Newsroom University of Ұ��

Why China’s central bank is quietly leading the world on climate action

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:04:20 +0000

While Western central banks such as the Bank of England, the European Central Bank and the US Federal Reserve often talk about the dangers of climate change, new research has shown that China’s central bank is the only one that has actually taken major, concrete steps to shift money toward green industries.

The findings come from an in-depth project led by Dr James Jackson from The University of Ұ�� and Mathias Larsen from London School of Economics (LSE).

Their research - which has been published by LSE’s - involved 93 interviews across China’s financial system, including with staff inside the People’s Bank of China (PBoC), the country’s central bank.

Their conclusion is striking: China’s central bank isn’t independent from its government, and this may be the key reason it has been able to act faster and more boldly on climate change than its Western counterparts.

“There’s a common belief that central banks should stay out of politics and focus only on inflation. But climate change affects everything including food prices, energy bills and economic stability,” said Dr Jackson.

The study found that the PBoC uses its financial tools in very practical ways to support China’s green industries. For example, it offers cheaper loans for renewable energy projects and allows banks to borrow more easily when they invest in approved green sectors. Since 2021, one programme alone has supported more than £120 billion in green lending.

By contrast, the Bank of England and European Central Bank have focused mainly on encouraging banks to think about climate risk, rather than shifting financial markets directly. The researchers describe this as an “indirect” approach that has little real-world impact.

What makes the Chinese case unique is how the government sets the direction - such as its pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 - and then expects the central bank to help deliver it. The PBoC still has technical freedom to design its own tools, but its mission is clear. One PBoC staff member told the researchers: “The government sets the goal. We decide how to get there.”

Dr Jackson says this offers an important lesson for the climate era. “We’re not saying countries should copy China’s political system, but we are saying that central banks around the world may need to rethink how they work with governments. In order to tackle climate change and adapt to its impacts, we need financial systems that can move quickly - not slowly.”

New report calls for comprehensive overhaul of UK counter-terrorism policies

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:06:22 +0000

The University’s is among 14 experts who compiled the of the Independent Commission on Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice, which was published today by the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law.

The report is based on extensive research and evidence from over 200 experts, practitioners, policymakers, academics and community representatives.

Professor Pilkington’s remit was to scrutinise the evidence around the Government’s Prevent programme - which aims to identify and rehabilitate people at risk of radicalisation - drawing on her research expertise in youth engagement and the societal drivers of extremism.

Referrals to Prevent increased markedly after 2015, when it became a legal duty for teachers, social workers, nurses and other frontline professionals to report people they believed to be at risk of being drawn into terrorism or extremism. Referrals jumped from a few hundred a year before 2015, to an average of 6,458 per year since 2015 and to a record number of 8,517 in 2024-25.

More than two thirds of these referrals were for concerns that had no - or no clear - ideological dimension, meaning that a counter-terrorism intervention was not an appropriate response. Almost half of referrals were for children aged 11-17, and a third had at least one mental health or neurodivergence condition.

“It should constitute one element of a broader, more holistic and better resourced multi-agency safeguarding approach that addresses diverse drivers of violence and to which individuals are referred via a ‘big front door’,” Hilary added.

The Commission sets out 113 recommendations to modernise the UK’s counter-terrorism framework and strengthen its fairness, focus and accountability.

The report concludes that while the UK’s counter-terrorism system remains world-leading, it has grown complex and overbroad. Key reforms are needed to ensure it remains effective, proportionate, and rooted in democratic values. As well as the recommendations concerning the Prevent programme, it also recommends that the government:

Narrow the legal definition of terrorism, ensuring clarity and proportionality.
Reform proscription powers, introducing time-limited reviews and stronger parliamentary and judicial oversight.
Tighten terrorism offences, ensuring prosecutions are fair, proportionate, and grounded in clear intent.
Restore equality in citizenship law, limiting deprivation powers and ensuring fair treatment under the law.
Invest in social cohesion, recognising that inclusion and trust are vital to long-term security.

