Purpose of this LibGuide
Welcome to this guide which provides an introduction to the topic and resources on Research Impact. It covers definitions of aspects of research impact; metrics that are considered when measuring impact; means to broaden visibility of researchers; and resources to guide and tools to achieve impact.
From the Homepage which provides a selection of introductory material to give an overview of various aspects of the Research Impact process, navigate to the secondary pages : Impact Metrics ; Visibility for Impact ; Resources for Impact and Tools for Impact for more in-depth information and links to a variety of useful resources.
What is Research Impact?
Research impact is the beneficial application of expertise, knowledge, analysis or discovery and the effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia. (REF 2014)
Research impact is the contribution that research makes to the economy, society, environment or culture, beyond the contribution to academic research. (Australian Research Council)
Why does Research Impact Matter?
Impact focuses on the purpose rather than the process of research – impact is about outcomes.
Research impact ensures that research not only expands knowledge but also makes a real difference in the world. Researchers can make their work more relevant, impactful, and beneficial to society, while also justifying the investment of public and private funding in research efforts by seeking to demonstrate impact in the following ways :
