During the summer 2023, the School ran the first edition of the Graduate Impact Assistant (GIA) Scheme, funded by the Research Culture Fund, Research England. Run on a competitive basis and drawing on a previous successful pilot undertaken within the English Department, the Scheme aimed to support impact projects while helping PGRs acquire an understanding as well as practical experience of impact, and develop impact-related skills.
Five impact projects were matched with seven PGR students. Project activities included digitally mapping the Liverpool City Region’s live music sector (Dr Matthew Flynn), improving mental health through the arts (Prof Josie Billington and Prof Katia Balabanova), engaging with a diverse public to enhance knowledge and understanding of the importance of landscape heritage (Prof Luca Csepely-Knorr), promoting visitation to heritage sites through exploration of texts and their links to venues (Prof Jill Rudd), and preserving heritage, enhancing access and supporting cultural tourism through virtual exhibitions (Dr Giamila Quattrone).
Digital map of Liverpool live music venues
Visitors exploring Harat al-Bilad, Manah virtual exhibition at RIBA North as part of ArCHIAM 10-year celebration events
Before the start of the activities, the GIAs received a combination of synchronous and asynchronous impact training: a bespoke introductory session to impact, an interactive workshop on public engagement evaluation, and self-paced training via the HSS Impact Training Module on Canvas. As part of the activities, the GIAs provided support in helping organise and run public engagement events like seminars and exhibitions, evaluate and capture the reach and depth of existing impact, analyse the results of evaluation surveys, write reports and news items, draft and publish event-specific web pages and social media posts.
Feedback on the Scheme was extremely positive. GIAs greatly valued their experience with Project Leads and unanimously appreciated the Scheme as a professional and personal development opportunity, which helped them strengthen their time management, interpersonal and communication skills, and experience how research connects with real-life problems and benefits society. Project Leads appreciated the training offering and equally valued their experience with the GIAs.
Dr Giamila Quattrone, School of the Arts Impact Lead, who led the delivery of the Scheme, said, “We are extremely happy with the outcomes of the first edition of the GIA Scheme, which sets a unique precedent within our Faculty. The Scheme has proven to be an excellent, cost-effective mechanism of support in delivering high-quality impact work, strengthening the School’s research impact culture and enhancing our excellent portfolio of non-academic partners – from businesses to cultural and heritage venues, from third sector organisations to health care providers and government.”
With thanks to Dr Giamila Quattrone, Impact Lead, Professor Soumyen Bandyopadhyay, Associate Dean for Research, Nathan Yearsley, Research & Impact Team Leader, and Joe Sheridan, Research & Impact Team PGR Administrator, for their support and delivery of the programme.