Research 'impact'

In recent years, the UK funders of research have implemented systems and processes designed to incentivise researchers to pay attention to the impacts of their research outside of the academy, for example in policy and practice, or among the public. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the UK system for assessing the quality of research, 'impact' was introduced in REF2014 and its significance increased from 20% to 25% in REF2021. This imperative is clearly not going away! As a researcher who has always paid attention to working alongside people in policy and practice (as well as public groups), knowledge exchange, and the impact of my research in policy and practice, these are encouraging developments. 

I have been working as a REF impact professional since 2012 and as an impact-focussed researcher and evaluator since 2006. I take a highly strategic approach and am experienced in the generation, evaluation and evidencing of impact, as well as developing, writing, editing and providing feedback on impact case studies, pathways to impact statements and impact strategies. I have worked on impact at University of Manchester, Kingston University and University of Westminster (as well as on a consultancy basis), and have experience across a range of UoAs and panels. 

Some examples of my own 'impact'

Energy demand

I have been involved with with DECC/BEIS since 2009, and am a member of BEIS’ smart meter expert group. My ‘energy know-how’ concept (Burchell et al, 2015) is central to BEIS’ work on energy advice (BEIS, 2017: 3). My consultation contributions have also been directly quoted and reflected in Government responses (eg House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, 2016: 13-4; UK Government, 2016: 3).

Community Resilience

I have been talking to the Community Resilience team in the Cabinet Office (Civil Contingencies Secretariat) since 2015, and am an associate member of its Communities Prepared National Group (I presented to this group in January 2018). My work on community resilience is having (as yet uncited) impact in both new and planned community resilience guidance for local authority practice from the Cabinet Office.

Heatwave planning

I have been worked with Public Health England (PHE), the Greater London Authority and Defra on heatwave planning since 2015, and am a member of several national heatwave planning groups. My work on heatwave planning will have a significant impact in PHE’s new Heatwave Plan (which acts as guidance for local authority practice), due for publication in Spring 2018.

Public engagement with research

I have been working with Research Councils UK (RCUK), Wellcome Trust and other key funders of UK research since 2006 (and particularly since 2015). My work on public engagement has had impact in RCUK’s recent Strategic Support to Expedite Embedding Public Engagement with Research fund and State of Play report, and in and Wellcome Trust’s work on public engagement. 

Some comments from policy people

The ability of Dr Burchell to conduct policy engagement and contribute to policy in this wide variety of ways is highly valued. Director of Extreme Events team (now former), Public Health England.

The value of Dr Burchell’s practical approach to the research was evident, providing real life impact, both for the communities and the local and national policy partners. Civil Contingencies Secretariat, Cabinet Office.

Dr Burchell’s recommendations are highly practical and actionable, and they are made within the context of an in-depth understanding of our policy contexts and objectives. Head of Smart Meter Engagement team, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Transitioning from research to evidence, to policy and delivery is so important, and Dr Burchell’s project demonstrates how this can occur. I particularly like the engagement with local people and starting to understand how local people respond. It’s really refreshing to get direct feedback from communities. Greater London Authority.