Impact Assessment of University Extension Projects

Construction and Validation of a Multidimensional Framework

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/ef.v1i39.103466

Keywords:

University extension, Impact assessment, Strategic indicators, Social innovation

Abstract

This study proposes and validates a multidimensional framework for evaluating the impact of university extension (third mission) projects, addressing limitations in existing models that prioritize operational outputs and institutional metrics. The objective is to develop a structured assessment tool capable of capturing pedagogical value, community relevance, and long-term educational outcomes in extension initiatives. The methodology combined a critical analysis of two widely adopted frameworks (IBEU and Carrión et al.) with a Delphi process involving extension specialists to define and refine 21 strategic indicators organized across seven analytical dimensions. The framework was empirically applied to the 1000 Future Scientists (1000FC) program in Brazil. The results indicate that the model enables the assessment of scope, efficiency, pedagogical impact, community engagement, and innovation dimensions through the integration of quantitative and qualitative measures. The study concludes that the proposed framework provides methodological support for planning and evaluating university extension projects, contributing to greater coherence between institutional missions and social demands.

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Author Biographies

Rita, Federal University of Minas Gerais

Full Professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, she has experience in the field of Chemistry, mainly working on the following topics: inverse problems, artificial neural networks, nuclear magnetic resonance, thermal decomposition of solids, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics. She has extensive experience in teaching, research, and outreach, especially in projects focused on science popularization, educational innovation, and entrepreneurship in basic education. She leads initiatives such as the "1000 Future Scientists" Program, which impacted more than 10,000 students and promoted the training of teachers and students in innovative and sustainable practices. She also has experience in the development, management, and execution of activities and projects related to socio-environmental sustainability, education, and science popularization. Currently, she is a member of the Postgraduate Program in Chemistry (PPGQUI), the Postgraduate Program in Technological Innovation (PPGIT), and the Professional Master's Program in Technological Innovation and Intellectual Property (MPITPI) at UFMG.

Wladmir, Federal University of Minas Gerais

PhD candidate in Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UFMG and Master in Technological Innovation and Intellectual Property from UFMG (2021). Holds a Specialization in Management of Federal Institutions of Higher Education from the Faculty of Education at UFMG (2013). Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (2008). Bachelor's degree in Theology from EBPS (1999). Technical course in scientific glassmaking from the University of Caxias do Sul (UCS-2007) and Technician in Chemistry (1995). Currently a researcher in the development of socio-environmental projects and technologies incorporating vitreous waste and manager of the 1000 Future Scientists extension program, developing activities with social impact and popularization of science correlated to environmental sustainability and technological development directed towards the processing of vitreous waste. Executes product design and strategic design processes for the feasibility and transfer of technologies and business development correlated to the popularization of science and the processing of vitreous waste. Works as a technical consultant in glassmaking, developing new scientific glassware for research, technological development and innovation processes in ICTs and industry, processing damaged laboratory glassware, developing and implementing pilot glass plants for industrial processes, and executing science outreach projects that correlate glassmaking, sustainability, environmental education and glass waste.

Natália, Federal University of Minas Gerais

Doctor of Chemical Sciences from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), where she also completed her master's degree and undergraduate degree in Chemistry. She has experience in the area of ​​Physical Chemistry, with an emphasis on the development and application of artificial neural networks (MLP and Hopfield) in studies of combustion kinetics and thermal decomposition. She works as a manager of the 1000 Future Scientists (1000FC) extension program, coordinating the development of didactic kits aimed at teaching Science with a STS (Science, Technology, and Society) approach and investigative experimentation for Basic Education.

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Published

2026-09-29

How to Cite

Silva, J., Oliveira Sebastião, R. de C., Teodoro da Silva, W., & Souza Araújo, N. R. (2026). Impact Assessment of University Extension Projects: Construction and Validation of a Multidimensional Framework. Extensão Em Foco, 1(39), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.5380/ef.v1i39.103466

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 39 (2026): Ago-Dez/26

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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Copyright (c) 2026 Janaína Silva, Rita de Cássia Oliveira Sebastião, Wladmir Teodoro da Silva, Natália Regina Souza Araújo

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