51³Ô¹Ï

Keith Flett's letter in last week's 51³Ô¹Ï - that getting on the front page of The Sun would count as "impact of research" - misses the point. Impact is not about sexing up or dumbing down: it's about how our work can make a difference - yes, by advancing theory and methods, but also by assisting managers, teachers, policymakers and governments. In a world where research is becoming increasingly niche, surely wider impact can only be positive.

Martyn Lawrence, Leeds.