“Research impact” is going to play a significant role in the forthcoming REF. So how will they measure the social, economic, and cultural impacts of university research? HEFCE have invited English HEIs to join a pilot exercise to help develop proposals for assessing the impact of research. The pilot should run from autumn 2009 to mid-2010. Submissions for assessment will consist of three main types: case studies “illustrating the research driven contribution to economic, social, public policy, cultural or quality of life impacts”; a statement “summarising the full range of impacts for the submission as a whole”; and “supporting quantitative indicators”.