Social gender norms deepen elderly care burdens for Thai women

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:45:08 +0000

As Thailand has experienced a rapid increase in its elderly population, a new study published in has found that “social gender norms” - shared beliefs about how “altruistic” women or men should be in society - are overburdening women in the country with elderly care.

Alongside Dr Minh Tam Bui from Srinakharinwirot University in Thailand and Professor Ivo Vlaev from the National University of Singapore, The University of Ұ��’s Dr Katsushi Imai analysed national time-use survey data covering over 70,000 Thai adults to see how men and women care for their elderly family members. The study shows that women offering elderly care spend 2 to 2.5 hours on unpaid elder care each day - far more than men.

This imbalance is partly due to the social norm about how “altruistic” women or men should be in society. In many communities in Thailand - particularly in rural areas - this social norm often forces women to be more altruistic than men as caregivers, because men are supposed to work outside. In areas with stronger gender norms, men spend much less time on elderly care than women do. Dr Bui emphasised the importance of digging deeper into the roots of caregiving inequality:

“We all know that there is a persistent gender care gap - women carry more of the burden in childcare, elder care and household work nearly everywhere in the world - but the underlying reasons for this are often understudied. We wanted to find out why and how this happens by looking at social gender norms around altruistic behaviour.”

“We found that women swap paid work for elderly caregiving, but men do not. This unequal division of care responsibilities can lead to gender gaps in employment and wellbeing, and is worrying in terms of achieving both equality and efficiency in Thailand,” she added.

The research team urges policymakers to recognise the value of unpaid elderly care, allocate more budget for long-term care insurance, and introduce nationwide campaigns to encourage men to engage in family care duties. This would help the country achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality by offering critical insights for building more equitable care systems and behavioural change in ageing societies.

The study informs a process that takes place in many countries worldwide where women are overburdened with care responsibilities. As populations age and family structures change, how societies value and share care work may become one of the defining social issues of the century.

The authors also raise concerns over the discontinuation of the Thai national time-use survey by the National Statistical Office. They advocate for its urgent resumption, stressing that time-use data is critical for understanding gender inequality, strengthening the care economy, and helping the government monitor its progress toward the SDGs. Without such data, key dimensions of unpaid care work remain invisible in policy design and economic planning.

Professor Toni Haastrup shares expertise on Feminist Foreign Policy

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:20:00 +0000

, Chair in Global Politics, at The University of Ұ��, recently moderated a plenary session on regional perspectives and participated in an expert panel at the (FFP) in Paris.

The event aimed to identify strategies to strengthen and expand international coalitions to preserve the rights of women and further progress gender equality.

Whilst in Paris, Toni was also invited, by the , to contribute to a side-event focusing on localisation in FFP contexts.

Toni’s expertise on FFP includes recent publications ( and ). This work is also being developed as an online archive FFP, in a collaboration with academics at the Universities of Birmingham and Bath as an essential research and policy tool, which will be the first of its kind.

Outdated Westminster rules undermine democracy by excluding smaller parties

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:48:26 +0000

The 2024 General Election was one of the most dramatic in British history, as voters turned away from the two traditional giants - Labour and the Conservatives - in record numbers. Thirteen different parties and six independents won seats in the House of Commons, making this the most fragmented Parliament ever.

This trend has continued in the recent Caerphilly byelection, where the Labour and Conservative votes collapsed - but while the ballot box is reflecting a new era of multi-party politics, inside Westminster it is still business as usual for the main parties.

New research published in by Dr Louise Thompson from The University of Ұ�� shows how outdated rules in the House of Commons shut smaller parties out of key decisions, leaving millions of voters effectively unheard.

“Parliament is still operating as if it were the 1950s, when two big parties dominated,” Dr Thompson explains. “Smaller parties are treated unfairly in parliament’s rules, even though their MPs represent a growing share of the electorate. That creates a real democratic deficit.”

Currently, only the government, the official opposition and the third-largest party enjoy guaranteed speaking time, committee chairs and opportunities to hold the government to account. Everyone else - from the Greens and Reform UK to Plaid Cymru and the DUP - has no such rights.

