Project will develop a more systematic way of gathering and reporting evidence
from research.
The Research Councils UK (RCUK) Research Outcomes project will establish an ongoing
dialogue with the research community to allow the outcomes of research to be reported
at any stage during the funding agreement and, most importantly beyond. RCUK recognises
that outcomes of research are sometimes only realised after funding has ended. This
project aims to develop an ongoing data collection system to improve the evidence
available from the outcomes of UK research.
The project follows on from the Outputs & Outcomes Collection (OOCs) project,
which simplified the research grant final reporting process and established the
case for developing new processes of collecting research outcomes data. A new system
will benefit researchers, academic institutions and Research Councils alike by providing
access to data collected in a more systematic and immediate manner.
Consultation with the research community is now underway to establish requirements
for the new system, and the project team is working closely with HEFCE to align,
where possible, with similar requirements for the Research Excellence Framework
(REF). Once this stage is complete RCUK will invite tenders to develop and implement
a system. Subject to the successful completion of the tender, the project is expected
to have a pilot system in operation by summer 2011, with full roll out in late 2011.
The project is being led on behalf of RCUK by Dr Sue Smart, Head of Performance
& Evaluation for the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Representing the wider research community on the project’s governing board is Professor
Ursula Martin, a computer scientist who directs ImpactQM, a major knowledge transfer
project at Queen Mary, University of London. Professor Martin said of the project:
"I am pleased to be working with the RCUK on this project, and can see real benefits
to researchers in having a harmonised approach to the collection of research outcomes
data".
More information about the project can be found
here.
- ends -
Further Information
Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592
Research Councils UK
Research Councils UK is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research
Councils. We invest annually around £3 billion in research. Our focus is on excellence
with impact. We nurture the highest quality research, as judged by international
peer review providing the UK with a competitive advantage. Global research requires
we sustain a diversity of funding approaches, fostering international collaborations,
and providing access to the best facilities and infrastructure, and locating skilled
researchers in stimulating environments. Our research achieves impact – the demonstrable
contribution to society and the economy made by knowledge and skilled people. To
deliver impact, researchers and businesses need to engage and collaborate with the
public, business, government and the third sector.
www.rcuk.ac.uk
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).