Summary of the impact

Complex and adaptive socio-ecological systems (consisting of a `bio-geo-physical unit' and its associated social actors) are critically important to our well-being and economic prosperity. Urbanisation, in particular habitat fragmentation and loss, affects the services provided by ecosystems — which have been consistently undervalued in decision making. Socio-ecological systems research at the University of Salford, in partnership with communities, landowners, local authorities, governments, environment and planning agencies, voluntary sector organisations, and their service users, is focused on providing leadership in:

• Developing improvements in the management of ecosystems;
• Enhancing capacity for valuing ecosystems in policy and decision making mechanisms;
• Developing innovative methods of implementing green infrastructure frameworks.

Summary of the impact

University of Huddersfield research into corpus stylistics has led to the development of Language Unlocked, a consultancy service that uses linguistic methodologies and interpretative procedures to help public, private, third-sector and non-governmental organisations. Language Unlocked has informed clients' strategic decision-making, communicated their organisational strategies and assisted them in realising long-term goals. Beneficiaries have included Britain's unions, which have reassessed their communications policies; the Green Party, which has revised its policies, manifestos and communications; and a major chemical company, which increased its visibility as a result of carefully worded advertising.

Summary of the impact

Holliday's research is at the core of paradigm change in intercultural communication. For this reason it has provided a conceptual underpinning for the design and writing of the new syllabus for English language teacher education proposed by the Chinese National Institute of Education Sciences. Holliday was invited to use his research to write the part of this syllabus which describes teacher knowledge and methodology necessary for recognising the cultural contribution of school students in learning English.

This research has also increased the intercultural awareness of English language educators in Asia and Central America through a range of seminars, workshops and internet material, and has produced a textbook which has carried this awareness to university students in the humanities and social sciences in a range of countries.

Summary of the impact

The research of Professor Paul Simpson and Dr Joan Rahilly has informed and enhanced the broader awareness and understanding of English language in the context of secondary level education in Northern Ireland, and has had particular influence on both clinical and developmental assessment of language use. The end users who have benefited from this research include (i) schools, colleges and lifelong learning, (ii) health and well-being agencies, and (iii) voluntary organisations and charities. The main achievements can be summarised as:

• an increased awareness among teachers of the principles of variation in language
• an increased receptiveness among communities of interest to Northern Ireland's numerous accent and dialect differences
• the development of pedagogical tools for understanding patterns in both spoken and written language
• a set of formal links between QUB, the Council for the Curriculum, the Education Boards and individual schools and teachers
• an established forum for the provision of training in response to changes in the English language curriculum
• an established relationship between QUB and professional speech therapists, with demonstrable impact on clinical protocols in Northern Ireland
• a developing set of formal links with clinicians and parents involved in, or connected to, Belfast's autism community