At the heart of our institution lies a powerful commitment: to drive meaningful change beyond the walls of academia. Through our research, we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to create real-world impact that benefits society.
Governments and funding bodies increasingly look to researchers not just for knowledge, but for vision. They expect us to understand the transformative potential of our work, to clearly communicate how it can make a difference, and to actively seek ways to accelerate that change. They also value our ability to track and demonstrate the benefits our research brings to people, communities, and the world.
That’s where the Research Impact Team comes in. We’re here to empower researchers at every stage of their impact journey—from sparking ideas and strategic planning to effective execution, evidence gathering, and compelling reporting. Together, we can turn research into action, and ideas into lasting impact.
The Research Impact Team manages impact-focussed funding, including UKRI-funded Impact Acceleration Accounts, the University’s Internal Impact & Innovation Funds and other impact funding. These funding streams support activities that strengthen relationships with strategic external partners and maximise the potential for research impact in any sector with ‘non-academic’ users of research.
The Research Impact Team also supports the Directors of Impact & Innovation, coordinates the University’s Impact REF preparations, provides Research Impact training (both internal and external), and bolsters the University’s impact work via our Impact and Research blogs and the team’s X account (@UStAResearch).
Recent impact news
- Voices of Impact: A Grateful Goodbye to Two Graduating Press Officers
This week, we celebrate not just academic achievement but the extraordinary contributions of two of our valued Research Impact team members: Victoria and Ishani, who have both graduated this week. We couldn’t be prouder! Victoria and Ishani have played a vital role in shaping the stories we tell through this blog over their 35 authored … Read more - APLORI: Flying to new heights
Professor Will Cresswell is a renowned expert in conservation biology and ornithology (the study of birds), with a particular focus on African ecosystems, at the School of Biology. His research delves into the population dynamics of migrant, endemic, and declining bird species, shedding light on the challenges these species face in their migratory and breeding … Read more - Revolutionising Rehabilitation: Trauma-Informed and Strength-Based Approaches at the Forefront
In an era where global security threats are ever evolving, the rehabilitation of those who participate in violent extremism is a critical and complex challenge. Current methods focus heavily on managing and controlling the risks an individual is perceived to pose. However, these approaches frequently fail to address the underlying personal and social factors that … Read more
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Meet the Research Impact team:
Rees Hughes, Head of Research Impact
Euan Donohue, Research Impact Coordinator
Please contact the Research Impact team if you have any research impact related query.
Email: [email protected]
Meet the Engagement with Research team:
Sandra Appleby-Arnold, Head of Engagement with Research
Please contact the Engagement with Research team if you have any engagement with research related query.
Email: [email protected]