Impact support
Supporting researchers to understand, identify and articulate their research impact.
We support researchers across MVLS to identify, develop and evidence the real-world benefits of their work. We champion projects that lead to improvements in policy, clinical practice, public health, industry, and wider society. world benefits of their work.
Gathering information needed for funder reporting and national assessments such as the Research Excellence Framework (REF)
Assessing impact
You may hear from us because:
- You or your organisation have collaborated with a researcher at the University of Glasgow, or
- Research undertaken at the University has informed your work, decisions, policies, or activities
To support this, we coordinate and collect data and/or corroborative testimonials to help us understand, evidence and substantiate how research has been used beyond academia, and the outcomes and impacts arising from this use. Depending on the context, we may ask for:
- Factual confirmation of how research was used or applied
- Short written reflections or testimonials
- Supporting documentations such as (e.g. reports, policy references, guidance, usage data)
- Permission to reference your organisation in formal research reporting
Our team
What is REF?
The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in higher education institutions. The REF outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research. The next REF will be undertaken in 2029 by the four UK higher education funding bodies. Submission for this will be in November 2028.
As well as assessing research excellence, the REF explicitly assesses the impact of research beyond academia. In this instance, impact is defined as “any effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia”.