The SHAPE of Research Impact – new report from AcSS and BA

The Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS) and the British Academy (BA) have launched a new collaborative report.  

The SHAPE of Research Impact draws on impact case studies from the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF21) dataset to offer fresh insights on how Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy (SHAPE) contribute to the wellbeing of society and underlines that SHAPE research is an investment in innovation, in people and in places. 

Based on analysis of impact case studies from REF 2021, the report underlines that SHAPE research is an investment in innovation, in people and in places. An outstanding array of impact is created across SHAPE subjects and through collaborative research with other disciplines. The report shows that:

• SHAPE research is bolstering UK expertise and strength in areas of competitive advantage
• SHAPE research is tackling societal challenges
• SHAPE research helps to understand people and empower communities here in the UK
• SHAPE research spreads beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries to create impact
• SHAPE research is a smart investment, with impact providing value for money.