The winners of the LARIA Research Impact Awards were announced on the 14th May 2019 at the LARIA Conference in Birmingham. They are the only awards specifically designed to showcase the work of those researching local areas. We welcome entries from across the public and private sector that show the value of this work in helping public sector bodies to make better evidence based decisions.
The key criteria are that award winners should show us excellence in research that is making a real difference to the people they serve. The awards focus on research impact based on a sound evidence base. We will also be looking for entries that are demonstrating citizen/user involvement/engagement, partnership working, delivering positive outcomes, achieving efficiencies, and embracing innovation.
A: Best use of local area research – Sponsored by the Local Government Association (LGA)
To win this award the successful entrant will show how their research has led to a greater understanding of a local area or an issue that is locally important. This could be based on primary or secondary analysis. Not only that, but they must also show that this has led to evidence-based decision-making within at least one public sector body. Judges will be looking for submissions that show a well-argued methodology, clear reporting of the findings and impact. Ideally the winner will also show strong partnership working, citizen/user involvement/engagement, innovation, and the outcomes that have been achieved locally.
Winner
Highly commended
- Cumbria County Council – Solway Views – Art and Storytelling in Health Inequalities Research
Shortlisted
- Essex County Council – Risky Businesses: Essex Data Programme
B: Best use of social care or health research
To win this award the successful entrant will show how their research has led to a greater understanding of a social care or health issue. This could be based on primary or secondary data analysis. Not only that, but they must also show that this has led to evidence-based decision-making within the social care or health sectors. Our definition of social care and health sectors is in the broadest sense and includes public health. We would welcome entries that address issues relating to health and social care integration. Judges will be looking for submissions that show a well-argued methodology, clear reporting of the findings and impact. Ideally the winner will also show strong partnership working, citizen/user involvement/engagement, innovation, and the outcomes that have been achieved locally.
Winner
Highly commended
- Essex County Council – From Tea Drinkers to Collaborative Thinkers
- Manchester City Council – Understanding the impact of new integrated care models in Manchester
C: Best use of data
To win this award the successful entrant will show how they have successful used data to aid understanding of a local area, community or health issue. Not only that, but they must also show that this has led to evidence-based decision-making within at least one public sector body. Data for the purposes of this award is defined as the use of big data, open data, business intelligence and statistical analysis. Judges will be looking for evidence that data has been analysed and presented to a high standard for a specific business purpose or issue. The use of the data will have delivered an insight that has aided decision making. We would welcome entries that show the use of data in the day-to-day management of a service. Judges will be looking for submissions that show a well-argued methodology, clear reporting of the findings and impact. Ideally the winner will also show strong partnership working, citizen/user involvement/engagement, innovation, and the outcomes that have been achieved locally.
Winner
Highly commended
- Essex County Council – Preventing escalating domestic abuse: Essex Data Programme
- Oldham Council – Thriving Communities Index
D: Most engaging communication of local area research
To win this award the successful entrant will show how they have successfully communicated local area research to aid understanding of a local area, community or health issue. The audience for this communication could include senior decision-makers, staff, the media and the public. The format of the communication could include (but is not limited to) a written report, conference presentation, event/seminar, videos, infographics, an online portal/website or use of media. Judges will be looking for submissions that show a creative approach that understands the needs of the audiences receiving the information. There should be evidence that research findings have been reported clearly and are fairly represented by the communication of it. Ideally the winner will also show strong partnership working, citizen/user involvement/engagement, innovation and the outcomes that have been achieved locally. In entering the category submissions can include a copy of the actual communications, including full or edited reports or links to online resources.
Winner
Highly commended
- Essex County Council – A library is more than a book: Essex Libraries research findings.
Shortlisted
- Manchester City Council – State of the City 2018 – Getting complex local research across in a simple way
- Westminster City Council – City Plan 2019 – 2040 Public Consultation
E: New researcher of the year
This award is given to a researcher with under five years of experience in a research field who has made an impact. This could be a person of any age. The entry could be based on a particular project they have led, an innovation they have pioneered or a particularly strong skill set. Their career to date should show a researcher who is able to conduct research that provides insightful analysis, promotes citizen/user involvement/engagement, presents information well, and helps develop evidence-based decision-making in the public sector. We will accept entrants who have had a longer career in research than five years, but have moved into a new research field of which they have under five years of experience. The researcher cannot nominate themselves for this award.
Winner