The Diversity of Knowledge Exchange

Ian Diamond

ESRC

Personal Position

‘No-one should take public money to undertake research unless they are committed, where appropriate, to maximise both the academic AND non-academic impact’

This implies EXCELLENCE with IMPACT

RCUK Vision

• An excellent research capability for the longer term

• Delivery of both academic and non-academic 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

Increased investment in research

Increased expectations of further enhancing benefits from research

Increased obligation to demonstrate a greater impact from research

Public Expectations

What can constitute Impact? (from REF

Consultation)

• Social• Public Policy and Services• Health• Environmental• Cultural• QoL• Economic

Some Examples of Impact

1. Supply of well educated people with relevant skills

2. Ensuring research, where appropriate, impacts on business, government and voluntary sector

3. Increasing ease of movements between academia and other sectors

AHRC Centre for Surrealism• led to the Undercover

Surrealism exhibition at London’s Haywood Gallery, which– generated economic impact

of at least £1M; – has restored the credibility of

surrealism research;– contributed to development

of the creative industries.

BBSRC Institute of Animal Health

• A reference laboratory for several animal diseases;

• has contributed include the eradication of Rinderpest,

• a net economic benefit to Africa of over $1,000 million annually

ESRC Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion

• Research into factors which promote/prevent exclusion, recovery and regeneration

• Contributed to Government evidence-based policy making

• Direct influence on UK Government Sure Start programme ~ £1M p.a.

Research Councils UK Impact

• To advance knowledge, understanding and technology, and provide trained researchers;

• To build partnerships that enhance take-up 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:– Diversity of impacts across portfolio– Multiplicity of processes to achieve impact– Expected impacts and serendipity – co-production and follow on– 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

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 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.

Some ESRC Opportunities

• Ensuring, where appropriate, engagement of users in research from day zero eg RELU, LWEC

• Science journalists attached to programmes• Opportunities for Follow on ‘Impact Grants’• Policy Review Seminars• Placement Fellowships (and ‘Reverse Placements’)• Joint Phd Studentships• PhD Internships• Voucher Schemes (with industry and third sector)• Public Engagement Programmes – ESRC lead on LWEC• Schools engagement programme• Large data sets easily accessible• Easy electronic access to research results through ESRC depository

When do you learn?

• Need a cradle to grave approach• Put in PhD Training• Lifelong Learning

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