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This research on deinstitutionalisation and high quality community-based services has helped transform the political and public debate, informing the management of services and improving the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by changing the practices and attitudes of staff. It has led to people leading more active and fulfilling lives and experiencing more choice and control. These impacts have reached far beyond the UK, extending to Ireland, Central and Eastern Europe, Australia and elsewhere.
This research into rich donors in the UK has impacted on the policies of both governmental and non-governmental bodies. Government policy shapes and incentivises philanthropic behaviour (e.g. through tax incentives), whilst charity sector bodies influence philanthropic norms and build trust: both have used this research to guide their policy and practice. Examples include the influence of the research on the content of the UK Government's Giving White Paper (2011); the decision to abandon the proposed cap on charity tax relief (2012 Budget); and the work of bodies who promote fundraising and philanthropy, for example, the Institute of Fundraising, Philanthropy UK and Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).
This group of four research studies has improved access to education in schools and higher education (inter)nationally through changes to policy and practice:
a) a study of online construction of men and women in science, engineering and technology resulted in a practical toolkit that has informed gender equality in online media;
b) the recommendations of an investigation into support needs of parent students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have informed national policy and practice;
c) material contribution to others' work resulted in development of culturally appropriate pedagogical practices in New Zealand secondary schools and raised Māori students' achievement;
d) research syntheses impacted on teacher professional development in special needs education.
The research of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence (ICSR) has had an impact on approaches to counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation, primarily in the United Kingdom but also in the European Union, United States of America, and Australia. The research has informed stakeholder thinking and aspects of policy in all these countries in relation to both Islamist-related terrorism and other forms of extremism (such as the far-right). It has also informed some specific changes to UK government policy.
Research on the anatomy, physiology and palaeoecology of pterosaurs by the Palaeobiology Group at Portsmouth University has had a wide and acknowledged impact, underpinning the creation and production of block-buster and pioneering television and film productions worldwide. The impact of this work is recognised by Sir David Attenborough, and by the producers of such TV successes as Walking With Dinosaurs and Flying Monsters 3D. These award-winning productions, highlighting our work, have reached a global audience and supported the generation of millions of pounds by the UK TV and film industry. Whilst the income generated is highly significant, perhaps their greatest impact lies in fostering a positive view of science, particularly in young audiences, by bringing cutting-edge evolutionary science direct to the World's film and TV screens.