Rethinking Academic Impact

As educators, we are acutely aware of a need to demonstrate evidence of 'impact', often measured in units that overlook the immeasurable byproducts of education: creativity, critical thinking, difference, well-being and, crucially, meaning making. This call aimed to challenge the conventional metrics of impact, refocussing priorities towards pedagogy and community building. The keynote panel was delivered by lecturers from Leeds Beckett BA Illustration Benjamin Hall and Jo Hassall, along with former course director Ian Truelove (now at UAL), who responded to the main theme of 'rethinking academic impact'. They drew upon documentary artefacts from their teaching practice on BA Illustration, using these as a provocation for discussion around the challenges of academia and pressures to be 'impactful', but also strategies to be hopeful. Their talk highlighted the importance of compassion, vulnerability and play as humanist tools that help foster unique learning communities where students are truly at the centre.