Impact is defined as “an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia” (Higher Education Funding Council for England).
There are ten main types of impact on research, as per Reed’s The Research Impact Handbook.
Understanding and awareness – research helping people understand an issue better
Attitudinal – research helped changing in attitudes
Economic – research leading to cost savings, or costs avoided; or increases in revenue, profits or funding
Environmental – benefits arising from research aid habitat conservation and ecosystems
Health and well-being – research led to better outcomes for individuals or groups
Policy – your research contributed to new or amended guidelines or laws
Decision-making and behavior impacts
Cultural – changes in prevailing cultural values, attitudes and beliefs
Other social impacts – improvement in human rights
Capacity or preparedness – research that helps others better cope with changes that might otherwise have a negative impact.
Select the following button to know more about Research Impact like bibliometrics or beyond in measuring scholarly interest to reveal how research is being shared and discussed within the academic community and beyond.