Research Day 2017 Generating Impact breakout session Header Date Research Day 2017 Generating Impact breakout session

What is Impact? “an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia”

What is Impact? Impact includes, but is not limited to, an effect on, change or benefit to: the activity, attitude, awareness, behaviour, capacity, opportunity, performance, policy, practice, process or understanding of an audience, beneficiary, community, constituency, organisation or individuals in any geographic location whether locally, regionally, nationally or internationally. Impact includes the reduction or prevention of harm, risk, cost or other negative effects.

‘pro-forma’, 4-page case studies How is Impact measured? assessed in terms of ‘significance and reach’ of research (‘excellent’ research in REF2014, now under review) ‘pro-forma’, 4-page case studies census period (for the impact) 2015-2020 ~ 1 case study per 10 staff submitted in each UoA eligible case studies graded on 4* scale Impact template at UoA level UoA’s approach to supporting & enabling impact Stern recommended institutional level case studies, to showcase interdisciplinary/collaborative impacts

3* or 4* impact scores affect funding Is impact important? 3* or 4* impact scores affect funding In REF2014, impact assessment was 20% of the total likely to be 20-25% for REF2020 a 4* impact case study in REF2014 ~ avg. £55k/a. a 3* “ “ “ “ ~ avg. £11k/a. (fasttrackimpact.com)

Tips for writing effective impact case studies (fasttrackimpact.com) coherent narrative of relationship b/w research & impact clarity on the nature of the impact – quantified statements simple, direct, concise language (4 page limit) specific, independent evidence re every claim quotes can add credibility, balance quantitative data

Exercise - some examples 5/6 sets of 3 of REF2014 impact case studies one likely 4* + one 2* or 3* + one likely 1* Spilt into 5/6 groups, each group take one set read individually (25mins) group discussion (10mins) group report to all (4mins each) why is the good one good/bad one bad? was there group consensus on the ratings? other lessons learned?

Feedback - characteristics of 4* case studies Impact potential clear in the research The impact realised is substantial and varied: – local+national+global regular, explicit links to original research/ researchers quantifications well put together, reads well, good chronology/ narrative References throughout (re policy impact) Good use of quotes from senior relevant people Full use of the space available – no padding

Feedback - characteristics of 2*/3* case studies Good enough research story but connections to impact weak – citations, influence Impacts too narrow (a visiting scientist in a company, one health authority) Some obvious (UK) route to impact not discussed Too much focus on the research/history Didn’t explain benefits of the research to companies Didn’t explain consequences of commercial discussions No real quantification – ‘NDAs with companies’

Feedback - characteristics of 1* case studies no clear path from referenced research to the impact, no detail on the impact (movement of staff to industry not enough) References papers don’t appear in top conferences/journals may colour panel’s impression Actual impacts not quantifiable, quantifications given not directly relevant to impact Impact re one company’s operations Impact not beyond academia – conferences etc.