Research impact is a term that is often used in the academic world, but its meaning can vary depending on who you ask. Some may define it as the influence of scientific research on society, while others may see it as the changes in behaviors, beliefs, or practices that result from scientific findings. Regardless of the specific definition, one thing is clear: research impact is an important aspect of the scientific process that cannot be ignored.
Recently, a survey was conducted to understand how social scientists perceive research impact and how they feel supported in achieving it. The results were concerning, as they revealed that many social scientists feel unsupported in their efforts to make a societal impact with their research.
The survey, conducted by the Social Science Space, a platform for social scientists to share their work and engage with the wider community, found that only 30% of social scientists feel supported by their institutions in seeking societal impact. This is a worrying statistic, as research impact is crucial for the advancement of society and the betterment of our world.
So, what exactly is research impact and why is it important? Research impact can be broadly defined as the influence that scientific research has on society. This can include changes in policies, practices, or behaviors that result from the findings of a study. In other words, research impact is the tangible and measurable outcome of scientific research that benefits society.
The importance of research impact cannot be overstated. Scientific research has the power to shape our world and improve the lives of individuals and communities. It has the potential to inform policies, change behaviors, and address societal issues. Without research impact, the findings of scientific studies would remain confined within the walls of academic institutions, and the potential for real-world change would be lost.
However, achieving research impact is not an easy task. It requires collaboration and support from various stakeholders, including academic institutions, funding agencies, policymakers, and the wider community. This is where the results of the survey become concerning. If social scientists do not feel supported in their efforts to make a societal impact, it can hinder the potential for their research to create meaningful change.
The survey also revealed that many social scientists feel pressure to publish in prestigious academic journals, rather than focusing on the societal impact of their research. This is a common issue in the academic world, where the emphasis is often placed on the quantity and prestige of publications, rather than the quality and real-world impact of the research.
To address this issue, there needs to be a shift in the academic culture. Institutions and funding agencies should prioritize and reward research impact, rather than solely focusing on publications. This will not only motivate social scientists to pursue research that has a real-world impact, but it will also encourage collaboration and engagement with the wider community.
Moreover, academic institutions should provide support and resources for social scientists to engage with policymakers and the public. This can include training programs, workshops, and funding opportunities for research that has the potential for societal impact. By doing so, institutions can create a culture that values and promotes research impact, ultimately leading to a more engaged and impactful scientific community.
In conclusion, research impact is a crucial aspect of the scientific process that should not be overlooked. It has the potential to create meaningful change in society and improve the lives of individuals and communities. However, the results of the recent survey by the Social Science Space reveal that there is a lack of support for social scientists in achieving research impact. It is time for academic institutions, funding agencies, and policymakers to prioritize and reward research impact, and for the academic culture to shift towards valuing and promoting real-world impact. Only then can we truly harness the power of scientific research to create a better world for all.