That means these MPs often spend hours waiting in the chamber for a chance to speak, sometimes never being called at all. Even when they represent national movements like the Greens, or entire regions like Northern Ireland parties, they remain sidelined.

The problem isn’t just symbolic. Without a seat on select committees, smaller parties cannot properly scrutinise new laws. Without guaranteed debate slots, they cannot speak to issues that matter to them. In Dr Thompson’s words, “All MPs are elected equally, but inside Westminster, some are definitely more equal than others.”

At present, smaller parties rely on handshakes and goodwill to be heard. The Speaker sometimes makes space for their questions, and on rare occasions, bigger parties share their committee or debate time - but these arrangements are inconsistent and can be withdrawn at any moment. This patchwork system also favours parties that have good relationships with the big players, while leaving others with nothing. It is, Dr Thompson argues, no way to run a modern democracy.

Her study recommends that Westminster should modernise its rulebook to reflect today’s multi-party politics. She calls for formal guarantees in the Commons’ Standing Orders, giving smaller parties fair speaking rights, seats on committees and access to debates.

She also suggests borrowing ideas from devolved parliaments, such as minimum thresholds for party rights, and promoting more guesting” on committees so small party MPs can contribute where they have expertise. These reforms, she stresses, wouldn’t overhaul the system but would make it more transparent, consistent and fair for all MPs - regardless of their party.

University of Tokyo Visit by PhD Student Ahmed Kamala

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:27:59 +0000

The focus of the visit was to contribute to the development of a novel methodological framework that integrates Matrix Decomposition-based (MD) estimation into Structural Equation Model (SEM) Trees and Forests.

Traditional SEM Trees rely on Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE), which can be unstable, have improper solutions (e.g., negative variances), and be computationally intensive, especially in small subgroups or misspecified models. The team in Tokyo worked on developing an alternative approach based on matrix decomposition, which avoids many of the pitfalls of likelihood-based estimation.

During his visit, Ahmed worked on extending existing simulation studies from single-tree models to ensemble-level forest models, comparing four major estimation frameworks: MD-based SEMTree, Maximum Likelihood-based, constrained ML-based, and Bayesian SEMTree. He implemented forest-level simulations that assess both shared metrics (such as improper solution rates, computational time, and node recovery) and forest-specific ones (like variable importance, prediction accuracy, and ensemble diversity). He also continues to explore alternative splitting algorithms, including Factor Analysis by Instrumental Variables (FABIN) and other non-iterative multi-start approaches. Eventually, the team intends to develop an open-source R packages to support this new methodology.

This visit provided a unique environment to engage with cutting-edge computational and quantitative research which contributes to the methodological advancements that will benefit the broader SEM and statistical community.

Ahmed will continue to collaborate with Professor Usami and Dr Todo not only to finalize and publish this research, but to collaborate for more research together in the future. The Department of Social Statistics at the University of Ұ�� and the team at University of Tokyo both expressed interest in more contact and collaboration in the future between the departments and the universities in general.

University of Ұ�� academics co-lead international legal education in Southern Italy

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:21:13 +0000

In July 2025, Dr Emma Luce Scali and from the University of Ұ�� Law School co-led two major international academic events in Southern Italy: the and the .

Co-organised alongside Professor Raffaella Nigro (University ‘Magna Graecia’ of Catanzaro), the events brought together over 70 participants – including students, researchers and practitioners – to explore urgent questions of international law, justice, and political economy. The Roccella Summer School in particular, is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for people from all backgrounds to reflect critically on international law’s relevance to the peaceful coexistence and the thriving of humanity. Its core mission is to promote wider public engagement with international law, fostering dialogue beyond traditional academic boundaries.

A highlight of the programme was the keynote address, on the Day of International Criminal Justice (17 July), by HE Dr Fatou Bensouda, former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and current Gambia High Commissioner to the UK. Her address offered a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance in making international law work for justice and the world’s most vulnerable.

Participants engaged in accessible workshops, collaborative writing sessions, and open discussions that encouraged peer learning and critical reflection across cultures, disciplines, and lived experiences – all set against the backdrop of Roccella’s historic architecture and stunning coastal landscape.

