This Article has been written by Ben Mitchell, Impact Development Manager.
UWE Bristol hosted the CHSS (College of Health, Science and Society) Impact Showcase on April 30. This was the fourth occasion an Impact Showcase has been run, and second time for CHSS. It was comfortably the best attended one yet, with well over 100 people in the audience.
These events are an opportunity for academics to highlight some of the impact that has come about from their work. They are a chance to inspire colleagues, whilst demonstrating the breadth and diversity of research being carried out in their respective colleges.
As with previous showcases, presenters had a maximum of five minutes to speak, with impact taking centre stage. In total, there were 15 presentations, split equally across three sessions, with time for questions after each one.
When the idea of an impact showcase was first pitched, I don’t think either myself or my colleagues at the time realised how popular they’d prove to be. As was the case on Thursday, these events work because they give a snapshot of where great research can lead. The five minute limit forces academics to be succinct and punchy. It means honing in on the very best of their work and assuming the audience will know little of their research topic.
There are fewer in person events held since Covid, and certainly not many which bring together such an impressive number of people. The showcase gives colleagues a chance to network, look for future collaborations, as well as time to catch up with people they may only be used to seeing remotely. They’re also great fun to organise!
Another hugely successful impact showcase with the hope of more to come.
The Presentations
The first session of the day explored impact at varying levels, from interventions routed in place and patient communities, to systemic practice-change and international collaborations.
Both Amy Beardmore and Eva Fragkiadaki focused on the importance of connection and compassion for health and care services and their users. Nicola Stock spoke about improving surgical decision-making in complex conditions; Craig Johnston looked at ‘Alternative Provision’ in education and Peter Clegg described his work on the UK Overseas Territories with a specific focus on the Chagos Islands.
The second session focused on the importance of planning to create healthier places (Emma Bird); unexpected impacts from wind turbines on bats (Paul Lintott); mindful eating (Zheng Ma); the missing victims of the conflict in Colombia (Lina Malagon Diaz) and stroke rehabilitation for under-represented communities (Praveen Kumar).
The final session saw Diana Harcourt and Ella Guest talk about improving the provision of psychosocial support for people affected by visible difference; Kishwar Ali on connecting people and nature with communities in Pakistan; Amber Phillips explored the novel ways for professionals to better measure success in asset recovery from crime; Paul Redford and Ben Knight discussed their work with teachers, parents and pupils in Bristol schools on the extremely topical subject of smartphones and their many impacts and Laura Goodwin closed the showcase with a look at her work on reducing neonatal hypothermia in babies born before arrival in hospital.
Reflections from the day
When reflecting on what they were taking away from the day’s event, attendees highlighted the importance of making connections outside of their usual spheres and the opportunities that this can create:
“[The Impact Showcase] Reinforced the necessity of making connections, knocking on doors and being open to opportunities even if the immediate impact of said opportunity is not clear.”
“[I’m taking away] The importance of openness and multi-disciplinary collaboration.”
“Get in touch with networks/organisations and share what you can do for them before asking what they can do for you.”
Several discussions centred around ‘embracing the unexpected’, and how crucial it is to keep a log of connections, conversations and opportunities as they arise.
“[I’m taking away] Some great tips re: data sharing and impact tracking.”
“Keep pushing for impact in unexpected places.”
Above all, the message from speakers and audience alike was to be bold and keep going! Seeing impact from your research takes time, but by planning it in from the start and working collaboratively you will soon see the fruits of your labour:
“Impact comes in all shapes and sizes.”
“Be brave when reaching out to relevant entities.”
“Impact takes time and has to be planned in from the start.”
If you’re feeling inspired by the showcase and looking for funding to support your impact work, the new Strategic Research and Impact Programme (SRIP) call funds projects that accelerate the translation of research into real-world benefit. There are two upcoming deadlines for applications: Friday 22 May and Friday 2 October. Find out more.
And whether you are taking your very first steps towards creating impact through your research, or you’re well on your way, the Innovation and Impact team would love to help. Why not book a chat with one of the team to find out how we can support you to explore the key question – what change do you want your research to make in the world? Email Ben Mitchell or Maddy Foard.