Booklet A collection of REF 2021 Case Studies
This case study booklet expands on UKCDR’s recent report on how UK-funded international development research submitted to the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021*) achieves real-life impact. From analysing over 800 research case studies submitted to REF2021, UKCDR found that, in addition to benefiting the Low-and-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) they were intended for (primary benefits), many research projects also had significant positive effects in the UK and even globally (secondary benefits). This booklet presents seven (7) case studies highlighting the wide-reaching impact of international development research.
The case studies presented in this booklet evidence the positive global impact that stems from the UK’s commitment to international development research. UKCDR hopes this compilation of research case studies will encourage and inspire researchers and research partners to maximise the benefits of their work, not only in their primary research sites but also in other parts of the world.
Each case study in this booklet synthetises the following information:
- Summary: Case study overview including the leading university, thematic focus, funders, partners, and location of impact.
- Primary benefits in LMICs: Summary of the key impacts achieved in the LMIC contexts.
- Secondary benefits: Summary of additional impacts that emerged in the UK, other countries or globally.
- How secondary benefits unfolded: Description of how key findings, partnerships or lessons learned during the research process evolved leading to additional positive impact.
- Funding timeline and key milestones: Visual representation that shows ODA and non-ODA funds supporting the case study, along with key milestones relating to primary and secondary benefits.