As one student reflected:

View the full programme on the .

Ұ�� hosts leading experts to explore the power of dangerous writings

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:20:52 +0100

Led by The University of Ұ��’s in partnership with the the (30 September 2025) brought together leading academics, archivists, and curators to examine how texts - from prisoners’ letters, politicians’ and military men’s diaries during wars, missionaries’ photographic pictures and reports, blogs and tweets, and anatomy controversial books - can empower, unsettle, and endanger in equal measure.

By fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue, the symposium, co-organised by , and , encouraged participants to share diverse perspectives, uncover new insights, and explore the ethical responsibilities of engaging with these powerful writings.

Across panels and performances, participants grappled with questions of care, responsibility, and solidarity: How do we preserve and share texts that are powerful but can be painful? What duties do researchers and curators hold towards their participants? What about audiences and the broader community – can they be traumatised by what they read too? And how can the voices of the marginalised be honoured without causing further harm?

The programme ranged from suppressed memoirs to protest theatre, to prison blogging and the fragile preservation of refugee diaries. Presentations by and (University of Ұ��) explored prisoners’ diaries and the ethical complexities of engaging with them, while international contributors highlighted struggles faced by writers across Europe.

Emphasising the ethical challenges at the heart of the discussions, event organiser, Dr Marion Vannier, Senior Lecturer in , shared:

Research shows that land can’t buy security for young Kenyans

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 10:30:12 +0100

An anthropologist from The University of Ұ�� has uncovered the hidden struggles of young men on the edges of Nairobi, who inherit land but lack the means to turn it into the financial security they desperately need.

Published in , Dr Peter Lockwood’s research reveals how land ownership in Kenya’s booming peri-urban areas provides young men with a vital safety net - but also traps them in a cycle of dependence and uncertainty.

Through long-term fieldwork in Kiambu County, Dr Lockwood followed the lives of men like Cash, a 28-year-old who inherited three acres after his father’s death. Cash dreams of becoming a landlord, imagining apartment blocks rising from his family land. Yet without money to build, he admits: “I have the land, but it’s not money.”

The research highlights a dilemma faced by many young Kenyans. On one side, inherited land offers security - a place to live, a potential asset and a symbol of adulthood. On the other, without access to credit or investment, it becomes what Dr Lockwood calls a “dead asset” - valuable on paper, but unusable in practice.

Some young men choose to break away from their family land altogether, pursuing work in Nairobi’s informal economy as a way of proving independence. Others remain at home, clinging to their inheritance in the hope it will one day transform their lives. Both paths are fraught with difficulty.

The study also reflects a global concern. As house prices rise faster than wages in cities across the world, young people from Ұ�� to Nairobi are being told that property is their route to security. Yet many find themselves excluded from ownership or holding assets they cannot make use of.

“This research shows how property has become both a promise and a trap,” Dr Lockwood added. “It offers the illusion of escape from precarious work - but for many young people, it never delivers.”

The findings shed new light on how land, property and housing shape the futures of young people in rapidly urbanising regions, and they raise urgent questions about inequality, opportunity and the future of work worldwide.

Criminology Lecturer recognised for study on confrontational policing

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0100

, Lecturer in Policing at the of The University of Ұ��, has been awarded the Early Career Prize of the European Society of Criminology (ESC) . The award recognises outstanding research by early career scholars contributing to the study of policing.

Thiago received the prize for his article “Aggressive policing and undermined legitimacy: assessing the impact of police stops at gunpoint on perceptions of police in São Paulo, Brazil”, published in the (2024). The study examines the effects of aggressive police encounters on public attitudes toward the police in São Paulo, Brazil.

Using a three-wave longitudinal survey of residents, the findings reveal that while general police stops had no clear impact on public attitudes, police stops involving officers pointing a gun significantly reduced public perceptions of police procedural fairness, increased concerns about over-policing, and harmed perceptions of police legitimacy.

