Every 7 years, UK universities are assessed on their research quality and a part of this assessment is impact. Impact case studies are provided by universities outlining how underpinning research has resulted in impact, and evidence must be provided to demonstrate that the stated impact occurred. The last REF was in 2021 and the next is expected in 2028. Dates haven't yet been confirmed, but universities start planning their submission 3-4 years before the deadline.
Definition of Impact in REF
We don't yet know the criteria for the next REF, but in REF2021 impact was ‘...an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia.’
This could include (but isn't limited to) effects on:
- Activity, attitude, awareness, behaviour, capacity, opportunity, performance, policy, practice, process or understanding
- An audience, beneficiary, community, constituency, organisation or individuals
- Any geographic location whether locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.
Impact is assessed on ‘reach and significance‘.
Requirements for Impact Case Studies
We also don't know the requirements for the next REF, but in REF2021:
- Impact must have taken place during a 7 year assessment period and be evidenced
- Case studies were not necessarily focused on individuals, but instead were assessing performance of the unit
- Must be underpinned by ‘excellent’ (2*) research undertaken at York during a 20 year period
- This research must have been ‘published, disseminated or made publicly available in the form of assessable research outputs, and confidential reports’
- Research undertaken solely by research students was not eligible.
Evidencing Impact for REF
Assuming the assessment periods will use the same format as in REF2021, we are already in the next 7 year assessment period for impact case studies. This means we need to start collecting impact evidence now, or plan when best to collect the evidence.
It's much easier to get evidence at the appropriate time rather than attempt to get it 5 years later. People change jobs and websites get updated.
Don't be afraid to ask for impact evidence. Keep in touch with contacts and see if the impact has increased over time.
The type of evidence you collect depends on your project and the outcomes. Use the University's Tracking and evidencing impact guide for inspiration.
Examples of evidence include:
- Testimonials from stakeholders - legislators, industry, NGOs
- Citations of specific papers in legislation, public facing brochures, parliamentary debates, charity reports
- Independent surveys that quote specific papers
- Questionnaire outputs
- Newspaper / TV interviews (more than 2 minutes on Horizon!)
- Sales data.
Previous REF Impact Case Studies
REF2021 Impact Case Study Database
Our submitted REF2021 Impact Case Studies:
- Enhancing the protection of marine ecosystems in the UK and globally
- Improving Environmental Conservation in East Africa and Beyond
- Advising government policies for integrated air quality and climate change mitigation strategies in Asia, Africa and Latin America
Other excellent Impact Case Studies:
- The Open University - Sharing ocean science with millions of people through the Blue Planet II TV series to stimulate public and political engagement with our oceans' health and influencing policy in the UK and Europe
- University of Birmingham - The Lapworth Museum of Geology as a vehicle to change public understanding, learning and education in Earth Sciences
- University of Exeter - The value of natural environments for human health: transforming regional, national and international environmental and health policy
- University of Edinburgh - Assessing the overprovision of alcohol and tobacco in Scotland: improving health outcomes and influencing policy