Gathering evidence of impact from research support services: Examining impact in the context of the Centre for Environmental Data Analysis

Abstract

Abstract The Centre for Environmental Data Analysis (CEDA) is a provider of two major services to the environmental science community; JASMIN and the CEDA Archive. CEDA is frequently required to evidence the impact it has on researchers and wider society. However, this is challenging as there are currently no formal or standard processes for collecting impact information. To understand how CEDA could collect impact information, and to allow its users to shape this monitoring, over 500 users provided their opinions, preferences and suggestions as to how to share impact, via six focus groups and an online survey. The results suggest that whilst there was a high degree of willingness to provide impact information to CEDA there remains confusion around what ‘impact’ is. Users are keen to share impact in ways which utilize existing processes, and at times which make sense to both the research and the impact, whilst also understanding the need and purpose for sharing that information.