REF2021 Research Impact

For REF 2021, impact was defined as the effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment, or quality of life, beyond academia.

HEIs were required to submit impact case studies that demonstrate the impacts their research has had beyond academia.

Impact accounted for 25% of the overall outcome awarded to each submission. Impact case studies were assessed against two criteria: reach and significance.

In UOA 23: Education 100% of our impact was assessed as being world leading/internationally excellent.

• Project IRIS (Inclusive Research in Irish Schools): transforming special education provision in Ireland
• Revolutionising parents’ and professionals’ understanding and skills regarding autism in south east Europe

In UOA 17: Business and Management Studies 83.3% of our impact case studies was assessed as being internationally excellent.

• Driving evidence-based change in ‘Citizens in Policing’ strategy, leadership and innovation
• Driving Policy Innovation for the UK Government in the development of an outcomes focused public service innovation market
• Enhancing UK small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local authorities’ collaboration with China

In UOA 27: English Language and Literature 75% of our impact case studies was assessed as being internationally excellent.

• Increasing the Public Heritage of Katherine Mansfield in France and New Zealand
• Making a Difference: Poet/Composer collaboration to enhance Cultural and Education Capacity in young people through song

In UOA 28: History 75% of our impact case studies was assessed as being internationally excellent.

• Highlighting British military intelligence within the First World War centenaries
• The Searchlight Archive and British Extreme Right Culture

All our impact case studies can be downloaded from the REF 2021 Impact Database.