SETU Research, Innovation and Impact (RII) is running its second annual Impact Case Study Competition to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work of SETU researchers whose work has made a demonstrable impact. Researchers are invited to submit an impact case study to demonstrate how their work has influenced society, policy, industry, health, the environment, or other sectors. Describing the impact of their research to an external, non-specialist audience.
What is an Impact Case Study?
Impact Case Studies document and showcase how research has benefited society, beyond academia. They describe the research findings, the stakeholders involved, how the research has been taken up and used and, the resulting impact on society, policy, or industry. Explore examples of SETU research impact case studies on the SETU Impact Webpage.
The 2026 Impact Case Study Competition Information Webinar will be delivered by Dr Saoirse Cummins on Friday 20 March 2026 from 1:00-1:45 (online). The webinar will outline the competition categories, template, timeline, and resources available to provide researchers with an in-depth understanding of how to write an impact case study.
Researchers are welcome to book a 1:1 session to brainstorm or develop their impact case study. An opportunity for further feedback is also provided in advance of final submissions on 19 June 2026.
Entries will be evaluated based on significance, reach, and evidence of impact. All submissions will be showcased to celebrate the impact achieved and inspire future research-driven change.
Competition winners will receive prizes of up to €1,000 research or travel grants.
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:
Open to submissions of impact case studies from any area/discipline where research has contributed to society, for example in healthcare, the economy, the environment, education, industry, social care, arts or community development etc.
- Winner: €1,000 research or travel grant.
- Runner-up: €500 research or travel grant.
Early Career Researcher (ECR):
The Early Career Researcher (ECR) category is open to researchers (including postgraduate research students) who are within five years of completing their PhD, from any area/discipline. Submissions describing potential, emerging, or early-stage impact are encouraged and will be assessed with consideration of career stage and impact development.
- Prize: €1,000 research or travel grant.
Policy Impact:
An award category for impact case studies demonstrating influence on government decision-making or policy, including policy development, change, or implementation.
Researchers can use Overton, the world’s largest searchable database of policy documents, to identify and evidence their policy impact. To access Overton, visit https://app.overton.io/ui/start and register using your SETU email address.
- Prize: €1,000 research or travel grant.
An Overton Introductory Session will be delivered by Ellie Downes, Product Support Specialist at Overton, on 16 April 2026, providing a clear understanding of Overton’s data and how it can support you in discovering and evidencing your policy impact.
Overton Introduction Session registration: https://forms.office.com/e/Tvd18Y64eV
Technology Transfer category:
This category accepts submissions describing innovations or technological developments, including those undertaken in collaboration with industry partners, that have made significant contributions to technological advancement. Submissions may also include research that is being considered for commercialisation.
All submissions will be considered for University Intellectual Property (IP) protection, and the winner of this category may be nominated by SETU for the 2027 ASTP Impact Awards.
- Prize: €1,000 research or travel grant.
Competition timeline
| SETU Impact Case Study Competition - timeline | |
| 20 March 2026 | Webinar introducing the competition |
| 1 May 2026 | Submission of draft impact case studies for feedback |
| 19 June 2026 | Submission of finalised impact case studies |
| September 2026 | Competition winners announced! |
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 attend the Impact Case Study Competition Information Webinar on 20 March 2026 from 1:00pm–1:45pm, please register here.
While we could encourage interested parties to register, a recording of the webinar will be provided if you are unable to attend.
All draft and final submissions must be sent to [email protected] using the template in Word format according to the timelines indicated.
For any queries about the competition or writing an impact case study, please contact Dr Saoirse Cummins, Engaged research and Impact Officer via [email protected]
Please note that resubmissions of case studies from last year’s competition are not eligible.
Upcoming Impact and Engaged Research Events
Dr Saoirse Cummins will hold a series of Impact and Engaged Research events over the coming weeks. You can find details of each event via the links below:
20 March 2026, 1:00pm-1:45pm (Online): Impact Case Study Competition Webinar.
24 March 2026, 9.30am-12.30pm, Cork Road Campus, Waterford: ENGAGED Open Research Roadmap Roadshow.
13 April 2026, 1:00pm-2:00pm (Online): Is your research influencing policy? Overton Index Introduction Session.
20 April 2026, 12:00pm-2:00pm (Online): Walcott Communications - Your Journey: From Research to Impact.
SETU's Research Impact case study competition is funded by TU RISE, co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.
