Report outcomes as they happen
Outputs and outcomes can be created and updated throughout the year.
This will help you to record outcomes accurately as they happen and make it easier for you to complete your submission within the deadline, particularly if you can include a persistent unique identifier.
Do not report outputs that have not been realised yet, for example publications that have been submitted to a publisher but haven’t yet been published. These can be reported in a future submission period.
Focus on quality
We are looking for high quality, concise submissions that provide strong evidence of impact. You only need to provide a brief overview for each output and the key outcomes it led to. There are 16 output sections in Researchfish but you only need to use the sections relevant to your award.
It is not about the number of outputs you attribute to your award. It is better to submit a small number of outputs with clear evidence of high value impact, than lots of outputs that are not relevant or did not generate any impact.
Think about which section is the most appropriate before creating an output and try not to duplicate information across different sections.
Focus on impact
Most sections have an impact text field. Use these sections to briefly highlight the most important impact that the output led to. Remember to include who this made a difference to, such as specific groups of people or organisations, and why it matters. You can provide links to further details or to evidence of the impact.
Do not tell us about impact you hope to achieve in the future. This can be recorded in a future submission period.
Consider the full variety of outputs, outcomes and impacts from your award, not just publications: for example, collaborations, further funding, policy influences.
Also consider all the different areas of impact your project has had: for example, societal, economic, health, cultural, environmental, policy, academic.
How others may use your reported outcomes
UKRI uses the information that you provide for a variety of purposes including:
- understanding how research and innovation strategy works and how we can shape this strategy
- demonstrating effective use of public funds
- making the case for continued investment in research and innovation
- informing future UKRI strategy and funding priorities
- celebrating success
- showcasing impact
The data you provide will be published on the Gateway to Research website and will be used for analysis and evaluation purposes, so it is important that it is accurate and complete.
Write for a general audience
We recommend that you present the information as if writing for a general audience. However, avoid just describing a list of activities undertaken.
Data will be made public
Do not include anything confidential or personal information that you do not have permission to share.
This is especially important to remember when completing any free text sections.
Refer to the award’s original objectives
What information demonstrates that the project has been successful in meeting its objectives?
What has changed because of your research?
Have there been any unanticipated outcomes?
You are not required to answer every section of the question set, only sections which are relevant to the award and what it has achieved.