The objective of this session is to enable researchers from early career to experienced PIs to obtain a comprehensive overview of what constitutes external engagement with partners and why it is important for their careers and for the University. It will cover(a) the different modes of external engagement, (b) why they are key to creating sustainable external impact and (c) why they are of benefit to researchers. It will place the protection and management of IP in an impact context (why and when it may be important). The session will be underpinned by relevant research carried out by organisations such as the Judge Business School (Cambridge University), by NCUB and on this University’s own Impact Acceleration Accounts, so experienced PIs may benefit for placing their own experiences in a robust framework.