The annual Impact Prize is an opportunity to recognise and reward WGSSS student researchers who have created or enabled outstanding impact.
Applications are invited from current WGSSS student researchers who can show that their project has, or will have, a real, demonstrable benefit for people, organisations, communities, or wider society, in line with the ESRC definition of impact
Entries should show a clear, evidenced impact consistent with the ESRC definition:
- Impact must be a demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to society and the economy, including benefits to individuals, organisations, or nations.
- Impact may be academic, economic, or societal, provided the contribution is clearly evidenced.
Submissions should demonstrate at least one of the ESRC-recognised impact types:
- Instrumental impact – influencing policy, practice, services, legislation, or behaviour.
- Conceptual impact – reframing debates, enhancing understanding of issues.
- Capacity building – developing technical or personal skills among participants, users, or communities.
For the purposes of the WGSSS Impact Competition, ‘impact’ can include:
An effect on, change or benefit to society and the economy. This includes a positive change on the activity, awareness, behaviour, capacity, opportunity, performance, policy, practice, process or understanding of key beneficiaries.
The positive academic contribution that excellent research can make to the understanding and advancement of scientific method or theory across disciplines. For instance, applicants could submit an application based on their PhD research, an OIV (Overseas Institutional Visit), or a special project such as a cross-institutional collaboration.
Beneficiaries of impact can be:
- A non-academic audience, community, constituency, organisation or individuals.
- An academic audience, community, or consortium.
- Based locally, regionally, or internationally. Although WGSSS students must be registered at a WGSSS University to be eligible for this competition, their impact can take place anywhere in the UK and overseas.
What are the benefits of applying?
By applying, you’ll be able to:
- Strengthen your ability to recognise and explain the impact of your research
- Take time to appreciate the meaningful contributions you’re making
- Enter for a chance to win £500 to deliver your impact, or build upon it, depending on which category you enter
Who is eligible to apply?
WGSSS-funded Student Researchers who are still within the funded period of their award are eligible to apply.
