Developing a Research Impact Capture System Julie Bayley Coventry University Impact Officer
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Transcript of Developing a Research Impact Capture System Julie Bayley Coventry University Impact Officer
Developing a Research Impact Capture
SystemJulie Bayley
Coventry University Impact OfficerSenior Researcher in Health Psychology
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @Julie_covuni
Overview1. Context and Coventry University
approach2. Impact Capture System (‘ERIC’)3. Experience and learning
Context • Increased impact weighting (REF 2020) and funder
requirements• Ongoing discussions on measurement, assessment
and definitions• Related drives eg. Open Access• Increasing focus on how to embed change
institutionally• How do we develop a systematised approach?
Coventry University approach• “Embedding Research Impact at Coventry” (ERIC)
– JISC funded project, May-Nov 2012*– Develop and test a prototype Impact Capture System
• Commissioned by the VC to rollout across CU• Programme of work to develop system and engage
academic staff– Revise / extend content and structure – Academic, business and strategic consultation
• Strategic commitment and sustainability planning
*http://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/about/impact-analysis
Prototype development process
1. Impact needs
analysis
Business and Community
Engagement
2. Create content
Research
3. Technical process review / system
adaptation
Information Management
4. Pilot test system
Research
Full rolloutPilot
Purchase database Full launch
Consultation and
engagement across faculties
Modify/ extend database
Embedding
External literature / guidance
‘ERIC’ system• Built within existing CU Research Information
Management system• Add details of (multiple) planned impacts, those
which occur unexpectedly or remove those which do not transpire.
• 4 steps to add an impact…..1. Plan impact (4 drop down boxes)2. Plan evidence3. Set/ receive email reminders4. Add/ update evidence
1a) Plan impact - choose area
1b) Plan impact - choose level
1c) Plan impact - choose type
1d) Plan impact - choose marker
2. Plan evidence
3. Set email reminders
Impact added
4. Add evidence / defer / update
Learning and experience• Benefits of ERIC
– ‘Institutional memory’– Flexible system supports impact planning from project
inception– Build and monitor ongoing impact portfolios – Reduced reporting burden for REF 2020– Support funding bids / reports to funders– CU marketing, case studies and reputation building
Challenges• Experience of REF 2014• Impact not well understood• Impact is not static or universally accepted• Very difficult to standardise across disciplines• Scepticism and suspicion• Control of information • Ownership and attribution of impact• Bridging academic / business divide• Combining narrative with metrics
Consultation summary (Barriers)
Barriers Frequency
Time constraints and workload 18
Issues with research management system (access, familiarity) 12
Limited awareness and understanding of impact / benefits of system 9
System difficulties 6
Attribution and tracking of impact 5
Opportunities• Accommodate non-funded projects • Build academic awareness of system and
impact• Develop tools for enhancing impact planning /
measurement • Change of research management system• Growth of impact culture
Consultation summary(Facilitators)
Facilitators FrequencyTraining and support 20Raise awareness of impact and system 18System edits 16Link and embed across university practices 10Utilise / report data (inc. REF 2020) 6Improve ease of access 4Increase relevance to academics / academic practice 3
Making it work….• Partnership is key• ‘Engage not enrage’ academics• Top-down support for bottom-up development• Across-university system interaction• Continued dialogue and revision • Centralised and committed approach, locally
translated
Next steps• Continue building and rolling out system• Embedding impact and behaviour change• Build impact infrastructure • Training• System changes• Dissemination (papers, reports, blogs)