Dear all,
I've recently been pondering the 'pathway to impacts' section of NERC funding applications (I'm sure there are equivalent sections in other RC apps; NERC is just the body I am familiar with). From discussing with colleagues/friends (scientists) this is a section that proposal writers struggle with, and thus is often something of an afterthought, which is a shame. I don't think a well thought-ought science project would be made, or broken by its PtI, but it seems a shame that the opportunity for funding for impact strategies isn't made the most of.
A key issue seems to that the scientists (who have concieved the project and are writing the proposal) lack existing experience/network of contacts with people who understand the best strategies to achieve impact. This is especially true for early-stage researchers (like myself) who are writing fellowship apps, working in fields that are more 'blue-skies' in subject matter (e.g. I'm less likely to have had industry contacts). Thus we have some enthusiasm, and vague ideas of trying to increase impact of our work, but also sneaking suspicion that our approach might be naive and ineffective. This make PtI feel like a burden, rather than an opportunity.
I am wondering if there is any scope/enthusiasm for trying to set up a sort-of one-stop-shop 'matchmaking' scheme between scientists, and science policy and science communication people, to feed in at the grant proposal writing stages. E.g. scientist had a project idea, goes to website, uploads short list of their envisaged impact areas (perhaps these could be broadly pre-defined...?); sci policy/sci comm peeps interested in to areas get email notification, and if they want they can contact scientists with expression of interest of being involved in helping develop PtI on a way that achieves ends. As there is grant budget available, this wouldn't need to be completely altruistic on part of the second person!
This is just a vague idea in my head, so I wanted to test out people reactions. It just seems silly to me that this RC money isn't used effectively, especially as funding becomes more scarce...
I'd love to hear your thoughts
Thanks
Tori
---
Dr. Victoria Herridge
Department of Palaeontology
Natural History Museum
London
SW7 5BD
tel. +44 (0)20 7942 5477
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skype: victoriaherridge
follow me on Twitter: @ToriHerridge
my research: http://tinyurl.com/medidwarf
(click on the Mediterranean)
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