At the University of Stirling, impact is at the heart of our research culture. Our academics collaborate to meet societal needs, enhancing the quality of spaces, places, and lives through interdisciplinary research.
Impact is understood as the demonstrable benefit that research makes to society, the economy, or the environment. Put simply, if you can show that your research benefits someone or something outside of academia, it has impact.
University staff can access a more detailed guide to impact, complete with planning tools, procedures, and templates on our Research Performance and Impact SharePoint site. You can also explore our staff resources for REF 2029 for more information about impact in the Research Excellence Framework.
From reducing youth smoking to enhancing avalanche safety, our Research Spotlights contain many excellent examples of impact that have arisen from research conducted here at Stirling.
Congratulations to Dr Catherine Mills, Dr Colin Moran, and Dr Heather Price, who were highly commended as part of the 2024 Research Culture Awards for their Outstanding Activities to Support Research Impact.
Here are a few words from their nominations:
"Catherine’s work represents a compelling model which other colleagues have taken inspiration from, enabling us to 'normalise' impactful activity and community co-production within many other projects and Divisional research culture generally. Catherine is also a fierce advocate for her projects and their community partners - as you really have to be - and her persistence in pursuing funding and meaningful research must be recognised."
"Colin has been meeting individually with multiple colleagues recently to guide us through the concept of REF impact case studies - what they are, how to maximise them, what data we need and generally help us to think it all through. This must be a huge burden finding the time to spend several hours with each person, but it is incredibly helpful given his expertise and experience. Massively appreciated, thank you."
"Heather is doing an amazing job of raising awareness around air pollution and working with different stakeholders to mitigate its impacts. Some of the ways Heather is creating impact is through the dissemination of research findings to diverse audiences, running outreach events, particularly with school children, and also feeding into Government consultations and policies. Many of these activities take place outside of contracted hours, highlighting Heather’s dedication and contribution to this field."
The University’s Research Performance and Impact team support researchers by providing advice and training on all things impact, from impact planning and funding to evidence collection.