1. Research Councils UK Investing in Excellence with Impact Alexandra Saxon Head of RCUK Strategy Unit

2. Research Councils We invest £3 billion pa in knowledge creation and its translation: World-class research Facilities and technologies High-level skills, PhD training Knowledge exchange, innovation

3. Research Councils UK (RCUK) Partnership of the UK’s seven Research Councils. Key areas of activity: –Research policy –Knowledge exchange and impact –International –Research careers –Equality and diversity. –Public engagement with research. –Efficiency and harmonisation

4. Research Council allocations 2011 - 2015

5. Science budget allocations 2011 - 2015

6. Supporting UK research excellence UK ranked 2 nd in world for research excellence

7. Innovation Applying knowledge or ideas to develop new products, services or processes… New ways of living, doing business, growing economies For business, public services, non-profit sectors

8. Partners in innovation and growth Researchers Universities Public research institutes Users Business Government policy Public service Co-funders Research Councils, HEFCE TSB Government Depts, Agencies Local authorities International Brokers UKTI, LEPs, CBI NCUB, NESTA, FST Non-profit, NGOs Academies, learned societies

9. Supporting Government growth strategy Aerospace Agri-techAutomotive Construction Education Information Economy Agri- science Advanced materials nano - technology Big data Energy storage Regenerative Medicine Robotics and Autonomous systems Satellites and Space Synthetic biology Eight Great Technologies Oil & GasOffshore windNuclear Life Science Professional Business Services Industrial Strategy

10. Engaging with business Listening to business needs Brokering access to scientists, data, skills Translating existing knowledge Co-designing new research and innovation with more than 2,500 businesses

11. 11 Driving innovation and growth Researchers Business Brokering partnership & engagement Funding research & innovation Knowledge exchange Translation Co-design Co-delivery

12. Public Engagement Three core aims: –Listening to the public –Inspiring young people –Supporting researchers

13. Case studies Dr Mark Reed, Rural Economy and Land Use Dr Ceri Lewis, University of Exeter

14. Excellence with impact RCUK is committed to excellence with impact. This means continuing to invest in the best research, people and infrastructure; whilst aiming to enhance the impact of that funding on society.

15. What is impact? The demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to society and the economy by: –fostering global economic performance, and specifically the economic competitiveness of the UK, –increasing the effectiveness of public services and policy, –enhancing quality of life, health and creative output.

16. The application process Academic beneficiaries Should cover potential academic impact and pathways towards realising that. Impact Summary Should cover potential economic and societal impact and seek to answer two questions: Who might benefit from this research? How might they benefit from this research? Pathways to Impact Should detail the activities which will help to engage with the identified potential beneficiaries: What will be done to ensure that potential beneficiaries? have the opportunity to engage with this research?

18. Pathways to Impact Think about who might benefit and the sorts of activities that might engage with those beneficiaries at an early stage of planning your research. Think about the resources needed for engagement from the outset. The primary criterion for RCUK funding remains excellent research.

19. Common characteristics Common characteristics of problematic quality Pathways to Impact Common characteristics of high quality Pathways to Impact Vagueness, lack of specificity Activities are not project specific, but routine activities for University research posts Lack of consideration of broader beneficiaries, likely impacts and appropriate mechanisms. Activities narrowly focused and end focused. Good consideration of the relevant beneficiaries, user needs and tailored activities Clear description of deliverables and milestones. Involvement of users from the outset. Clear commitment for realising both academic and non academic research impacts.

20. Any questions? alexandra.saxon@rcuk.ac.uk @AlexandraSaxon