Research Impact Case Study

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TU Dublin Research Impact Case Study Competition – Instructions & Guidance

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The TU Dublin Research Impact Case Study Competition invites all TU Dublin researchers to showcase the real-world impact of their research. Impact extends beyond academia, influencing society, policy, the economy, industry, communities, culture, and the environment. This competition provides an opportunity to highlight, document, and celebrate research impact while aligning with TU Dublin’s research strategy. Five awards of €1000 for use as a research travel grant, aligned to the TU Dublin Research Strategy (1. Culture, Innovation, and Inclusivity in a changing society, 2. Health and Wellbeing for a Thriving Society, 3. Materials and Technologies for Sustainable Transformation, 4. Sustainable Food Systems and Environmental Protection, and 5. Transformative Digital Solutions) are on offer.

Categories of Impact

Submissions must fall into one of the following categories of impact:

1.	High-Potential	Research with strong stakeholder engagement evidence and clear pathways to impact. Demonstrates active collaboration with stakeholders. Shows early indicators of future significance.
2.	Early Impact	Research that has begun to generate tangible changes (e.g., improved processes, industry adoption, early-stage policy interest) and shows emerging evidence of impact. Includes some measurable benefits or testimonials from external stakeholder groups.
3.	Significant Impact	Research that has directly influenced societal change, policy, industry regulations, or public engagement through collaboration with stakeholders. Clear evidence including: policy citations, legislative changes, industry uptake, or significant public engagement outcomes.

Application Support

Participants can access the following resources for guidance:

TU Dublin Research Impact Framework: Offers structured guidance on defining, measuring, and communicating impact.
Watch the recording of our online information session “Preparing your submission for TU Dublin’s Research Impact Case Study Competition”.
Direct Support: Questions can be directed to Dr Gordon Cooke (Research Impact Lead) via email.

Submission & Evaluation Process

A two-stage review process will involve a mixed panel (internal and external members) shortlisting top entries using the matrix below, with final winners selected by the Awards Decision Board, which will be chaired by the Vice President for Research & Innovation.

Submit your case study by email to engagementandimpact@tudublin.ie with the subject line “Research Impact Case Study Awards” by 5pm July 4^th 2025. Only one submission is permitted per research project.

Entries will be evaluated using a structured matrix (see below) based on:

Choosing the appropriate category for your stage of impact.
Demonstrating within your impact case study its alignment with the MANDATORY components for that specific category.
Demonstrating within the impact case study its alignment with two of the six OPTIONAL components for that specific category.

Key Dates

Competition Launch: April 30^th 2025
Submission Deadline: 5pm July 4^th 2025
Winners Announced: Annual Research & Innovation Awards Night, November 3^rd 2025

Template for Research Impact Case Study

Please use the headings in the table below.
It should be written in plain accessible English.
The word count provided is a guide but not a limit.
Can include 1-3 high-quality images (e.g., data visualisation, research outcomes, engagement activities). Please ensure GDPR and copyright compliance.

HEADING	WORD COUNT GUIDANCE	GUIDANCE
Title of Case Study	10 words	A clear, engaging title that captures the essence of the impact.
Researcher(s)	N/A	Names hyperlinked to TU Dublin PURE profiles.
Faculty & School	N/A	Hyperlinked to respective webpages.
Research Hub/Centre	N/A	Hyperlinked to relevant research hub/centre webpage.
Keywords	5 words	Use key terms related to research and impact focus.
New or Updated Case Study	N/A	Indicate if this is a new submission or an update to a previous case study published by TU Dublin.
Summary of the Impact	150-200 words	A concise, non-technical summary explaining the impact, its stakeholders, and why it matters.
Research Description	250-300 words	Explain the research underpinning the impact, including key findings, methodologies, and level of engagement with stakeholders.
Description of the Impact	350-400 words	Detail how the research has created change. Include who benefited, how it was achieved, and the scale of impact.
SDG Goals Contribution	Max 100 words	Specify which UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targets and indicators the research aligns with and how.
Evidence/Sources to Corroborate Research Impact	150-200 words	Provide tangible evidence such as data, testimonials, media mentions, citations, industry uptake, or policy influence.
Research References	N/A	List relevant research publications and supporting documents (excluded from word limit).

Why Enter the TU Dublin Research Impact Case Study Competition?

Visibility – Selected submissions will be published on the TU Dublin Research Impact Case Study webpage.
Recognition – Shortlisted entries will be acknowledged at the Annual Research & Innovation Awards.
Stronger Impact Narratives – Enhance your ability to articulate impact for funding, promotion, and engagement.
Expert Support – Access guidance, tools, and direct advice from the Research Impact Lead.

Instructions for Applicants

Before writing your impact case study, ensure you have correctly selected the category (High-Potential, Early Impact, Significant Impact) that best reflects your research’s stage of impact. If the reviewing committee determines the category is not appropriate, your application may not progress to the next stage.
Applicants should use the matrix to understand how the reviewing panel determines the award winners and to ensure their case studies address the required elements.
Review the MANDATORY headings and descriptions within that impact category and ensure your submitted case study aligns with the description.
Review the OPTIONAL headings and descriptions within your chosen impact category and ensure your submitted case study aligns with the description. When submitting your case study, ensure to list your 2 preferred optional headings for which you want your impact case study to be assessed under.
Applicants should ensure that their impact case study is clearly supported by evidence.
The more specific and verifiable the evidence, the more likely it is to meet or exceed the standard indicated in the rubric.
Scoring will be based on the reviewing committee’s understanding of the evidence provided by the applicant.