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Research Impact: Broader Societal Impacts : Home

All research has impact. Consult this guide for information and resources about how you can anticipate, communicate, document and assess the impacts of your research upon a network of stakeholders.

About this guide

All research has impact. We invite you to consult this guide for information and resources about how you can anticipate, communicate, document and assess the impacts of your research upon a network of partners. This network may include staff from your funding agency, your professional colleagues and students, and members from our general public who apply that knowledge and benefit from the product of that research endeavor. 

While a definition and criteria for "broader impacts" have originated with the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of its funding/grant requirements, the larger vision for demonstrating the impact and societal benefit of one's research--and engaging with a larger, diverse audience for that information--has entered the discourse of other funding agencies as well as those who are invested in the outreach mission of their public universities. 

How Our Librarians Can Assist You

UW-Madison Libraries are partners throughout the life-cycle of STEM/STEAM research, teaching, and learning. To that end, we are available to work with you as you contribute to the scholarship of your discipline and engage with colleagues, students, and our wider community. 

  • Browse our suite of Research Support services.
  • Retrieve the evidence-based literature that pertains to your research and proposed engagement.
  • Schedule a time to consult with us (in-person or by phone or virtual platform).