The Research Excellence Framework was the first exercise to assess the impact of research outside of academia. Impact was defined as ‘an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia’. HEFCE

Measuring the impact that our research has on society and cultures, and being able to demonstrate this impact, has implications for future funding.

Fast track have studied the most succesful case studies from the previous REF, and published their findings in an article entitled:  10 lessons from grant proposals that led to the most significant and far-reaching impacts.

Very much worth a read for those who are looking to submit to the next REF.