Can – and should – we automate the assessment of societal impact?

Dr Joel Baker is Research Impact Coordinator for the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of York, where he supports the development of REF impact case studies and delivers tailored support and guidance for researchers working on priority impact projects. Between 2023 and 2025, he was co-Champion for the ARMA Research Impact SIG.

Dr Elizabeth (Lizzie) Gadd is Head of Research Culture & Assessment at Loughborough University. She chairs the International Network Of Research Management Societies (INORMS) Research Evaluation Group and immediate past Vice Chair of the Coalition on Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). She co-authored the UKRI-commissioned report, 'Harnessing the Metric Tide: Indicators, Infrastructures & Priorities for UK Research Assessment' and was the recipient of the 2020 INORMS Award for Excellence in Research Management and Leadership & the 2025 ARMA Award for Advocacy in Research Management.