The evaluation of the impact of research forms a significant percentage of the way in which academic departments are now evaluated, not only in the UK but in many other countries too. As a result, increasing attention has been paid to understanding what may (and may not) be considered 'impactful research', and some of the ways in which at least some of a department's work can have a wide and deep impact on society. This is important to understand even for those still studying because, as with grant writing, the potential impact of your work may often be explored during job interviews and can be sometimes important in getting an academic position. Many major grants too nowadays have an element of 'impact' too, further underlying the importance of this understanding.

In this session Rob from our research services will introduce the concept of impact, what it is (and is not) and how you might consider the future impact of your own doctoral research.