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Assessing
Excellence
with Impact
Ian
Diamond
ESRC
A Healthy & Vibrant Research Base
• An excellent research capability for
the longer term
• Delivery of both academic and nonacademic impact
• Underpinning the development of
UK society, culture and economy
(and beyond)
A Belief in Excellence
• Research methods:
– rigorous and repeatable
– conducted to highest methodological standards
• Intellectually and technically challenging
• Shapes the research work of others
• Changes our understanding of the world we live in
• Assessed by peer review
Great research
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Mixed Portfolio of Response and Managed Mode
A firm commitment to blue sky curiosity driven research
Scientific Excellence the sine qua non
Encourage interdisciplinarity and innovation
– Work to assure peer review
– A partnership with the academic community
• Broad portfolio of opportunities to maximise impact with
opportunities throughout the research lifecourse
• New application processes
Public Expectations
Increased investment in research
Increased expectations of
further enhancing benefits from
research
Increased obligation to
demonstrate a greater
impact from research
Research Councils UK Impact
• To advance knowledge, understanding
and technology, and provide trained
researchers;
• To build partnerships that enhance takeup and impact, thereby contributing to
the:
– economic competitiveness of the United Kingdom,
– effectiveness of public services and policy, and
– enhancement of the quality of life and creative
output of the nation.
*derived from the Royal Charters of the Research Councils
What do we Know About Impact?
• UK research makes a huge contribution to society and the
economy: both UK and global impacts
• For the Research Councils we find:
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Diversity of impacts across portfolio
Multiplicity of processes to achieve impact
Both expected impacts and serendipity
Impacts manifest at many scales: project, person, organisation etc
Time lags and multiplier effects
Researchers and research are enriched by impact
However, scope to articulate both potential impact and
achievement more strongly
Maximising Impact
• Factors (sometimes) influencing the likelihood
and speed of impact (but sometimes it takes time):
– Right project at right time
– Entrepreneurial approach: within, beyond and after projects
– Involvement of third parties, particularly as collaborating users
Impact Examples
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Social
Public Policy and Services
Health
Environmental
Cultural
QoL
Economic
(from REF Consultation)
Peer Review Operational Changes
• Applicants to explain:
 Academic Summary: how will this research contribute to knowledge?
 Impact Summary: Who will benefit from this research? How?
 Impact Planning: What you will do to ensure benefit?
• Review and assessment
 Peer reviewers to consider potential impact (where appropriate) when prioritising
excellent research
 Diversity of assessment criteria across portfolio: “not one size for all”
 We will continue to support excellent research without obvious and immediate
impact, within a balanced portfolio
• No dramatic shift in the balance of y/our research portfolio
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Better application of research, not more applied research
Impact will be part of the currency and language of research
Greater visibility of impacts and greater pride in achievement
Key purpose of impact plans is to help with peer review assessment
but also offers opportunities to help us support and evaluate key
investments.
Recent Developments
• RCUK Expectations for Societal and Economic
Impact
• KT Portal
– www.rcuk.ac.uk/innovation/ktportal
• Impact summaries within peer review
– Clarity about our expectations
– Stronger obligation to consider beneficiaries - and how
benefits could become manifest
– No compromise on excellence
– Accept need for diversity between Councils,
disciplines, activities
– Not economic valuation of potential impact
RCUK Statement of Expectations
Research Councils give researchers considerable flexibility
and autonomy, but in return expect:
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awareness of the environment and context in which their research takes place
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awareness of social/ethical implications and public attitudes
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engagement with the public about research and its broader implications
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identify potential benefits and beneficiaries through the full project life cycle
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maintain professional networks that extend beyond their own discipline
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publish results widely: both academic, user and public audiences
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exploit results to secure social and economic return to the UK
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manage collaboration professionally
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staff and students develop skills matched to the demands of their future career paths
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curation, management and exploitation of data for future use
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work in partnership with RCUK
Fundamental Messages
• No compromise on quality
• A partnership with researchers and HEIs
• Recognition of Non-academic Impact
(including public engagement) in career
structures
• Delivering the dual hurdle of excellence
with impact