We tested the original HIR Design Principles against legacy impact awards, and also REF2014 impact case studies, and subsequently tested the improved version with research practitioners, and were struck by the comments made by research leaders and scientists upon being introduced to the content of the latest model, to the effect that all wanted to know more about the concepts and tools within it: which struck them (and us) as indicating the shape of the “hidden” impact research curriculum.
As a result, we have designed an Impact Research Profile which will rapidly indicate and prioritize the knowledge zones that a proficient impact research practitioner needs to develop.