1. Research Day 2017 Generating Impact breakout session
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Date
Research Day Generating Impact breakout session

2. 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”

3. 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.

4. ‘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)
~ 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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’

10. 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.