The results of the first REF assessment in 2014 have been a valuable information source for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), policy makers and other stakeholders alike, since it helped them recognise areas of research excellence (Stern, 2016). The openly accessible REF Impact Case Studies are an distinct output form, created purposefully to provide evidence-rich narrative of research impact. Moreover, they showcase different pathways to impact and can therefore provide useful insights on the societal relevance of academic research. A trend towards multifaceted evaluation of research impact relying on a carefully balanced combination of both quantity and quality indicators of research excellence, has emerged thanks to external exercises like the REF, expanding the definition of research outputs beyond traditional peer-reviewed publications. In addition, a more organic approach to examining research outputs would allow all actors in the ecosystem to better appreciate the non-linier way impact is generated. This is especially applicable when devising new ways of looking at secondary output (e.g. policy, patents, know how). The following wiki pages summarise the results of the thematic analysis of the University of Glasgow REF 2014 Impact Case Studies. Mapping the ICS to the UN SDG allowed the topic coverage of the 36 different REF Units of Assessment to be examined. And most importantly, applying the Unit of Assessment structure when clustering SDG linked ICS, allows the wider impact of the research in focus to be better articulated by using another familiar framework. **Key messages:** - Research impact can be viewed and potentially evaluated in a more holistic way, taking into consideration the multiple factors that define and enable it. - Alternative approaches to the traditional clustering by discipline can be useful in impact appraisal exercises, as they can demonstrate investment worthy areas of research excellence. **Reference:** Stern, N. (2016). Building on success and learning from experience: an independent review of the Research Excellence Framework. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, London, UK