CHEM.4.B
The student is expected to relate the impact of past and current research on scientific thought and society, including research methodology, cost-benefit analysis, and contributions of diverse scientists as related to the content; and
Knowledge and Skills Statement
Scientific and engineering practices. The student knows the contributions of scientists and recognizes the importance of scientific research and innovation on society.
Further Explanation
Engineering design is a systematic process for solving engineering problems. It starts with scientific knowledge and models of the material world. Each proposed solution balances competing criteria—desired functions, technological feasibility, cost, safety, esthetics, and compliance with legal requirements.
Supporting Information
Research
Greenhalgh, Trisha, James Raftery, Steve Hanney, and Matthew Glover. "Research Impact: A Narrative Review." BMC Medicine 14, no. 78 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-016-0620-8
Summary: Impact occurs when research generates benefits (health, economic, cultural) in addition to building the academic knowledge base. We review the strengths and limitations of six established approaches (Payback, Research Impact Framework, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, monetisation, societal impact assessment, UK Research Excellence Framework) plus recently developed and largely untested ones (including metrics and electronic databases). We conclude that (1) different approaches to impact assessment are appropriate in different circumstances; (2) the most robust and sophisticated approaches are labour-intensive and not always feasible or affordable; (3) whilst most metrics tend to capture direct and proximate impacts, more indirect and diffuse elements of the research-impact link can and should be measured; and (4) research on research impact is a rapidly developing field with new methodologies on the horizon.