Private: Enhancing Research Impact

Published on: May 2016 6 Hours of Core activities 24 Hours of Additional activities

Courses featured in this programme:

  • An introduction to research impact
    Overview

    Core activities: 55 minutes 
    Additional activities:  2 hours, 30 minutes   

    This introductory course looks in detail at definitions and examples of research impact in different contexts and provides an overview of how impact was assessed in the 2014 UK REF exercise. It encourages researchers to think more broadly about why their research is important, what motivates them and what they want to achieve.

     

    Syllabus
            • What is research impact and why is it important?

    Author: Professor Averil Macdonald OBE
    Professor Emerita of Science Engagement at the University of Reading, Diversity Lead for SEPnet (South East Physics Network)

    Reviewers: 

    Dr Ged Hall
    Innovation and Enterprise Senior Training and Development Officer at the University of Leeds

    Jennifer Chubb
    Researcher and Consultant

  • The research impact process
    Overview

    Core activities:  2 hours 
    Additional activities:  5 hours, 30 minutes   

    There is no ‘one-size-fits all’ approach when it comes to generating impact from research. Impact can emerge through different processes and possibilities. Sometimes the pathway that researchers choose to take might lead them to a completely unexpected destination. Nevertheless, there are elements of the process that are common to all outstanding examples of research impact.

    This course will help researchers to understand the key steps involved in achieving impact, including:

    • Setting impact goals
    • Identifying stakeholders
    • Planning impact-related activities
    • Writing funding applications
    • Capturing evidence of impact.

     

    Syllabus
          • Planning for impact from the outset
          • Funding for impact
          • Evidencing impact: Capturing change

    Author: Sam Gray
    Impact and Engagement Manager at Manchester Metropolitan University

    Reviewer: Vera Barron
    Research Development Manager at the University of Huddersfield

  • Tools and techniques for research impact
    Overview

    Core activities:  2 hours, 30 minutes 
    Additional activities: 8 hours, 50 minutes 

    This course provides practical advice and guidance on how to achieve impact from research, and looks at some of the tools, methods and approaches that can assist researchers in their activities. Topics covered include:

    • Project planning
    • Stakeholder analysis
    • Risk analysis
    • Communication and dissemination
    • Monitoring and evaluation.

     

    Syllabus
        1. Planning for impact
        2. Achieving impact: Dissemination, communication and engagement
        3. Evaluating impact and keeping track in the long term

    Author: Dr Lucy Davies
    Research Impact Officer at Plymouth University

    Reviewer: Professor Andrew McRae
    Professor of Renaissance Studies and Head of English at the University of Exeter

  • Writing about impact: Guidance and templates
    Overview

    Core activities:  55 minutes
    Additional activities: 7 hours, 45 minutes   

    This course provides advice and template documents to help researchers develop written materials about their research and its impact. Researchers will have an opportunity to:

    • Define their long-term impact objectives
    • Review and revise the impact section of their funding application
    • Produce a detailed impact plan to ensure that their impact remains on track
    • Write an impact case study
    • Write a report for a funder or for their institution.

     

    Syllabus
    1. Apply your learning

      Author: Dr Sara Shinton
      Researcher Developer and Managing Director of Shinton Consulting Limited

      Reviewer: Suzanne Spicer
      Social Responsibility Manager at the University of Manchester