Science Europe - Position Statement: On a new vision for more meaningful Research Impact assessment
Research has always had a wide impact on society, but this does not always come in the form of a clearly defined outcome, application, or effect. It frequently occurs as a more gradual development in the understanding of the consequences of new knowledge. It may also happen long after the corresponding research was done, or be the outcome of repeated interactions between research and society. This can make societal impact difficult or impossible to trace back and attribute to the specific research from which it originated. In addition, that research may have already been evaluated without this impact having been taken into account.
Despite this complexity, impact assessment is becoming an increasingly common practice. Research organisations, funders, and policy makers are all regularly asked to provide evidence for the effects of scientific and scholarly research on society, and for its contribution to societal progress and wellbeing. Understanding how research generates value and benefits for society is the main challenge in dealing with the practise of research impact assessment.
- Practical Advice/Guide
English
2017
- Europe
- Cross-thematic/Interdisciplinary
-
SE_PositionStatement_Impact.pdf (pdf, 185.94Kb)
Entry created by Giorgio Piccirillo on August 22, 2017
Modified on August 22, 2017
