The British Academy is developing a new evidence base to draw together and showcase the value and impact of research across the SHAPE (Social sciences, humanities and the arts) disciplines. We know that a great deal of valuable and interesting work is already taking place across the sector, and this initial call is intended to help bring that evidence together rather than add to people’s workloads.
The SHAPE Research Evidence Hub will bring together examples of research that demonstrate how SHAPE disciplines contribute to economic growth, innovation, better public policy, stronger communities, improved wellbeing, and cultural enrichment. It forms part of a wider Academy project to strengthen the evidence base for research, supporting a deeper understanding of the value generated by public investment in research and development.
We are inviting you to submit to this project’s call for evidence. To do so, please follow the link to this form: Call for evidence: SHAPE Research Evidence Hub – Fill in form.
We would be grateful if you could share examples of research that demonstrate the value, relevance and impact of your work. This might include work that has influenced policy, informed practice, supported innovation, generated economic benefits, strengthened communities, enhanced cultural life, or improved public understanding of important issues.
We are not asking contributors to undertake substantial new work. Where possible, we encourage the submission of material that can be readily adapted into the template provided.
We would also be grateful if you could circulate this call through your own networks if you deem it appropriate to do so. We are keen to reach the widest possible range of organisations, researchers and practitioners, and welcome submissions from across the SHAPE community.
The call for evidence will remain open until Friday 18 September 2026.
Submitted evidence will be reviewed by the British Academy and contribute to a growing evidence base demonstrating the value and impact of SHAPE research.
This evidence will inform the development of an open access hub to be used in wider advocacy and communications activities. Publication of the evidence hub is expected later in 2026.
While it may not be possible to feature every submission directly within the evidence hub, all evidence received will help strengthen our understanding of the contributions SHAPE research makes across society, culture, policy and the economy.
We will keep all contact details confidential and will contact you (permissions allowing) before publishing any examples.
Thanks in advance for your support. We look forward to receiving any examples you may wish to share with us as we work to showcase the impact of SHAPE research across the UK.