evidence

This week saw the publication of best practice guidance for the research community on collecting research impact evidence. Commissioned by HEFCE and undertaken by Vertigo Ventures and Digital Science, this report provides some welcome advice on collecting impact evidence while recognising the range of impact, disciplinary context and the purpose for gathering.

It is recognised that impact can occur throughout the research lifecycle and best practice highlights collecting impact evidence throughout the research project. This short document (24 pages) contains some useful insights and advice; in particular, I draw your attention to the Best Practice section (p.18) and the table on pp20-21 providing guidance on the types of evidence that could be collected.

Impact in the research life-cycle

1. Identifying potential impact

2. Plan impact activities and set up evidence capture

3. Carry out impact seeding activities

4. Capture impact evidence

5. Impact statements to research funders and stakeholders

6. Re-purpose the impact information for different audiences

Types of evidence

Examples of impact evidence are explored for a range of impact types with guidance on the advantages and disadvantages to using particular forms of evidence with suggestions for related evidence that may further support the impact claimed.

Collecting Research Impact Evidence Webinar Vertigo Ventures have organised a number of webinars that will summarise current practice in the collection, management and use of impact evidence. You’ll hear about:

 Collecting Impact Evidence throughout the Research Project

 Guidance on the types of evidence that could be collected

 Example Impact Types and associated example Impact Evidence

Webinars are open for registration on the following dates:

 Tuesday 21 June 2016, 3pm BST

 Tuesday 21 June 2016, 3pm AEST

 Tuesday 5 July 2016, 3pm BST

You can register for the webinar or download the full report

here: http://www.vertigoventures.com/#!research-impact- evidence/cf458

Dee Summers is Research Impact Officer for the University of Portsmouth and writes here in a personal capacity. If you would like to talk about impact please contact me: dee.summers@port.ac.uk