UKRI consultation on impact in research applications

UKRI Consultation on Impact in Research Applications

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are reviewing their systems to better understand the effectiveness of their current approaches in supporting impact across UKRI and the investments they fund. Full details can be found here and below.

They invite input, both as partners and applicants, from:

• academics
• university research office staff
• users of research
• project partners (such as social enterprises, charities, non-governmental organisations, business)
• other stakeholders

Aims of the consultation
In launching this consultation, UKRI are gathering feedback to gain an understanding of how impact development activities are being embedded into proposals by applicants. The aim is also to determine the levels of stakeholder involvement, and how impact development activities within proposals are reviewed and assessed. Rather than focusing on specific outcomes or impacts of research, this consultation will instead focus on how applicants are handling impact development and associated activities within their funding applications. It covers the application, review and panel stages of their funding processes. The results from this consultation will be used to make improvements to UKRI’s processes and will be central to the development of a new reference guide on the topic of ‘maximising impact’ within applications.

Locating opportunities
Glenn Goodall, Project Lead and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Head of ICT Research Portfolio, said: “In gathering feedback from our wider communities about the way in which impact is embedded into applications, we will be able to share examples of best practice. We will also be able to identify any existing barriers and locate opportunities for UKRI to provide the right support to our research and innovation communities.”

Participate in the consultation on impact in research applications, open from Monday 10 January to Friday 4 February.