Demonstrating that academic research has impact on wider society is not only useful to convince Government and the public of the value of the investment but it also brings important benefits to researchers themselves. Our experience in the Cabot Institute is that closer dialogue between academics and the users of their research actually leads to the development of better and more focussed research programmes.
A recent look at how research at the University of Bristol has had an impact beyond academia has illustrated the diversity and global reach of Bristol's research portfolio. Research that has been funded in part or wholly by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) over the past 20 years has been highlighted in a series of case studie's that reveal a history of impactful research, ranging from informing local management plans in Bristol's Avon Gorge to helping solve a murder case. From environmental remediation to natural hazard risk management, Bristol researchers are using their research methods and findings to reach beyond the academic community and help improve society and the environment. The impact of research is at the top of the agenda for all universities this year as it is part of the assessment process that all UK higher education institutions will undergo at the end of the year to evaluate quality of research. The assessment is undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies and one of the outcomes of the assessment is to provide accountability for public investment in research. However, beyond this assessment, impact is playing an increasingly important role as more and more funding agencies are asking researchers to include some consideration of impact and how they will achieve it as part of the grant application process. Lynne Porter from the NERC Evidence Impact Team said: "Evidence of impact is very valuable to NERC as it helps us demonstrate that not only are public funds being used responsibly in the pursuit of scientific advance but that they are improving the environment, economy and wellbeing of the UK.
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