Research Impact

Grant Writer's Handbook

DO NOT focus too much on past outcomes. A track record of success is important (and is worth mentioning) but the case for the impact of your proposed research should be primarily forward-looking.

When making the case for the impact of your work, DO NOT just tell a story about how industry or society may be different in the future because of your research. It is important to be able to make the case for the ‘pathway to impact’ – how the new knowledge generated by your work will be translated into the economy or society and, where appropriate, who will take the knowledge generated by your research to the next stage on its journey along this pathway.

DO describe any planned dissemination efforts or knowledge exchange activities with users or beneficiaries. This will give reviewers greater confidence in the likelihood of your research work’s potential impact being achieved.

DO give information about who will be engaged in knowledge exchange activities, including any relevant expertise or career experience that would enhance the effectiveness of communication with users and other beneficiaries of your research.

Remember that for many funding agencies, impact is not just about economic impact and knowledge transfer to firms. DO highlight any impact which can make a difference to society, including the health and wellbeing of people as well as contributions to the quality of the nation’s cultural life.

Where appropriate, DO distinguish between the impact of your proposed research on your local national economy and society, and the wider impacts on the global economy and wellbeing of people generally. The extent to which the value of your research can be captured by your nation may be an important final consideration in the decision to fund your research.

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