The role of the Research Funding Officer in building robust and dynamic foundations for impact.

The Research Funding Officer role is increasingly fundamental to impact, growing in importance as bidding becomes more competitive and the impact stakes get higher. Casper Hitchins and Julie Bayley argue that the dramatic elevation of impact in funding applications demands more insightful planning. Focus at the funding application stage not only generates more competitive bids, but also secures resources for the activities underpinning a solid REF submission. With funding schemes like Horizon 2020 already prioritising impact, Research Funding Officers can play a direct role in coordinating clear plans for impact.