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Research carried out by Dr Helen Mason, University of Cambridge, on solar space projects such as SoHO, Hinode and the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), led to increased public interest in astronomy, space science, physics and mathematics, and has inspired school students to study science subjects, which should ultimately enhance the UK's technical and scientific expertise. This impact was achieved via sustained engagement activities including public lectures, work with the media and the Sun|trek project. Sun|trek (www.suntrek.org) is an educational website informed by Dr Mason's research targeted at UK teachers and school students about the Sun and its effect on the Earth's environment. Sun|trek also attracted a large user base in the USA, Australia, India and worldwide.
The Space & Atmospheric Physics (SPAT) group's magnetometer laboratory at Imperial has developed a small and lightweight magnetic field instrument intended to be flown on future generations of extremely small satellites or planetary landers. The instrument will be used for planetary research or plasma physics in the space environment, and also has application for attitude determination on satellites in Earth-orbit, by comparison with the geomagnetic field (`digital compass'). In 2010 Imperial Innovations granted Satellite Services Ltd (now the SSBV Aerospace and Technology Group) an exclusive 3-year license to market the design for the commercial satellite sector. Satellite Services have sold seven units (circa. € 10,000 per unit) with further commercial sales anticipated in the coming years. Sales of the device have contributed significantly to SSBV's company turnover, indicating the economic impact of the SPAT group's research.
Two books and review/research articles in Italian have disseminated the findings from the underpinning research on creating false autobiographical memories and the dangers of inadequate interviewing techniques. This work has critically increased awareness in the Italian legal system amongst both barristers and judges, to the point of shaping the practice of interviewing witnesses in that country. It has also informed all verdicts on child sexual abuse by the Supreme Court of Cassation.
In 2008-2009 the UK was subject to legal infraction proceedings at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for allegedly failing to implement the European Union's Urban Waste-water Treatment Directive (UWWTD). Research by the Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, Hull (IECS) for the Environment Agency (EA)/Defra provided evidence to the UK Government for its defence against these allegations. The research consisted of:
- literature/data reviews and collection and analysis of critical evidence from the Humber.
- co-ordinating workshops and convening an expert panel of sufficient authoritative academic opinion to counteract the European Court of Justice allegations.
In December 2009 the European Court of Justice ruled in favour of the UK. Our research therefore helped to save very significant, unnecessary capital investment in nutrient removal technology for sewage treatment nationally and in the Yorkshire and Humber region especially. The UK government thus avoided the possibility of major European Commission fines of up to €703,000 per day, or €256m per annum, for infraction of the Urban Water-water Treatment Directive [1].
This case study focuses on the development and usage of self-help material designed to aid people in feeling and performing better. It has achieved impact through raising awareness via mass media and professional outlets. Research informed self-help materials are available for open access via media links, academic organisations, service organisations (NHS), commercial organisations (London Marathon), national governing bodies (Research Councils), and professional bodies (British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences). An on-line project, run in conjunction with BBC Lab UK, developed and tested self-help interventions with 75,000 users each receiving personalised feedback from former Olympian Michael Johnson.
Work by University of Stirling staff has contributed directly to improved wildlife resource management in the Central African region. Innovative research into the status and trends of key wildlife populations, ecological impacts, resource harvests and trade, drivers of resource use and assessing management success have contributed directly to new thinking on the issue, revisions of laws and policy and to success in attracting foreign aid for management issues. Stirling staff members now advise the Government of Gabon on resource management policies, National Park management and biodiversity issues.
Nu Instruments is a successful mass spectrometer company set up in collaboration with geochemists at the University of Oxford. This joint effort was initially based around the development of a new kind of mass spectrometer; the Nu Plasma. Subsequent research in the UoA demonstrated the capabilities of this instrument for analysis of a large range of isotope systems, leading to its widespread use in geochemical and industrial laboratories around the world. Research in the UoA also aided in creation of new products, further contributing to growth in sales. Nu Instruments have sold over 150 instruments worldwide since 2008, while their turnover grew from £5.2M to £14.7M, and their employee numbers more than doubled to 105.
Research on the environmental safety and toxicity of nanomaterials in fishes has had a global impact across both government and industry contributing to:
(i) Consensus building on biological effects allowing regulatory agencies/governments to make proper decisions on the hazard of nanomaterials to farmed fish and wildlife.
(ii) Critical evaluation of the internationally agreed process of toxicity testing to determine whether the current legislative test methods are fit for purpose and acceptable to the aquaculture industry.
(iii) Identification of national/international research priorities and policies via work with the OECD and the US Government.
(iv) Influencing government policy to support training and information for industry.
Pioneering research at the University of Chichester lead by Professor Harris provided in 2006 first evidence on the effectiveness of beta-alanine supplementation in augmenting carnosine content in human skeletal muscle. Subsequent studies demonstrated the performance-enhancing effect of beta-alanine supplementation, particularly in high-intensity exercise. The research was exploited by a US company through a number of worldwide patents based on Harris' work achieving sales and license revenues of $4.8M in 2013 fiscal year alone. Beta-alanine supplementation has emerged as a legal means to enhance performance taken up at amateur and elite level sport worldwide; it is having global impact on the sports nutrition industry.
This case study illustrates the development of novel research materials designed to improve quality of life and performance in different populations. Impact has been achieved through the use of research findings in professional practice, formulation of health-related policies and in the development of new indicators of health and well-being. RCSEP research has been used by international and national health-service organisations (e.g., European League Against Rheumatism, Evidence NHS), industrial establishments (e.g., ArtEZ Conservatoire, Netherlands; Royal Ballet), national governing bodies (British Heart Foundation), and professional bodies (e.g., Dance UK, International Association of Dance Medicine & Science).