Impact Case Study Resource Fund 2019/20

Based on REF2014 data, a 4* impact case study is estimated to be worth at least £324,000 to an institution in QR funding over the course of the REF cycle. This is the equivalent value of around 5 to 6 outputs.

Given that the weighting for impact has increased in REF2021 from 20% to 25% of the overall total, the University recognises the need to invest in its impact case studies to ensure the strongest return possible.

Therefore, in order to support our REF2021 impact case study submission, Research & Knowledge Exchange are making available a central pot of money to be accessed by our selected case study leads to assist with case study activity in the final year of REF impact generation (1 August 2019 – 31 July 2020).

Applications can be made for up to £2000 and must be match-funded by the School/Research Centre for the purposes of enhancing impact case studies in the following ways:

• Data analysis – activities that may be required to identify whether impact has occurred/will occur during the remainder of the REF period
• Impact generation – activities that seek to enhance the reach and significance of existing impacts to strengthen the case study
• Evidence collection – collation of ‘sources of corroboration’: for example, interviews that can form the basis of testimonials and quotes, tracking down of guidelines, reports etc. that cite the research, media mentions, quantitative data (sales figures, cost savings etc.)

Suggested Activities

The following list is not exhaustive:

• Engage temporary assistance (e.g. PhD student or similar) through UniTemps to undertake data analysis, assist with stakeholder engagement or collect evidence
• Hold public engagement events to capture participant feedback
• Undertake longitudinal surveys to monitor behavioural/perception change over time
• Create website for dissemination purposes and capture of feedback (blogs etc.)
• Design social media strategy to drive impact online

Please note: this is an open call for applications throughout the 2019/20 academic year.

To find out more, please contact:

Emma Sutton, Impact, Engagement & Environment Coordinator at research-impact@salford.ac.uk

Or speak to your School Impact Coordinator:

CSE – Prof Apostolos Antonacopoulos

ELS – Prof Mike Wood / Prof Andy Miah

H&S – Prof Neal Hazel

SAM – Dr Pal Vik

SBS – Prof Phil Scarf

SOBE – Prof Peter Walker

Why not take this opportunity to check out the impact resources available on our intranet site:  https://www.salford.ac.uk/ref