Impact Team ⋅ Research, Partnerships and Innovation ⋅ The University of Sheffield

Host Details

About the Host
Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We’re renowned for the excellence, impact and distinctiveness of our research-led learning and teaching. The Impact Team in Research, Partnerships and Innovation helps to create and evidence impact from university research.

Host Location
Sheffield

Website
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Type of Organisation
Academic organisation

Employment Area
Higher Education/ Academia

About the Placement 

Provide a brief overview of the context that led to the need for this specific placement or project.

Researchers across the UK have to consider the ‘impact’ their research has outside academia, and the benefits it could bring to our society. This is one of the key measurable elements of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), therefore the aim of this role was to support the development and delivery of research impact at the University of Sheffield across a range of disciplines.

The role was based within the Research, Partnerships and Innovation department, working alongside Faculty Impact Managers, and researchers to help create and evidence impact from university research.

What was the most significant outcome or deliverable achieved during the placement?

Zenan worked across several projects and strands of research impact during her placement. Being able to work closely with one of our academics has allowed her to develop a strong understanding of the project, and she has been able to identify opportunities for research evidence. Due to her professional and diligent evidencing and communication, she has been able to secure several strong pieces of evidence to corroborate impact claims for a REF case study.

What was the most challenging aspect of supervising/hosting a placement, and how did you address it?

As our placement student was working across several different projects with varying deadlines, and with different academics, the most challenging aspect was probably ensuring that she was able to carry out the work across her placement hours, and was not being allocated more than she had capacity for. We had regular communication though, both via email and via in person meetings where we could catch up about her work and identify areas that may be challenging, whilst also ensuring that she was gaining valuable experience with the work assigned to her.

What tips or advice would you give to current or future host organisations interested in undertaking a placement?

I would definitely recommend the placement scheme to other organisations considering this opportunity. My main advice would be to communicate with your student regularly and get a good understanding of what skills and experience they are able to bring to your organisation, as well as considering what work they can support you with. Zenan brought a lot of initiative and insight to her work that was invaluable to our research activities.