The Impact Awards celebrate the ways in which the University’s research makes a difference to society, the benefits it brings, and the influence it has on individuals, communities, industry, and policy development.

Andrew Evans, Partner at Geldards, said: “Geldards has always supported innovative thinking and the firm is delighted to be working in partnership with Swansea University to recognise the world leading research and work of staff across its departments at the Impact Awards. 

“It is vital to recognise the cutting edge research that continues to inform our decisions on scientific, economic and cultural growth, whilst helping to develop our understanding of the world around us.” 

The Awards recognise outstanding impact across six categories, which are open to University staff, researchers at all career stages, as well as research groups, partnerships and projects.

Each category has also attracted the support of a high profile sponsor:

• Award for Outstanding Impact in Law and Public Policy - Geldards LLP
• Award for Outstanding Impact in Culture and the Arts - Parthian books and Library of Wales
• Award for Outstanding Impact in Commerce, Industry and Enterprise - Tata Steel
• Award for Outstanding Impact in Public Engagement - National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE)  
• Award for Outstanding Impact in Health and Wellbeing - AGE UK
• Award for Outstanding Impact on Professions, Practices and Services - BBC Research & Development

Finnish user experience and service design agency, Leadin, have sponsored the event’s welcome reception. Leadin has strong links with Swansea University and chose to establish its new software centre in the city. The company is expanding its European operations with backing from Welsh Government.

The Impact Awards form part of a programme of activities supported by the University’s Impact Acceleration Account, sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Chris Marshall, who project manages the Impact Acceleration Account, said: “The University is delighted that Geldards has agreed to be the headline sponsor for the 2015 Impact Awards, and for the firm’s acknowledgement of the value that our research has to wider society. We’re also very grateful to the other organisations that have chosen to sponsor the event and made it possible to recognise publicly the achievements of our researchers.

“The University was founded by industry in 1920, with a remit to deliver research for industry. The results of the Research Excellence Framework 2014 showed that Swansea ranked 22^nd in the UK for research impact, so it is clearly still in our DNA to deliver research that impacts on the wider world.”

The Swansea University Impact Awards will take place on the 18^th June, at the Marriott Hotel, Swansea.