Telling the story of SWEEP
University of Exeter
The Natural Environment Research Council’s funding call - Regional Impact from Science of the Environment – was designed to bring together researchers, businesses, policymakers and the third sector to co-produce high impact research that would deliver both environmental and economic benefits. A consortium led by University of Exeter submitted a £5m bid to create the South West Partnership for Environment & Economic Prosperity (SWEEP). They required support, at the proposal stage, to structure and communicate their approach to engagement and impact, and then, at the end of the six-year programme, to articulate SWEEP’s outcomes and impact.
Our approach
Funding proposal:
Conducted in-depth interviews with research theme leads to explore research aims, pull out key messages and define impact objectives.
Created impact case studies based on previous research to highlight the team’s track record in priority areas.
Working alongside academic and research support teams, ensuring that a coherent and convincing narrative thread ran through what was a complex proposal.
Impact reporting:
Worked closely with SWEEP programme manager Dr Dawn Scott, SWEEP impact evaluation manager Dr Diana Tingley (author of the full evaluation report), SWEEP communications lead Kim Nettleton-Croley and design agency Boyle & Perks to distil six years of qualitative and quantitative project outcomes into a concise and engaging impact summary report.
Created single-page policy and business briefings for use by the University to support its long-term strategic partnership development.
Our impact
The team's £5m bid - a partnership between University of Exeter, University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marine Laboratory to protect and enhance the South West’s natural capital over a six-year period - was successful.
The SWEEP impact report, executive summary, and policy and business briefings communicated the far-reaching impact of a research programme that has contributed £35m to the economy, achieved cost savings of £25m, and created 84km2 of wildflower and pollinator habitats.
