Duration

3 hours

Brief Outline

To provide an introductory guide to the concept of "impact" as it pertains to academic and practice-based research. Drawing on the report "What is the Difference between a 4* and 3* Impact Case Study" as well as the September 2017 publication “Initial Decisions on the Research Excellence Framework 2021,” this workshop will discuss building REF case studies alongside best strategies for planning and articulating impact. The workshop will help researchers to distinguish between impact, dissemination, and public engagement.

Intended Outcomes

By the end of the workshop delegates will be able to

• Articulate what we know “so far” about REF2021
• Define impact in the context of Middlesex, their discipline and the relevant funding/assessment bodies
• Identify stakeholders and SMEs relevant to the impact of their research
• Develop a clear plan for maximising and articulating the impact of their research
• Formulate ways of building impact into the classroom for the benefit of students
• Strategize for the next REF cycle with an understanding of its likely assessment criteria.

Target Audience

Administrative and academic staff who want to better understand how the concept of impact applies to research in their field and/or who want guidance on preparing for REF.

Training Methods

• Question and answer/large and small group discussions on prior perceptions of impact
• Discussion of findings of Middlesex internal report on REF 2014
• Discussion and review of key points from HEFCE’s latest publication on REF2021 (“Initial Decisions on the Research Excellence Framework 2021”)
• Case studies: evaluating and improving existing impact submissions
• Create and discuss a REF strategy to track, evidence, and write impact
• Introduction to impact toolkit and resources.