Pathways to Impact
The Research Councils UK (RCUK) interpret impact as the demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to academia, society and the economy. Impact is extremely diverse and embraces such things as knowledge and skills benefit to individuals, organisations and nations by fostering global economic performance, increasing the effectiveness of public services and policy, and enhancing the quality of life, health and creative output.
This diagram illustrates examples of academic, economic and societal impacts that can be made as a result of excellent research:
[see http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/RCUK-prod/assets/documents/impacts/RCUKtypologydiagram.pdf for original image]
In order to encourage researchers to think about the wider benefits of their work to those outside academia, RCUK requires applications for funding to be completed with an ‘Impact Summary’ and ‘Pathways to Impact.’ These statements require researchers to consider and plan for knowledge exchange activities which are likely to increase the potential for future impact.
The Impact Summary asks:
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Who will benefit from the research?
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How will they benefit from the research?
The Pathways to Impact plan asks applicants for more detailed information concerning the activities planned which will help develop the potential impacts. It asks:
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What will be done to ensure that potential beneficiaries have the opportunities to engage with this research?
Further information about Pathways to Impact can be found at: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/innovation/impacts/