Organiser: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) & National Research Foundation (NRF)

Its purpose is to allow attendees to gain a deeper understanding of how investment in RIs can lead to socio-economic impact, including examples of differing approaches to realising societal benefits and suggestions for best practice. Attendees will hear from a varied selection of speakers from Europe and South Africa and will have the chance to explore the themes further in moderated panel sessions. The session will include links to regional, national and international impact, as well as important points to consider when communicating impact along with examples of impact evaluation. The talks will be split into 2 sessions:

1. What are the societal contributions of RIs and how can the range of impacts and benefits be measured?
2. How can socio-economic contributions be prioritised when developing and/or using RIs?

After each session, there will be an open panel discussion on two related topics:

1. Why is measuring and communicating the socio-economic impact of RIs important? And what are the challenges thereof?
2. How can we best ensure that the socio-economic benefits are embedded into RI planning and exploitation to support science?

During these panel discussions, the floor will be open electronically for audience feedback and suggestions.

Speakers:

• Dr Katharine Robertson, Head of Campus Development, Daresbury Laboratory, STFC
• Ms Isabelle Boscaro-Clarke, Diamond Light Source, STFC (TBC)
• Dr Adrian Tiplady, Deputy Managing Director Strategy & Partnerships, SARAO
• Mr Sivuyile Manxoyi, Manager Collateral Benefits Programme, SAAO
• Dominik Sobczak, Deputy Head of Unit, European Commission
• Dr Carla Sharpe, SKA-SA
• Prof Melvin Hoare, University of Leeds

Additional information:

STFC Daresbury Laboratory - https://stfc.ukri.org/innovation/locations/sci-tech-daresbury
Diamond Light Source & Technopolis impact study - https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Home/News/LatestNews/2021/26-05-21.html  
Square Kilometer Array (SKA) - https://www.sarao.ac.za
Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) - https://www.salt.ac.za  
The DARA Project - www.dara-project.org
The DARA Big Data Project - https://www.darabigdata.com

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