Research with an impact on society has
always been important. But with increasingly
stretched budgets, it’s now equally important
to assess, audit and communicate this impact.
Funders know this and researchers know this.
Indeed, academics are already being
increasingly called on to show the economic
and societal impact of their work, and funders
have systems in place to evaluate this.
Are these systems fit for purpose? How do
researchers and their representatives feel
about them? And could research impact
evaluation be done in a better – perhaps
more holistic – way?
To help inform this important and ongoing
debate, Elsevier commissioned a survey of
the academic community. The survey, of 400
researchers, academic leaders, and heads of
funding bodies in seven countries, was conducted in August and September 2023.
Its findings illuminate many problems with the
status quo and suggest who may be best
placed to change the situation.
Authors
- Published in
- Netherlands
