COMMUNICATE
When writing an impact section in a funding proposal, you're expected to predict the future impact of your work and map out a pathway toward it. If you're writing an impact case study, you will pull together evidence to tell a convincing story about how your work has made a difference. These are two very different tasks. The tools and resources on this page will help you write convincingly about impact, no matter where you are on your research journey.
In either case, your writing needs to be accessible and inclusive. So you should use simple, easy-to-understand language. Learn more with this guide by the Plain English Campaign. For more general tips on research communication, see our Research Community Portal, Communicate Your Research section, as well as our internal site for Guides and Supports for Communicating Your Research.
How to write an effective impact section
Learn what makes a compelling impact section in a funding proposal. Incorporate meaningful impact planning and give yourself the best chance of being funded.
The guide below shows you how to turn your impact planning into a compelling impact section in a funding proposal. Click here to download the guide as a PDF booklet.
Writing an impact case study
Find out what makes a good impact case study: read our guide on writing one, familiarise yourself with our case study template, and take a look at some examples.
What makes an excellent case study?
This image below shows what we at University of Galway believe goes into a good case study. These are also the three criteria that we use to assess and develop University of Galway's research impact case studies.
Tips for writing your own case study
The tips in this infographic will help you tell a compelling story that celebrates the societal impact of your work. Click here to download the guide as a PDF booklet.
Case study examples
One of the best ways to learn how to write a case study is to read others:
- University of Galway Case Studies – a sample of case studies from researchers at University of Galway, using the template above.
- UK REF Case Studies – this database from the 2014 Research Excellence Framework contains more than 6,000 impact case studies. You can use the search function or filter by Research Subject Area to find case studies in areas similar to your own. To see only the highest rated (4*) case studies, take a look at this webpage curated by Professor Mark Reed of Fast Track Impact.
- Australian Research Council Case Studies – another searchable database of case studies from a national research assessment exercise.
- University College Dublin Case Studies - a sample of case studies from researchers at UCD.
- University of Limerick Case Studies – you can sort this selection of case studies by QS Ranking Subject Areas and by the relevant Sustainable Development Goals.
Our Nine Part Series, 'Reflections of Research Impact', is intended to give you a quick, easy to digest introduction to research impact. Episode 7. below offers some guidance on writing an impact case study.
Training opportunities
At University of Galway, we offer various workshops and seminars on communicating your impact:
- Dr Tamika Heiden, Founder of the Research Impact Academy, delivered a recorded workshop for University of Galway, on 'Planning for and Communicating Prospective Research Impact', which you can find here. Dr Heiden has developed world-leading research translation and impact services to equip you with the latest skills and expertise.
- Prof Mark Reed, CEO, Fast Track Impact, delivered a recorded workshop for University of Galway, 'Digital Academic, which you can find here. This course gives you a unique opportunity to reflect on your digital profile, considering ways to build visibility and credibility for your research and drive impact online. The course takes a critical look at the power and pitfalls of various online platforms and social media, enabling you to become more effective and influential online.
- Our Research Impact Seminar Series is an opportunity to hear from national and international research impact experts who will share and discuss best practices around the world on impact related topics.
To find out about other workshops and seminars, please visit our SharePoint site.
Click here to proceed to the Monitor section
Explore our toolkit to learn how to Plan, Capture, Communicate and Monitor your impact.
Please improve this toolkit by sharing tools and other resources you find useful: email Áine Mhic Thaidhg, Research Impact Officer.
The development of this toolkit was led by UCD, with funding from the HEA, and members of a Research Impact Working Group. Further information available here.
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