10:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Wednesday 18 March 2015

Place: Graduate Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff.

Presenters

• Professor Adam Hedgecoe, Director, Cesagene (Cardiff Centre for Ethical and Social Aspects of Genomics and Epigenetics), 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, Senior Lecturer in Higher Education, University of Surrey
• 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
• Others: £150

Lunch and refreshments are provided. We cannot cover the cost of travel or accommodation.  Please note that cancellations received any later than 14 days before the event may be subject to a charge.

Students at Cardiff University can book through the UGC booking system, all others can use the form below.

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

09 March 2015

Bookings