- and downscaling, methods for uncertainty and post-model analysis.

The NoE will set up a database of existing IA training activities alsot thanks to the development of networking with existing IA training schools. LIAISE will explore opportunities - including additional funding - to implement training activities during and beyond the NoE.