This report, commissioned by the British Academy and Academy of Social Sciences, highlights the tangible impact of the UK’s SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy) research on the wellbeing of society, culture, and the economy through a collection of case studies.
Drawing from the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF21) Impact Case Study (ICS) dataset, the report highlights powerful examples of the contribution of SHAPE research to cultural and societal wellbeing and economic prosperity in the UK. Crucially, “The SHAPE of Research Impact” demonstrates how:
- SHAPE research is bolstering UK expertise and strength in areas of competitive advantage
- SHAPE research is tackling societal challenges
- SHAPE research helps to understand people and empower communities here in the UK
- SHAPE research spreads beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries to create impact
- SHAPE research is a smart investment, with impact providing value for money
Download the report
‘The SHAPE of Research Impact’ report has an accompanying online dashboard which can be used by policymakers and the higher education sector to explore the value of SHAPE research both in the UK and globally. Researchers at the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science were commissioned by the British Academy and Academy of Social Sciences to produce the report and accompanying dashboard.