The Engagement and Impact element of REF 2029 captures the wider societal benefits created through the submitting unit’s research practices. It is assessed through Impact Case Studies (ICS) which should demonstrate the best examples of impact from the Unit of Assessment, and is worth 25% of the overall submission.
Impact is defined as an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia. It should occur as a result of underpinning research conducted at Imperial.
Impact is assessed against two criteria:
- Reach - The extent and diversity of the impact beneficiaries.
- Significance - The extent to which outcomes have improved for the impact beneficiaries.
The full formal guidance for Engagement and Impact in REF 2029 can be found at Section 6 – Engagement and Impact guidance – REF 2029.
Impact Case Study support
Below are a set of resources to support researchers with developing an ICS for REF 2029.
- Developing your Impact Case Study for REF 2029 (PDF slides - TBC)
- REF 2021 Impact Case Study template (N.B. REF 2021 template, pending publication of a new template for REF 2029 by Research England)
- Annex A - Examples of impact and indicators (N.B. REF 2021 guidance, pending publication of expanded list for REF 2029 by Research England)
- Directory of known-score REF 2021 Impact Case Studies
These resources will be added to over the coming months.