Research Impact: Engineering Sciences

The primary goal of research is to create both theoretical and practical contributions that advance the scientific community and benefit society at large. The concept of research impact encompasses various interpretations. The Research Impact Academy describes it as the ways research can enhance public services and policies, improve quality of life and health, and generate economic gains. Similarly, the National Science Foundation views research impact as any positive transformation in areas like the economy, society, culture, public policy, services, health, environment, or overall quality of life. At its core, research impact is about generating beneficial effects, although these effects can differ significantly across disciplines, making it a complex metric to quantify.

Types of impact:

• Academic: introducing new theories, methods and data within a specific field.
• Cultural and Social: contributes to peoples’ understanding of ideas and the environment they live.
• Economic: influence on business and economic growth.
• Education: creates new possibilities for learning and training.
• Political: influence on policy making.
• Health and Wellbeing: new developments in medicine and treatment.
• Environmental: contributes to environment protection.
• Technological: creates new technological advancements.

Considering the impact of your research is crucial for several reasons

• Enhancing Research Relevance and Value
• Attracting Grants and Investments
• Improve Academic and Professional Standing
• Fostering Collaborations
• Improving Practices and Innovations

Like nuclear energy, the impact factor is a mixed blessing. I expected it to be used constructively while recognizing that in the wrong hands it might be abused.” - Eugene Garfield, “Journal Impact Factor: A Brief Review”