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The Diversity of Knowledge Exchange Ian Diamond ESRC

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.

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The Diversity of Knowledge Exchange Ian Diamond ESRC

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  1. The Diversity of Knowledge Exchange Ian Diamond ESRC

  2. 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

  3. 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)

  4. 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

  5. Public Expectations Increased investment in research Increased expectations of further enhancing benefits from research Increased obligation to demonstrate a greater impact from research

  6. What can constitute Impact? (from REF Consultation) • Social • Public Policy and Services • Health • Environmental • Cultural • QoL • Economic

  7. Some Examples of Impact • Supply of well educated people with relevant skills • Ensuring research, where appropriate, impacts on business, government and voluntary sector • Increasing ease of movements between academia and other sectors

  8. 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. AHRC Centre for Surrealism

  9. 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 BBSRC Institute of Animal Health

  10. 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. ESRC Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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.

  15. 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

  16. When do you learn? • Need a cradle to grave approach • Put in PhD Training • Lifelong Learning

  17. 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

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