In 2023, the British Academy, in association with the Academy of Social Sciences, commissioned a team of researchers at the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science (University of Oxford) to carry out a piece of research that would explore research impact for the Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy (SHAPE) disciplines, looking at the body of impact case studies submitted to the most recent research assessment exercise in the United Kingdom (REF2021).

This is a detailed and comprehensive piece of research that uses sophisticated techniques to provide insights into research impact across the SHAPE disciplines.

The report shows that:

• SHAPE research is bolstering UK expertise and strength in areas of competitive advantage
• SHAPE research is tackling societal challenges
• SHAPE research helps to understand people and empower communities here in the UK
• SHAPE research spreads beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries to create impact
• SHAPE research is a smart investment, with impact providing value for money.