UKRI Survey on Impact in Research Applications

Overview

We are now reviewing our systems to better understand the effectiveness of our current approaches in supporting impact across UKRI and through the investments we fund.

Our intention is not to reintroduce the ‘Pathways to Impact’ form. It is to ensure that, within our current systems applicants have clear guidance on how they should address impact, as this is a question that is regularly raised by our research communities.

We are keen to gather feedback and to gain an understanding of how impact development activities are being embedded into proposals by applicants. The aim is also to determine the effectiveness of existing processes, levels of stakeholder involvement, and how impact development activities within proposals are reviewed and assessed.

The survey does not focus on specific outcomes or impacts of research, but instead concentrates on how applicants are handling impact development and associated activities within their funding applications. It covers the application, review and panel stages of our funding processes.

This survey is open to all academics, university research office staff, users of research and project partners (such as social enterprises, charities, NGOs, business, etc.), as well as other stakeholders, both as partners and applicants. The data collected will be anonymous unless you choose to include identifying information in your responses.

Outcomes of the survey

Your response to the survey will enable us to provide better guidance, communications, and support to the community and Research Offices.

The survey will also provide evidence for continuous improvement, cross UKRI policy and other UKRI programmes such as Simpler and Better Funding (see here for more details - opens in new tab).

Your answers to the questions should be based on your own current knowledge and all will be collated and made non-attributable before being reviewed by UKRI staff.

Please note:

• The survey will close on 4 February 2022 at 18:00
• You can save your progress at any point, which will generate an email that will be sent to you with a link. The email will be sent from ‘Site Administrator’ at the address ukri@mail1.citizenspace.com with the subject "Your return code".
• If you have any problems or questions, please email acceleratingimpact@epsrc.ukri.org

What happens next

Thank you to all those who took the time to complete the consultation – your input is very much appreciated.

We will now take time to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data, to draw out the council specific and common themes.