AAD Research Forum: Impact Workshop

Hosted by CREATURE and CUBE for REF2029 Unit of Assessment 32.

Impact shouldn’t be mysterious or intimidating. This workshop breaks down the essentials of impact in a friendly, supportive setting for London Met staff in AAD or those who are submitting in Unit of Assessment 32, and those not submitting outputs for REF but care whether their research changes the world for the better.

Impact for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) should be evident in portfolio outputs, as well as featuring in our submission via Impact Case Studies (2 or 3 for the whole Unit).

We looked at what impact really means, how to build it into your research or practice from the start, and how to gather evidence without feeling overwhelmed. We also considered how to have an impact and work together to discuss and develop ideas.

Participants left with practical tools, examples of strong impact activities, and a clearer sense of how their work can create real change inside and outside academia. All disciplines welcome.

For the UK's Research Excellence Framework (REF), "impact" is defined as an effect, change, or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment, or quality of life, beyond academia. This includes the reduction or prevention of harm, risk, or other negative effects. An impact is assessed based on its reach (extent and diversity of beneficiaries) and significance (degree of change).

Key components of REF impact

• Definition: Any effect on the world outside of academia, such as economic, social, cultural, or environmental benefits.
• Examples: Creating new jobs, improving public services, changing policies, or improving health and quality of life.
• 'Prevention' impact: It can also refer to the prevention or reduction of harm, risk, or cost.
  
  

Organisers

The event is led by Dr Jane Clossick (UoA32 Panel), supported by Rachal Bradley, Prof. Matthew Barac, and Dr Jacek Ludwig Scarso. Also involved in supporting the AAD Research Forum are Prof. Christian Frost (Head of Research & Knowledge Exchange, AAD), the UoA32 Panel Lead currently on mat leave, Dr Jessica Kelly, for CREATURE Prof. Wessie Ling, and for CUBE Dr Bo Tang.