The value of data and research depends on how they are used, and there are many ways to generate impact. We can help you to reach an audience and make a difference.
This page collects ways you can work with us or others to have impact, and some of the resources on offer.
Impact opportunities
You can work with us to achieve impact with government departments, parliament and devolved administrations, charities and other organisations.
Working with Understanding Society
We promote researchers’ work and expertise and identify impact opportunities.
Working with government departments
Many government departments set out their research needs and development plans through Areas of Research Interest statements (ARIs). These are designed to create a dialogue between academic researchers and policymakers. You can explore how your research, expertise or new project fits with an ARI by
In 2021, the government also published its Net Zero Research and Innovation Framework, setting out key net zero research and innovation challenges for the UK over the next 5 to 10 years.
Working with UK parliamentarians and devolved administrations
There are many ways in which research is used in parliament – from scrutinising legislation and policy to debating issues of the day and helping people in the constituency.
- Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST) provides impartial, balanced and peer reviewed analysis of new and emerging research to all those working in Parliament.
- UK Parliament Knowledge Exchange Unit supports the exchange of information and expertise between researchers and Parliament.
- Calls for evidence or experts – a searchable list of current inquiries and legislative scrutiny, with information on which committee is running the inquiry and its scope.
- Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe): the Scottish Parliament’s internal research centre provides factual, timely information and analysis to members and parliament staff.
- Senedd Cymru Welsh Parliament: the Senedd works with a wide range of individuals and groups to undertake scrutiny of policy and legislation, while Senedd Research provides a research and information service to members and parliament staff.
What Works Centres
The What Works Network uses evidence to improve decision-making and the design and delivery of public and community services.
Economics Observatory
The Economics Observatory provides balanced and reliable answers, in an accessible and engaging way, to the economic questions of Covid-19 and its aftermath.
Understanding policy
Transforming social policy
Our Transforming Social Policies report gives researchers insights into how policymaking processes work and shows how longitudinal studies can help with policy formation, evaluation and professional practice. It proposes new ways for researchers and policymakers to work together to tackle challenging social, economic and health problems.
Designing public policy
The government’s Public Policy Design blog looks at how multidisciplinary policy design teams are reshaping how public policy is made.
Impact resources and views
Writing for a policy audience
We’ve produced a short guide to writing for a policy audience, which takes you through the principles of how and why to shape your research in a way that’s accessible to audiences such as ministers, civil servants, think tanks, charities, and other bodies.
ESRC Impact Toolkit
A toolkit for social science researchers applying for and receiving funding from the Economic and Social Research Council. It defines impact, sets out the principles to be aware of when applying for funding, and gives advice and guidance on impact statements. Plus communication tips for getting your research across to your target audience.
What works in using evidence?
Innovation foundation Nesta’s Engaging with evidence toolkit covers “how to utilise, synthesise, scrutinise, and engage with evidence and expertise for policy development”.
Communicating research for evidence-based policymaking
This EU guide for researchers in socio-economic sciences and humanities offers practical advice on establishing communications between researchers and policymakers. It is specifically tailored to those involved in EU-funded socio-economic research.
Writing and presenting statistics
The Government Analysis Function provides guidance on writing about statistics.
Public engagement
UK Research and Innovation provides information about its own public engagement, and guidance on engaging the public with your own research.
Perspectives on research impact
LSE Impact Blog
A platform for understanding and increasing the impact of research.
Capabilities in Academic Policy Engagement
CAPE is a knowledge exchange and research project that explores how to support effective and sustained engagement between academics and policy professionals.
Data Impact Blog
The UK Data Service’s Impact Blog is for researchers, students, communities, policy-makers, government and anyone interested in maximising the impact of social, population and economic data in research and policy.