A reach/significance cross-over: a strategy for demonstrating the impact of our research

Abstract

It is expected in many different areas of professional and academic life that an individual can prove to others the impact of their research and, in recent years, the criteria of reach and significance have become common means of demonstrating the value of one’s work. In highlighting the former, there may be an inclination to concentrate on statistical measurement. Yet, as this paper reveals, another option lies in emphasising the variety of citing material that has come to light as part of the individual’s efforts to showcase the significance of their impact. The article outlines ten ways in which the diversity of the documents – and their authors – can be shown. Insights relating to separate criteria can be used in concert so as to strengthen an overall claim and thus provide a more compelling argument that one’s research has had a substantial effect on others.