Impact Workshop (12): Research + Impact = Dentistry+

Abstract:

The recent Research Excellence Framework 2014 included Impact case studies as part of the return and these contributed 20% to the overall score. Since REF2014, the Higher Education Funding Council has reported on their findings and there has been independent analysis of the case studies. The general consensus was that the impact case studies were a success and that they are seen as a way forward for the next REF in 2020. They will also have an increasing percentage score in the next research assessment exercise. The impact studies vary in their approach but all demonstrated that their research produced changes in health care policy. The impact studies for Dentistry are available on the Higher Education website and whilst they cover a range of topics, they also provide a narrative of the research that is currently being done. It may be argued that they provide a better source of information on how research has changed healthcare and impacted on the overall quality of life of our patients. Examples of published impact case studies in dentistry from REF2014 will be shown. Furthermore, guidance on how to put together impact case studies will be given with a view to participants writing up their own research output in a similar format.

About the Speaker:

Professor Walmsley is based at the Dental School in Birmingham, United Kingdom where he is Professor of Restorative Dentistry. As a researcher his interests include the use of ultrasonics in dentistry and this includes the ultrasonic scaler in periodontology, the use of ultrasonics in endodontics and the possible healing effects of ultrasound in repairing teeth. His present research funding includes imaging biofilm and observing its real time removal via ultrasonic instruments.

He is very active in interdisciplinary doctoral training centres at the University of Birmingham and is Graduate Director for Dentistry. He was part of the Cochrane team that reported on powered toothbrushes. He has numerous publications in high impact scientific journals to popular dental magazines. All these activities has resulted in research and advisory roles for all the major dental companies.

He teaches Prosthodontics and also contributes to course on Information Technology and Law/ethics courses. Clinically his work evolves around Prosthodontics and he leads the NHS department and production laboratories.

He is Scientific Advisor to the British Dental Association and enjoys a high profile in the media. He is a past President of the BSSPD. His international roles include President of the Association for Dental Education in Europe and he has lectured extensively around the world forming networks in America, Brazil, Chile and South East Asia.

Prof Walmsley considers himself to be an early adopter of the latest technology and this has been demonstrated by his lectures and publications on this subject. His profile is high on social media and is an influential dental spokesperson on its use.

Background on the Workshops:

Impact is a key element of the University's knowledge exchange (KE) strategy. Since 2012/13, the University Grants Committee (UGC) requires each UGC-funded institution to submit up to 5 impact case studies that are underpinned by excellent research as part of the knowledge transfer/KE annual report each year. The format is similar to the impact case study template of the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.

It is also important to note that in the Panel-Specific Assessment Criteria for the UGC RAE 2014, all the Panels included under the "Esteem" measure some elements relating to KE/technology transfer. This suggests that the next Hong Kong RAE will likely require evidence of impact and the UK experience indicates that now is the time to start collecting evidence of such impacts.

The Knowledge Exchange Office is organising workshops to be conducted by researchers who have hands-on experience in preparing impact statements and impact case studies for the UK REF 2014 or research councils overseas. The workshops will be of interest not only to colleagues who want to maximise the impact of their research, but also to those who co-ordinate research developments and research assessment in Faculties.