Social Science Matters: Building and Demonstrating Impact in the Social Sciences

Research impact in the social sciences is often difficult to achieve, evidence and measure. Yet research evidence is increasingly important to government, policy makers, and wider society.

This engaging one-day conference will showcase outstanding examples of social sciences research impact in Nottingham and the wider Midlands region.

Conference highlights include:

• Presentation and Keynote Speech by Jill Rutter, Programme Director, Institute for Government

• Breakout workshops on writing outstanding REF impact case studies, pathways to impact and communicating your research for impact (see below)

• Panel debate on ways forward for impact in the social sciences

• Rapid-fire presentations showcasing outstanding examples of social sciences research impact

• Opportunities for networking with impact professionals from Nottingham and the wider Midlands region

Conference Programme

9:30am Morning registration

10:00am Welcome by Professor Todd Landman

10:15am Breakout workshops (see full descriptions below):

i. Writing outstanding REF impact case studies

ii. Planning your pathways to impact

iii. Pathways to impact for PhD students and early career academics

11:15am Presentations from Leonie Mathers and Charlotte Anscombe

12noon Lunch and networking

1pm Keynote: Jill Rutter, Programme Director, Institute for Government

2pm Rapid-fire impact presentations

3pm Panel session and Q&A Chaired Professor Dame Jessica Corner including Professor Shamit Saggar

4:15pm Concluding comments by Professor Dame Jessica Corner

Breakout Sessions

Writing outstanding REF impact case studies

Led by Steven Hardy, Head of Research Outcomes,this interactive session will explore how to develop, curate and present impact case studies for REF with practical examples. Workshop attendees should prepare and bring along some brief (bullet point) notes that summarise their research and potential impact.

Planning your pathways to impact

This interactive session will focus on planning for impact and on writing the pathways to impact document for RCUK proposals, as well as looking at the links between pathways to impact identified in grant applications and REF outcomes. Led by Paula Gurteen, Head of Research and KE, Social Sciences and the CAS team.

Pathways to impact for PhD students and early career academics

In this participatory session, early career academics will gain an understanding of the different kinds of impact from economic, societal and cultural impact, to the definitions under the ESRC and REF. There will be an opportunity to discuss your own projects and their potential for impact, as well as gain insights from early career academics and hear about available resources and support.

Led by Liz Lesquereux, Senior Partnerships Executive with contributions from Lydia Wallman, ESRC Doctoral Training Centre Administrative Manager and Rupal Patel, Postgraduate Research Student.

This conference is supported by University of Nottingham’s ESRC Impact Acceleration Account.