What is Impact Lab?

Launched 2018-19, Impact Lab is a co-curricular programme that supports University of Oxford postgraduate students who are committed to building high-impact careers. The programme is designed to help students grow as impact leaders – individuals who can work relationally across difference, critically engage with complex systems, and act with humility and reflexivity. At its core, Impact Lab cultivates a learning community of peers who challenge, support, and grow alongside one another. Participants explore diverse approaches to social and environmental change, develop their critical leadership capacities, and build the relationships and connections needed to pursue lasting impact.

Programme aims

Impact Lab provides an opportunity to grow as a leader committed to social and environmental change. By joining Impact Lab, you will:

  • Engage in meaningful exchange with a diverse group of peers, academics, and practitioners;

  • Reflect critically on impact by examining your own values, leadership practice, and underlying beliefs about how change happens;

  • Become part of a community of impact leaders who will continue to support and inspire you beyond the programme. 

Summia Tora smiling and wearing a red scarf.

Lab components

Leadership retreat

  • A two-day offsite, immersive experience designed to deepen relationships and create space for reflection. Please note that the Leadership Retreat for the Michaelmas cohort 2025 with be held on 11-12th October 2025 and is an essential component for Impact Lab participation. Other sessions will take space on Tuesday evenings throughout the term.

Lab sessions

  • Facilitated sessions that asks participants to explore key practices and approaches in creating social change alongside invited academic and practitioner guests.

Storytelling
  • Opportunities to develop your skills leveraging storytelling as a tool for creating impact. 
Peer-learning
  • Participant-led experiences to share and learn from fellow cohort members. 

Who is Impact Lab for?

Impact Lab is open to postgraduate students across the University of Oxford. The programme is designed for students who are not only passionate about making a difference, but who are already doing the work and are ready to deepen their practice alongside others who share their commitment to impact. We look for students who: 

  • Demonstrate a commitment to an impact career​;

  • Have three or more years of impact experience;

  • Aspire to continue pursuing impact-focused careers beyond their time at Oxford;

  • Are reflective, collaborative, and eager to grow within a diverse community of peers.

Apply for Impact Lab

Each year, we receive strong interest from across the University, and spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality, intimate cohort experience. That application process includes a written application and, for shortlisted candidates, an interview. Applications for Michaelmas term are open now until 24th August 2025.
Hilary term applications will be open in October.

If you have any queries about the programme or the application, please contact impactlab@sbs.ox.ac.uk.

 

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Diversity and inclusion

We are committed to fair, safe, and inclusive programmes and believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colours, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, and gender identities.