What is Impact?

There are two key definitions of research impact. 

Definition of impact for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) - 'An effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia'

UKRI's definition of impact - 'The demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to society and the economy'

For more definitions that you might come across, see our Research Impact Terminology.

 

Examples of Impact

Examples of impact include:

  • Improving quality of life, the health and wellbeing of people and animal welfare 
  • Enhancing creativity and cultural life 
  • Contributing towards evidence based policy-making and influencing public policies and legislation at a local, regional, national and international level
  • Enhancing public understanding and awareness 
  • Shaping and enhancing the effectiveness of public services
  • Improving social welfare, social cohesion and / or national security
  • Changing organisational culture and practices
  • Contributing toward environmental sustainability and protection 
  • Enhancing the research capacity, knowledge and skills of businesses and organisations

Knowledge Exchange

Knowledge exchange refers to activities engaging non-academic audiences with academic research. It's a process intended to be mutually beneficial, with both the researcher and the research user sharing knowledge, ideas and experience.

The Knowledge Exchange Concordat (KEC) details the principles and framework KE fits within. For the KEC KE is “a collaborative, creative endeavour that translates knowledge and research into impact in society and the economy.” KE is a process through which research change or impact may be realised.

You can find out more about knowledge exchange in RBI's Knowledge Exchange Toolkit.

Public Engagement

"Public engagement describes the myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public. Engagement is by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit“, NCCPE.

Public engagement can be thought of as a sub-set of knowledge exchange. It too can also offer important routes to achieving impact, increasing the visibility of your research in ways that maximize the chance of it making a difference to everyday lives. The Research Councils are clear on the value of the role it can play as a pathway to generating impact. 

The REF also encourages researchers to submit impact case studies that feature public engagement. A significant proportion of impact case studies submitted to REF 2014 and REF 2021 included some reference to public engagement. 'Engagement & Impact' will form a greater element of REF 2029. 

Types of Public Engagement:

  • Outreach
  • Citizen Science
  • Participatory Arts
  • Community Engagement
  • Engagement with Partners
  • Community Based Learning
  • Widening Participation
  • And many, many more ...