We are no longer accepting applications  for this year’s LARIA Research Impact Awards 2023. The shortlist will be published early November, and the winners will be announced at the LARIA event on 16 November 2023, taking place at the Local Government Association in London.

A: Best use of local area research – sponsored by LGA

To win this award the successful entrant will show how their research has led to a greater understanding of a local area or community or an issue that is locally important, and has led to evidence-based decision-making.

B: Best use of data – sponsored by CACI

To win this award the successful entrant will show how they have successfully used data to aid understanding of a local area, community or issue that has led to evidence-based decision-making within at least one public sector body. Data for the purposes of this award is defined as the use of big data, open data, business intelligence and statistical analysis.

In addition to the trophy, for Category B the winning authority will receive a free 12-month subscription from CACI to one of the following CACI datasets: (a) Acorn or (b) Household Acorn or (c) Wellbeing Acorn or (d) Paycheck or (e) Paycheck Disposable Income. Terms and conditions will apply, including the requirement to supply a case study showcasing the use of the data.

C: Best use of data or research in a district council

This award is targeted at district authorities, which often have fewer resources for research and data analysis than other types of council.  To win this award the successful entrant will show how they have successfully used research or data to aid understanding of a local area, community or issue, and how that led to evidence-based decision-making.

D: Most engaging communication of local area research or analysis

To win this award the successful entrant will show how they have successfully communicated local area research or data analysis to aid understanding of a local area, community or issue. The audience for this communication could include senior decision-makers, staff, the media and the public.

E: New researcher/analyst of the year

This award is given to a researcher or analyst with under five years of experience in a research field who has made an impact. This could be a person of any age, and could be based on a particular project they have led, an innovation they have pioneered or a particularly strong skill set.