Celebrating a decade of impactful research

Celebrating a decade of impactful research 17 July 2025 Audience at IAA Anniversary Showcase Event Cardiff University recently celebrated 10 years of Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) success with a showcase event which highlighted a decade of transformative research and collaboration. Through strategic investment in projects that foster close collaboration with external partners, we have leveraged fast and flexible funding to translate research into real-world impact. Central to this effort are the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Impact Acceleration Accounts (IAAs) , which provide vital funding to support knowledge exchange, innovation, and societal benefit. As one of only five UK universities to hold IAAs with six UKRI funding councils : Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), we have received over £13 million in IAA funding since 2015. This has enabled the University to support more than 450 projects and establish over 500 partnerships across sectors and geographies. Our harmonised cross-University approach to the management and delivery of our IAAs has enabled us to develop ‘a community of leaders’. Academic strategic leads for each funding council have supported the development of university-wide funding calls. We have also delivered multiple events and workshops with an emphasis on successful training programmes and providing opportunities to work with others within Cardiff University and beyond. The 10-Year Anniversary Showcase, held in May 2025, brought together over 100 attendees to reflect on the achievements of IAA-funded projects. The event featured project presentations, panel discussions, and four inaugural IAA Impact Prize Awards. Professor Claire Gorrara, Dean for Research and Innovation for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor of French Studies , who opened the event, said: “The IAA showcase was an excellent event which highlighted the impactful work being delivered at Cardiff University and the benefits of this work. It was a triumph in all senses—well-organised and managed by our impact team, meaningful engagement with innovator communities, and presentations that demonstrated the outstanding work of our IAA communities. It was a ‘Team Cardiff’ event and demonstrated the creativity, resilience and professionalism of the team. Well done to all involved!” Professor Claire Gorrara Attendees described the event as “inspiring, impactful, and thought-provoking,” with many noting how it added value to their own research journeys. For more information about the event, including speaker details and presentations, visit: H-IAA 10th Anniversary Showcase – May 20th, 2025 Share this story Twitter facebook LinkedIn logo Related links Impact Acceleration Accounts Chevron right