The extraordinary developments of the biological sciences over the past 50 years have had a major effect on our wider understanding of science, while raising complex questions around identity, responsibility and human dignity. Genetics, for example, has become an increasingly important area of philosophical research. Professor John Dupré from the University of Exeter led a project that investigated these developments, and also trained young researchers in the philosophy of biology.
Impacts included:
• Informing public policy, including through giving oral evidence to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee Inquiry into Genomic Medicine.
• Helping to develop public understanding of the biological sciences.
• Developing the University of Exeter as a major international hub for research and collaboration in the philosophy of biology, and so presenting UK-based researchers as at the forefront of debate in this crucial area of public and political concern.
The project has led to the establishment of an important network comprising six major European institutions in the field. This network is holding a series of summer schools. In addition, postgraduate workshops have drawn in students from Europe, North America and Australasia, amongst others.
Public dissemination has also been an important part of this project. Professor Dupré has given numerous radio interviews in the UK, the US and Spain, plus he has contributed interviews and discussion pieces on the internet in German, Italian and Spanish, as well as English. There have also been other public engagement activities from the project team, such as participation on a panel discussion on race at the Science Museum’s Dana Centre in London.
Further details:
http://huss.exeter.ac.uk/sociology/philosophyofbiology/
Further information:
These short overviews have been produced as an aid to understanding some of the impacts arising from arts and humanities research. The examples are taken from existing AHRC projects, ranging from small awards up to large Research Grants and Centres. They are not exhaustive; impact from research takes many forms. It can occur at any stage of the research process, from its beginning to well after the research itself has finished.
The Research Councils define impact as the demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to society and the economy. This definition accords with the Royal Charters of the Councils and with HM Treasury guidance on the appraisal of economic impact. Impact embraces all the extremely diverse ways in which research-related knowledge and skills benefit individuals, organisations and nations by:
• fostering global economic performance, and specifically the economic competitiveness of the United Kingdom
• increasing the effectiveness of public services and policy, and
• enhancing quality of life, health and creative output
These case studies offer some, but in no way all, of the diversity and variety of those impacts. They are not, however, intended as guidance on completing the Impact Requirements sections on proposals, for which you should refer to the Je-S guidance for Standard Grant proposals and Fellowship proposals.
It should also be remembered that the impacts described here will not necessarily be replicated by undertaking the same activities. The pathways to impact are as diverse and varied as the impacts themselves. These examples can, however, provide some illustration of what can be achieved.