Research impact

Research Impact is defined as a demonstrable effect, change or benefit that excellent research makes to the economy, health, quality of life, policy, society, culture and our environment beyond academia. At Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), our commitment to the Common Good is realised through our applied research which addresses three major societal challenges of inclusive societies, healthy lives and sustainable environments. We recognise that research impact can be generated at any stage in the research lifecycle and may even be a precursor to stimulating new avenues of research

The impact of our research on the wider world has achieved recognition through the Research Excellence Framework (REF),and most recently through our alignment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we were ranked 43rd in the world for social impact in the Times Higher Impact rankings 2020

Research Impact and COVID-19

COVID-19 has laid bare not only the health challenges but wider social and economic challenges, and even injustices, faced by communities and societies. Therefore, as the University for the Common Good, the pandemic has only reinforced Glasgow Caledonian’s commitment to the SDGs. That commitment is demonstrated here through the many, and multi-disciplinary, contributions of our research community to addressing COVID-19 and its wider implications

Our approach to impact at GCU

Here at the GCU we understand that research impact happens through the process of knowledge exchange, dissemination of research findings, research translation, and co-production of knowledge where ideas are developed with individuals, stakeholders, and organisations to put ideas into practice. Our research excellence is focused within our internationally recognised research centres which form an interdisciplinary platform to generate impact by engaging with and influencing people, communities and organisations in order to change and benefit policy, practice, and the economy.