The impact of public-funded university research on communities will be explored in the latest 2014 Explorations Series lecture on Wednesday 17 September, hosted by Charles Sturt University (CSU). Professor of Information Studies Lisa Given will use 'real world' case studies and examples to show the economic, social and environmental impact of research on society. Professor Given recently completed a report for the federal Government exploring the implications for the use of research impact case studies. Her project included a public workshop in Sydney with researchers, university administrators and research office staff as well as interviews with key stakeholders involved in university-based research. Professor Given said, "We do so much research in our universities and we want to ensure that our results are used in practice, to change the lives of people in our local communities, and worldwide. Ensuring that our research is useful and taken up by the community is something we all do, but often quietly and behind-the-scenes. It's important for us to talk about the changes that we've seen as a result of our research activities." Professor Given's report, Qualitative Research Practice: Implications for the Design and Implementation of a Research Impact Assessment Exercise in Australia can be found here.  Professor Given is Acting Sub Dean (Research) with University's Faculty of Education and a member of CSU's Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education (RIPPLE). The public lecture is free and will be held from 6pm in the Wal Fife Theatres, building 14, near car park 4, Tooma Way, CSU in Wagga Wagga.