Impact is at the heart of research at SETU, it’s about ensuring our work makes a real difference beyond academia. The Impact Case Study Competition is a fantastic opportunity for researchers to showcase how their research is driving change in society, industry, and policy. By participating, researchers not only gain recognition for their work but also help highlight the role of SETU in driving impactful, solutions-driven research. We encourage everyone to get involved and share their stories of impact.
What is an Impact Case Study?
A Research Impact Case Study documents and showcases how research has benefited society beyond academia. It highlights research findings, their influence on policy, industry, health, the environment, or other sectors, and provides evidence of real-world impact.
Why enter the competition?
This competition is an opportunity for SETU researchers to gain recognition for their work and demonstrate how their research is shaping the world around us. All submissions will be showcased to highlight the breadth of impactful research at SETU and to inspire future research-driven change.
To support researchers in preparing their submissions, expert training will be provided by Walcott Communications (UK). This includes an introduction to writing Impact Case Studies, an overview of the SETU Impact Case Study Competition template, and a dedicated feedback session before submission.
Competition categories and prizes
Submissions to the competition can be made by individual researchers showcasing their own impact, or they can be co-written by multiple researchers wishing to demonstrate their collective impact. Researchers are invited to submit case studies in one of the following categories:
Main Competition: Recognising research that has made significant contributions to society, policy, industry, or communities.
- Winner: €500 research or travel grant
- Runners-up: 2 x €300 research or travel grants
Early Career Researcher (ECR) Special Category: to postgraduate students and researchers within five years of completing their PhD.
- Prize: €300 research or travel grant
Regional Stakeholder Engagement Special Category: Showcasing research impact achieved through collaboration with regional stakeholders or addressing challenges relevant to regional enterprises.
- Prize: €300 research or travel grant
Competition timeline
8 April 2025 | Training webinar: Introduction to the competition, research impact case studies, and the SETU competition template (12:00-13:30, online via Zoom)
12 May 2025 | Submission deadline for the first draft of Impact Case Studies for feedback from Walcott Communications
22 May 2025 | General feedback session on draft Impact Case Studies (online)
20 June 2025 | Submission of finalised Impact Case Studies
September 2025 | Competition winners announced!
About the trainer
Training will be provided by Saskia Walcott, Founder and CEO of Walcott Communications (UK). With 20 years of experience in higher education, Saskia is a leading expert in research impact. Previously Head of Communications and Public Engagement at the Economic and Social Research Council (2003–2010), she has since worked with universities across the UK, Europe, South East Asia, and Australia, contributing to numerous REF impact case studies (2014 & 2021).
Impact Case Study Template
The Impact Case Study Template can be downloaded here and will be explained at the training webinar.
How to participate
To enter the competition and register for the online training session on 8 April 2025, please complete the Registration Form. If you are unable to attend on the day, a recording of the training will be made available. All draft and final submissions must be sent to [email protected] by the deadlines indicated.
For any queries about the competition or writing an Impact Case Study, please contact Dr Saoirse Cummins, SETU Impact Officer at [email protected].