Impact Assessment

Impact is the effect the research-informed products, policies, and services have on end users. It is measured not only in metrics of utilisation but also by changes in the lives of citizens, the health of the environment or social issues we address. Measuring impact will require a mix of methods that uses both qualitative and quantitative evaluation procedures to measure the social relevance of research and, more broadly, provide new thinking on the role of the social sciences and humanities within society.

The objectives of the unit entails engagement with policy makers and researchers; setting agendas and common goals; packaging research syntheses; communicating and sharing advice; and monitoring impact. We thus aim to develop and utilise our in-house skills and expertise to facilitate wider awareness of the importance of measuring impact and of the methodologies that exist to accomplish this task.