Research for staff & students
Researchers' Conference 2010
Researchers from all disciplines and all stages of their careers came together on Friday 5 March 2010, to take a lively look at impact. They heard from researchers whose work had impacts of many sorts - and not always the ones they expected! On the right you'll find a link to the speaker presentations; videos of the presentations will also be available soon.
The conference was opened and closed by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor Jane Millar, who said "This stimulating day covered a wide range of issues about the relationships between research excellence, academic impact, engagement with research users, and how research can be used to make a difference. It was particularly good to see so many people from across the University exchanging ideas and sharing examples".
'Research that has no impact has no value'
A 'Question Time'-style panel discussion addressed the theme 'Research that has no impact has no value'. Strong and opposing viewpoints were aired and challenged before delegates moved into workshops designed to explore ways of maximising their impact.
Interdisciplinary impact
Probably the greatest challenge was the 'Interdisciplinary Impact' plenary workshop, in which teams of delegates worked together to first build a research proposal and then a mini impact statement aimed at varying stakeholders of research.
'Blowing yourself up and other ways to make an impact'
Following more impact stories, delegates were treated to an exciting keynote lecture given by Bath Alumnus Tom Pringle – aka Dr Bunhead - an expert science communicator, probably best known from the TV show Brainiac. His talk focused on how to make an impact using public engagement, with some fantastic demonstrations. A video of the lecture will be available soon.
What did you think?
Feedback from the delegates was very positive. Comments included:
"It surpassed my expectations"
"I came away with a better understanding of how to increase the impact of my research and also how to increase the impact I make as a person"
"I thought the day provided a wide range of interesting talks and workshops"
Delegate feedback will shortly be available here, for you to find out more about why they came, what they learned and what the biggest idea they took away from the conference was.
Would you like to see more?
Videos of all the impact stories and the keynote lecture will be available shortly. A gallery of photos from the conference has also been put together for your enjoyment.