Summary of the impact

Research conducted by Carol Holland for the Department for Transport (DfT, 2001 - 2004) contributed to a shift in public and professional attitude, stereotypes, and to revised international guidelines that recommend encouragement of self-regulation by older drivers. Furthermore, accurate pedestrian simulation methods were developed (2007 - 2010) which led to European interventions addressing the safety of older pedestrians. Improved advice to older road users has encouraged safe-mobility and social inclusion. Thus, we describe significant impact on:

• Public Policy change — encouragement of self-regulation.
• Society — attitudes and stereotypes of older drivers.
• Society — awareness and understanding of safe mobility to enable social

Summary of the impact

Research carried out at Aston University has unveiled how religious lobbies have contributed to the construction of the European Union from 1950 until today. This research has demonstrated the existence and nature of long-term relations between clergy, politicians and EU officials and has assessed the religious mobilisation in the construction of the European Union. The research has led to the following impacts: improving understanding and raising awareness of the importance of religious organisations to the European Commission; influencing, through the provision of recommendations, the strategies adopted by religious organisations when dealing with the European institutions; and enhancing public understanding on issues concerning `religion' and `faith' in the European Union.

Summary of the impact

`Cold War Modern. Design 1945-1970' (CWM) was a four-year research project exploring the impact of the cold war on modern art, architecture and design. Conceived, researched and curated as a major exhibition by Professors David Crowley and Jane Pavitt, it provided new interpretations of the history of design in the second half of the 20th century for a wide public, international audience. The exhibition was reviewed around the world and was acquired — as a `package' of concept, exhibits and publications — by venues abroad. We are claiming impact in the fields of public and media understanding of post-Second World War cultural history and on the curatorial and collecting activities of museums around the world.

Summary of the impact

Research into properties of scale and surface undertaken by ceramicist Felicity Aylieff has achieved substantial national and international impact in cultural life and education since 1996. The research leads to significant innovations in ceramics, especially in the areas of monumental sculptures and translation of traditional techniques to contemporary use. These are realised in a body of work and dissemination by public speaking, exhibitions and publications. Through innovative international collaborative projects, the established separation between studio ceramics and industry has been bridged globally.

Summary of the impact

Research in Aston University on developing effective practices in teaching English to young learners (TEYL) has achieved the following key impacts:

1. Findings from the research have informed international policy discussions on TEYL. For example, the TESOL-Italy mission statement on TEYL includes recommendations derived from the findings (TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
2. The research project led to the publication of a book of teaching resources for primary school teachers distributed globally by the British Council. This book is used by both primary school teachers around the world and teacher educators in the UK.

Summary of the impact

Research into healthcare associated infections (HAI) at Aston University is led by Professor Lambert, Dr Worthington and Professor Hilton. New strategies to prevent and reduce HAI through a cleaner healthcare environment (antimicrobial surfaces and disinfection) and improved pre-surgical skin antisepsis have been founded on Aston's research in this field since 2007. This work has delivered significant impact on commerce, health and welfare and policy by:

1. Influencing practice within the healthcare setting and sales of copper surfaces.
2. Influencing policy changes within healthcare.
3. Prevention of infection rates and improved patient health within the clinical setting.
4. Improving product awareness and licencing within the commercial sector.

Summary of the impact

Early diagnosis of major brain diseases, especially in children, is a crucial yet largely unmet clinical need. Since 1996 Aston University researchers have pioneered the development and clinical application of Magnetoencephalography (MEG). The team's research now supports the UK's first and largest clinical pre-surgical evaluation programme in partnership with leading neurosurgery centres. This work has had the following impacts (2008 — date) on health services, patient welfare and commerce:

1. Practitioner adoption of clinical MEG techniques to inform surgical intervention.
2. Improved patient outcomes through earlier surgical intervention.
3. Overseas industry investment secured for technological development of benefit to the global neuroimaging market.