How can researchers move beyond lists of publications and metrics to tell compelling stories about the difference their work makes? The Researcher Impact Framework (RIF), developed by Giovanna Lima and Sarah Bowman at Trinity College Dublin, provides a structured approach for academics to create audience-focused, evidence-based impact narratives.

The framework responds to a growing need for researchers who want to communicate their personal impact. While there are many tools that help plan for project-level impact, there is a gap in the guidance for those wanting to show how they contributed to positive outcomes.  At its heart, the RIF connects five building blocks:

• Impact areas: knowledge, individuals and collaborations, research community, broader society;

• Outcome statement: what difference was made?;

• Scholarly activity: what work was undertaken?;

• Evidence: qualitative and quantitative indicators of reach, use, and relevance; and 

• Sources: where does the evidence come from?

 

This structure is beneficial – not only does it help researchers frame impact narratives and tell their audience exactly what they did, but why it matters, who benefited, and how the benefits were realised. For example, it takes into account that outcomes come in various forms, ranging from advancing theoretical knowledge to nurturing talent, shaping research cultures, or informing policy.

But these metrics must be used responsibly and critically. Article-level data like citations and downloads may be appropriate, while crude measures like the Journal Impact Factor are best avoided. The guide highlights that tools such as the Metrics Toolkit are a great way to select the indicators that most accurately represent particular achievements.

Aside from this, the guide contains much more practical advice, including reflective questions, some helpful ‘dos and don’ts’ and examples of evidence sources. Importantly, the framework encourages a values-enacted approach that is inspired by the Humane Metrics Initiative (HuMetricsHSS). This emphasises the importance of foregrounding equity, openness, collegiality, soundness, and community as markers of meaningful scholarly contribution.

All in all, the RIF is a valuable resource that positions impact as more than just compliance: at its core, it is about authentic storytelling that connects scholarly research to societal value. As the authors note, “No stories without data, no data without stories!” Researchers need to make their contributions both visible and valued.