To support researchers at Salford in becoming more ‘impactful’, the University operates an internal Research Impact Fund, which offers:
up to £1000 that must be match-funded by your School/Research Centre, to individuals and groups in support of activities that reflect the University’s desire to increase the impact and reach of its research, and/or highlight strategic engagement that builds upon the University’s vision to pioneer ‘exceptional industry partnerships’.
Applications should be aligned to one or more of the following themes:
- Strengthening interaction – seeking to nurture and build upon relationships with non-academic partners, aligning with strategic goal of the University – the Industry Collaboration Zones
- Broadening research – in line with REF and funder requirements, to expand the reach and influence of research outcomes, in addition to introducing greater partner contribution into the design of future research
- Promoting social benefit – demonstrating how the application of research-based knowledge might lead to practical and focused solutions at a range of scales
Suggested Activities
The following list is not exhaustive:
- The translation of research findings for non-academic audiences (e.g. policy reports, leaflets, audio-visual materials, etc.)
- Events or workshops with a focus on non-academic stakeholders (dissemination or activity-based)
- The trialling of creative modes of public engagement (e.g. exhibitions or film screenings)
- The commercialisation of research findings through IP protection and/or business engagement
- The formation or strengthening of networks outside academia (e.g. visits/meetings to build relationships, or the initial development of a web/social media platform)
- Exchange or placement activities (e.g. within an external non-HEI organisations, or through the placement of a non-HEI partner within the University)
- The development of pedagogical materials (e.g. online training resources or ‘train the trainer’ sessions)
The 2019/20 Fund is currently open again for a special call for new applications, with a deadline of Friday, 28th February 2020.
Further details and the application form can be found on the Impact Funding page at www.salford.ac.uk/ref
If you would like to find out more about the Research Impact Fund, or impact in general, please contact Emma Sutton, Impact, Engagement and Environment Coordinator on research-impact@salford.ac.uk