Exploring Impact with the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study (NILS)
NISRA Boardroom, McAuley House, Belfast
October 15th 2015
The social and economic impact on society of social science research has become increasingly important across
the UK for data providers and research funders and by default for the academic community. It has shaped the
environment in which research is undertaken and funded and is now one of the criteria by which research is
assessed whether by funders like the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), data providers, and the
Research Excellence Framework (REF). Despite its pervasive presence in government and academia the notion
of ‘impact’ is not unproblematic. Questions remain as to what it is, how it can be achieved, how it is best
measured, and who it is for. There are also more fundamental questions about whether the crude use of ‘impact’
as a criterion for research funding and assessment restricts the range and type of social science research that is
funded and so limits critical input from academics.
As part of the family of UK longitudinal studies, and as a research data resource funded and supported by the
ESRC and government, these themes and questions are important for the NILS. This half-day workshop
therefore brings together its funders, data providers, researchers, and the users of its research findings for a
critical discussion of impact, its meanings, its benefits and its limitations. Speakers include representatives from
data providers, research funders, academic researchers, and users of research findings. Each presentation will
be followed by audience questions and there will be opportunities for general discussion and audience
participation.
Draft Programme
09.30-10.00
Arrival and registration with tea and coffee
10.00-10.10
Introducing research and impact with the NILS
Dr Ian Shuttleworth, QUB
10.10-10.30
Data provider perspectives
Mr Robert Beatty, NISRA
10.30-11.00
Research funder perspectives I
Ms Jo Lake, ESRC
11.00-11.15
Coffee
11.15-11.45
Researcher funder perspectives II
Dr Nicola Armstrong, HSC R&D
11.45-12.15
Engaging with impact and lessons of the REF I
Ms Claire Dewhirst, QUB
12.15-12.30
Engaging with impact and lessons of the REF I
Prof Allan Findlay,
University of St Andrews
12.30-13.00
Research customers’ perspective
Mr Chris Matthews, DHSSPS
13.00-13.30
General discussion/panel
All
13.30-14.00
Lunch
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