10:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Thursday 20 February 2014

Place: Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff University, Caerdydd/Cardiff.

Presenters

• Professor Adam Hedgecoe, Associate Director ESRC Centre for Economic & Social Aspects of Genomics (CESAGEN), Cardiff School of Social Sciences
• Professor Emma Renold, Professor in Childhood Studies, Cardiff School of Social Sciences
• Dr Jamie Lewis, Research Associate, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University
• Dr Richard Watermeyer, Research Fellow in Engagement and Impact in Science and Technology, ESRC Centre for Economic & Social Aspects of Genomics (CESAGEN), Cardiff School of Social Sciences
• Professor David James, Director of the ESRC Wales DTC

Content & Aims

Over the past few years the idea that academic research should prove that it has had ‘impact’ on the broader, non-academic community – or on specific segments of that community – has gained considerable momentum. Applications for RCUK grants now have to outline the ways in which such impact will be achieved. Impact is assessed as part of the Research Excellence Framework, the outcome of which will have a major effect on both funding and reputation for universities.

This workshop aims to introduce students to the main concepts of impact, its historical origins, how it is measured, and to the critiques of this measurement, noting for example how these differ across funding bodies. It will include a range of presentations on the dilemmas and achievements in an expanded definition of ‘impact’ from specific research projects, and will provide a structure within which to apply these insights to participants’ own projects and their research plans or ambitions.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Develop a critical appreciation of the nature of debates about impact in the UK and their broader context;
• Be able to explain the significance of concepts of impact for their own research and for the wider field(s) of which it is a part;
• Understand how (and to what extent) it is possible to engage with non-academic audiences before, during and after specific social science research projects;
• Begin a process of developing an impact profile in respect of their own work.

Cost

• Wales DTC postgraduate social science research students, i.e. students registered at Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff or Swansea universities – free of charge
• ESRC and non-funded postgraduate social science research students registered at a UK HEI – free of charge (subsidised by an ESRC advanced training bursary)
• Non social-science postgraduate research students: £30.00
• Staff at HEI’s, ESRC funded researchers, UK registered charities, £60.00

The session is aimed at ESRC-funded PGR students at the Universities of Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea who will have priority for places.  Others are welcome to attend, space permitting. Students at Aberystwyth, Bangor and Swansea can book a space through the DTC website.  Students at Cardiff University can book through the UGC booking system.

If you require further information or if you have any trouble booking a space, please contact the Wales DTC (walesdtc@cardiff.ac.uk).

Deadline for bookings: 13 February

Deadline for bookings

13 February 2014

Bookings