Impact Workshops

Please sign up for our workshops via LibCal.

Introduction to Impact

In this workshop we will identify what impact is (and isn’t), the different types of impact and the potential 'reach and significance' of your research. You will reflect on how well prepared you are to create and capture impact and look at the important role played by your stakeholders. You will leave the session having made a good start on your Impact Map, which will provide a useful guide for you as your research evolves. We will also look at Impact Tracker and how it can be used to facilitate your impact planning and evidence capture. This session is for any academic regardless of whether you are an ECR, mid-career or a professor.

  • 19 September 2024, 10am to 12pm
  • 29 October 2024, 10am to 12pm
  • 3 December 2024, 10am to 12pm
  • 28 January 2025, 10am to 12pm
  • 12 March 2025, 12 to 2pm
  • 14 May 2025, 12 to 2pm
  • 17 July 2025, 10am to 12pm

Pathways to Policy Impact

As researchers we want to understand how we can work in partnership with policymakers to better understand regional, national, and international challenges. This session is about exploring the vital role that research has in public policymaking and gives advice on how best to present your case as a researcher to policymakers. I'll explain key aspects of the UK policymaking process so that you leave with a good understanding of the landscape. I'll also provide links to vital information sources. This session may also be useful if you are applying for the QR PSF Internal call.

  • 1 October 2024, 10 to 11.30am
  • 21 November 2024, 10 to 11.30am
  • 4 February 2025, 10 to 11.30am
  • 20 March 2025, 10 to 11.30am
  • 10 June 2025, 10 to 11.30am

Impact in Funding Bids Workshop

This session will look at how to write a compelling impact narrative. We will look at how we can write about impact in a way that demonstrates value for money, the originality of the research and the powerful change and influence your research will generate. By the end of this session, you will be able to write convincing plans for maximising potential impact and a persuasive impact narrative.

  • 5 November 2024, 10 to 11.30am
  • 16 January 2025, 10 to 11.30am
  • 9 April 2025, 10 to 11.30am
  • 4 June 2025, 10 to 11.30am

Using Surveys for Impact

This session will cover why it’s useful to use surveys for evaluation, when you shouldn’t use surveys for evaluation, how to develop a “good” survey question and response options, avoiding common pitfalls in survey design, using open-ended questions in your survey, using online surveys and pilot testing your survey.

  • 18 September 2024, 12 to 1pm
  • 13 November 2024, 12 to 1pm
  • 22 January 2025, 12.30 to 1.30pm
  • 16 April 2025, 12 to 1pm

Evaluating the Impact of your Research Workshop

Research funders expect you to demonstrate impact of your research. Research councils and Research England require you to provide evidence of this through Researchfish and the Research Excellence Framework (REF). For REF impact case studies, we need to be able to provide a strong narrative and robust evidence of the impacts claimed. This workshop will help you to develop a plan for evaluating the impact from your own research.

  • 26 November 2024, 10 to 11.30am
  • 21 January 2025, 10 to 11.30am
  • 24 April 2025, 11.30am to 1pm
  • 17 June 2025, 10 to 11.30am

Communicating Your Impact Workshop

Communicating your research has never been more important in this ever-changing digital world. This workshop will provide useful tips to guide you through the practical ways in which you can effectively disseminate your research outputs to wider audiences beyond the walls of academia.

  • 14 November 2024, 10 to 11.30am
  • 3 June 2025, 10 to 11.30am

Dissecting Impact Case Studies Workshop

In this workshop, we will take an in-depth look at what it takes to write a compelling REF Impact Case Study for REF2029. Through a section-by-section analysis, we will dissect the structure and content required for a strong submission, highlighting common pitfalls and mistakes that researchers often encounter. By examining examples of best practices, you will gain a clear understanding of what constitutes a high-quality case study. This session is designed to equip you with practical insights and strategies to effectively demonstrate the significance and reach of your research impact, ensuring your case study meets the rigorous standards of REF2029.

  • 10 October 2024, 10 to 11am
  • 14 January 2025, 10 to 11am
  • 22 April 2025, 10 to 11am
  • 12 June 2025, 10 to 11am