Engaging Stakeholders in HiPPP research

Hear from some of our fantastic HiPPP leaders!

Curated by the HiPPP EMR-C Building Stakeholder Relationships Co-leads Edwina Dorney and Kaylee Slater, Our Health in Preconception, Pregnancy and Postpartum (HiPPP) leaders share some of their best tips for engaging with stakeholders in this important area of research.

"I do my homework. I look for organisations / colleagues that work in a similar field / industry and that align with my research area."

"Broadly across all sectors so I can break down silos - anyone working with pregnant, postpartum women, parents, and children across the first 2000 days (that is, across health, community services, education) I work with."

"A mix of having conversations with known stakeholders and people in my network and reviewing publicly available reports and literature."

"Word of mouth, snowballing."

"Through professional networks, publications, and presentations."

"I discuss the connections I would like to build with my supervisors and start by reaching out through their networks."

"Through professional organisations and networks; trusted sources; community contacts."

"I usually reach out in the first instance via email, if I have not already been introduced. I always make sure I know what they are currently working on, or what paper they have recently published to demonstrate my commitment and genuine interest – just like preparing for a job interview."

"I always make it clear that I am working in service of community needs not self-serving needs. Important to understand our roles as researchers is to serve our community and when you listen to and understand their needs, they are much more likely to want to work with you."

"Usually by email with a follow up conversation if needed."

"Email."

"In person where possible, for example setting up meetings in conference breaks. Otherwise, I ask colleagues for an introduction."

"I either email myself or ask a mutual connection to link us."

"Where possible via introduction (see above)."

"I think the most important thing is communication. I try to maintain regular communication with the stakeholder to ‘keep them in the loop’. I also try to reach out randomly when they have just published a paper or made an announcement etc to show that I have a genuine interest in what they are up too also. Finally, I always try to ensure that the stakeholder feels valued, and that their input matters, by giving them opportunities to contribute and accepting their feedback as I would a fellow colleague."

"Stay in touch, keep people informed."

"Through collaborations on research activities."

"Usually through email – sending ideas for discussion, articles of interest or collaborating on grants."

"It depends on the nature of the relationship. For projects with industry partners, maintaining regular contact and building a personal relationship is beneficial. For research, maintaining collaborations on grants and manuscripts can keep the partnership alive and strong."

"Be realistic and play to your strengths; openness and honesty; respect; regular contact."

"Go to them with a 'How can I help you?' approach. Seek out what they value most and what questions they want answered, as these are the projects, they will also be more likely to fund! Sure, it might mean you engage in a research project that might be a little left of field from what you usually do, but it provides the foundation for future research."

"Build trust by doing what you say you will do, responding quickly to their questions and needs and as noted in previous question, working in service."

"Get clear about the common ground and mutual benefits and build on them."

"Maintain collaborative relationships."

"Regular targeted communication – they are usually very busy people, so communication needs to be succinct."

"Recognise people for their contributions in an appropriate way - include them on grants, publications and offer opportunities that arise such as media attention wherever suitable."

"Be persistent and tenacious, but also be prepared to fail; Do your homework – understand what you might offer in the relationship, what the stakeholder needs/expects."

"Do your homework before approaching a stakeholder – know their purpose and their passion, as these conversations will get you a foot in the door – not your h-index, or how many papers you’ve published, or how much funding you have."

"Not at this stage but very happy to meet with anyone who would like more information."

"Get help from experienced colleagues in identifying the relevant people and making introductions. Be aware of any other relationships between your team or institution and these stakeholders that may help and be informed of any sensitivities or difficulties. Show respect and understanding of the stakeholder’s needs and perspectives – research may not be their priority. Consider how you can help them and build trust and confidence."

"Don’t be afraid to ask for collaborators or collaborations."

"Maintain and curate your professional profile (for example LinkedIn) and always have your CV up to date."

"The unseen work (building rapport, making time for the stakeholder) is the most important part of the process!"

"Be generous and culturally aware!"

Our HiPPP Leaders

Mel Hayman

Associate Professor, Allied Health, CQ University

Years post PhD:	5.4
Research Area:	Physical activity / exercise during pregnancy/postpartum. I work to provide evidence-based guidance for women of all activity levels ranging from inactive to elite athletes through influencing policy and developing resources.
X Handle:	@Mel_Hayman

Helen Skouteris

Monash Warwick Alliance Joint Professor of Health and Social Care Improvement and Implementation Science, Monash University

Years post PhD:	25
Research Area:	Developmental Psychology, Health and Social Care Improvement and Implementation Science
X Handle:	@HSkouteris

Alison Venn

Professor, Menzies Institute for Medical Research

Years post PhD:	36
Research Area:	Epidemiology mainly in relation to chronic disease and reproductive health.

Siew Lim

Research Fellow and Accredited Practising Dietitian, Monash University

Years post PhD:	5.4
Research Area:	Postpartum/interconception health.
X Handle:	@SiewLim9

Cate Nagle

Adjunct Professor of Nursing and Midwifery, James Cook University and Honorary Professor, Deakin University

Years post PhD:	17
Research Area:	Public Health Midwifery and Workforce.

Briony Hill

NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow, Monash University

Years post PhD:	8
Research Area:	Weight stigma across preconception, pregnancy and postpartum taking a socio-ecological approach.
X Handle:	@BrionyHill5

Andrew Hills

Professor of Exercise and Sports Science, University of Tasmania

Years post PhD:	32
Research Area:	Prevention and management of obesity (with a special interest in paediatrics and maternity).

Centre of Research Excellence
Health in Preconception & Pregnancy

Centre of Research Excellence
Health in Preconception & Pregnancy

Centre of Research Excellence
Health in Preconception & Pregnancy

Centre of Research Excellence
Health in Preconception & Pregnancy