This project will deliver a strategic evaluation of the impacts generated by Scotland’s Plant Health Centre (PHC) since its establishment, while strengthening the Centre’s ability to plan for, generate and evidence future impact. The project will help demonstrate how PHC-funded research has contributed to policy development, improved practice, and wider environmental, societal and economic benefits.

The first stage of the project will use workshops, interviews and evidence review to identify, assess and articulate PHC's impacts to date. This will include the development of a portfolio of high-quality impact case studies that capture both realised and emerging impacts, alongside facilitated reflection and tailored training to help staff better understand impact generation, evaluation and evidence capture.

The second stage will focus on embedding impact more effectively across the research lifecycle. Drawing on lessons from the case studies, the project will provide expert guidance, practical tools and training to support PHC staff in incorporating impact thinking into project design, delivery and reporting. It will also identify Centre-level impacts, strengthen approaches to monitoring and evidencing outcomes, and establish a framework for ongoing impact assessment and continuous improvement.

The project will deliver a suite of impact case studies, practical guidance and training resources, and a forward-looking impact framework that will enable PHC to consistently demonstrate the real-world benefits of its research and maximise its future contribution to Scottish plant health policy and practice.