The assessment of research impact is a new feature in the Research Excellence framework. Unlike previous years, the REF provides significant additional recognition where high quality research has contributed to the economy, society, public policy, culture, the environment, international development or quality of life.

The University Graduate College is running a series of sessions that aim to demystify impact and discuss how it can be demonstrated for REF.  At each event a panel of researchers from within the discipline grouping will discuss case studies of their own research impact. Lunch will be provided at all sessions.

Case Studies from the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Thursday 7th February, 12.30 – 1.30 pm. Glamorgan Building (room TBC)

Featuring:

• Prof Terry Marsden (CPLAN)
• Prof Robin Stowell (MUSIC)
• Prof Patrick Minford (CARBS)
• Dr Frances Rock (ENCAP)

Research students can book online here.
Research staff can book by emailing ugc@cardiff.ac.uk quoting ‘arts, humanities and social sciences impact session’.

Case Studies from the Biomedical & Life Sciences
Thursday 7^th February. Lunch available from 1.00 pm, speakers from 1.15 – 2.15 pm. Optometry Seminar Rooms 1.07/8

Featuring:

• Prof Malcolm Mason (MEDIC)
• Prof Steve Ormerod (BIOSI)
• Prof Ian Weeks (MEDIC)

Research students can book online here.
Research staff can book by emailing ugc@cardiff.ac.uk quoting ‘biomedical and life sciences impact session’.

Case Studies from the Physical Sciences
Thursday 14^th February, 12.30 – 1.30 pm. Trevithick Seminar Rooms 0.07/0.09

Featuring:

• Prof Karen Holford (ENGIN)
• Prof Peter Knowles (CHEMY)
• Prof Matt Griffin (PHYSX)

Research students can book online here.
Research staff can book by emailing ugc@cardiff.ac.uk quoting ‘physical sciences impact session’.

Samuel Sequeira from ENCAP was awarded £2,920 for ‘Engaging with Diversity: Developing Skills in Public Engagement and Research Impact’. He received funding for a programme of training activities, held in collaboration with Butetown History & Arts Centre, which will develop skills related to practical partnership working and public engagement.  Its primary aim is to train PhD students and other early career researchers working in areas related to multiculturalism in how to engage effectively with ethnic minority community groups and make impact central to their research activities.

Sara Sylvester from JOMEC, was awarded £2,500 for her project, ‘Making Media Matter for 21st Century Teachers and Learners: Demystifying Representational Theory at KS5 & Promoting Pedagogical Excellence in Media Education’.

The project will involve up to 10 PhD students who will collaborate with practitioners in the Department of Media at Whitchurch High School to develop and deliver a programme of study to A-level students to enhance their media literacy skills.  This project identifies media literacy education as an intentional and essential framework in which to develop and catalyze essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions for 21st-century teacher preparation and Key Stage 5 film/media students (A-level).

Given recent changes in the publishing environment, with a dramatic and rapid shift to Open Access publishing, plus growing requirements to make source data accessible too,  briefing sessions have been arranged in the New Year. They will take place on:

8 January (Cathays, Julian Hodge Lecture Theatre)
11 January (Heath, Main hospital building, Lecture theatre 4

Both sessions will commence at 14.00 and will last for up to 2 hours.

Senior staff from Information Services and RACDV will provide an update on the developments in Open Access publishing, and how the University is addressing them, and on the management and preservation of research data and information. Plenty of time will be allowed for discussions on both topics. Given their relevance to the research agenda, Chris McGuigan expects to be attending both sessions.

Please note that these sessions are separate from the townhall meetings arranged on 10 January by the ProVC Research and the Research Deans, which are about Research, Innovation and Enterprise more generally.

Please mark the dates in your diaries; a booking system will be set up shortly so that we can order enough refreshments.

This news item will be updated with a link to the booking system ASAP.