These results highlight the social costs of confrontational policing tactics, particularly in disadvantaged urban areas, and underscore the need for policing practices that prioritise community trust alongside crime control. The award panel noted that “this article exemplifies Dr Oliveira’s influential research on police misconduct and attitudes towards the police in São Paulo, Brazil, using longitudinal survey data”.

A graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science (PhD, 2021), Thiago previously held research and teaching positions at the Universities of Oxford and Surrey before joining Ұ�� in 2023. His work on police misconduct and legitimacy has been widely published in leading journals, including Law and Society Review, Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, Journal of Quantitative Criminology, and The British Journal of Criminology.

The award was presented during the 25th Annual Conference of the European Society of Criminology, held in Athens, Greece.

New publication in Comparative Population Studies

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:05:44 +0100

Examining how young people across Europe imagine and plan their path to adulthood, the article, “,” draws on data from the Generations and Gender Survey and the European Social Survey to explore young adults’ ideal ages, intentions, and actual behaviours across 33 European countries.

The study provides a comparative picture of when young people expect to leave home, form partnerships, marry, and become parents; and how these expectations align, or fail to align, with reality.

Findings show that while young Europeans tend to view their twenties as the ideal period for key life transitions, they often experience these events later than intended. The mismatch between ideals and outcomes highlights persistent gender and regional differences, suggesting that cultural norms and structural barriers continue to shape the pathways to adulthood across Europe.

What you study in school can shape your politics, study finds

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:30:46 +0100

Groundbreaking new research led by The University of Ұ�� has uncovered a significant and lasting link between the subjects young people study in secondary school and their political preferences.

The study, led by Dr Nicole Martin from The University of Ұ�� alongside Dr Ralph Scott from the University of Bristol and Dr Roland Kappe from University College London, uniquely tracked thousands of English students from adolescence into adulthood.

It revealed that studying arts and humanities subjects such as History, Art and Drama during their GCSEs makes students more likely to support socially liberal and economically left-wing parties like the Green Party or Liberal Democrats.

In contrast, students who studied Business Studies or Economics at GCSE level showed increased support for economically right-wing parties like the Conservative Party. Technical subjects also influenced views, leading to greater support for socially conservative and economically right-wing parties.

Crucially, these relationships between subjects and political support were found to persist into adulthood.

Published in the journal , the research marks the first time such effects have been observed within compulsory secondary schooling, moving beyond studies that traditionally focus on university education.

By combining English administrative school records with a unique panel of adolescents, the study provides compelling evidence on the importance of secondary school subjects for political socialisation during the 'impressionable years' of adolescence.

“Our research demonstrates that education’s influence on our political beliefs is far more nuanced than simply the level of education attained,” said Dr Martin. “The specific subjects that young people take in school - particularly at GCSE - plays a profound role in shaping their political compass. This might be because of the content, or because of different peer groups or role models.”

The Lost Decade: why Australia is playing climate catch-up

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:12:21 +0100

For ten long years, Australia earned an unenviable reputation as one of the world’s climate change ‘laggards’. From 2013 to 2022 its governments weakened environmental rules, cut renewable energy funding and fought against international climate agreements - climate scientists and activists dubbed it the nation’s ‘Lost Decade’.

Now, new research by a group of experts from The University of Ұ�� and the University of Melbourne has revealed how Australia went from that era of inaction to passing its most ambitious climate law in a generation - and why its transformation still hangs in the balance.

The study published in the tracks how the election of a centre-left government in 2022 sparked big changes. Within months, Australia passed the Climate Change Act, promising to cut emissions by 43% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels and reach net zero by 2050.

The government launched plans for 82% renewable electricity by 2030, and pitched Australia as a ‘Renewable Energy Superpower’ thanks to its rich reserves of minerals like lithium and cobalt, which are essential for electric cars and solar panels.

But the researchers warn that this transformation is far from complete. Australia, they argue, is stuck on a ‘dual track’: expanding green energy on one hand, while doubling down on fossil fuel exports on the other. In fact, in 2024 the government unveiled a new ‘Future Gas Strategy’, signalling plans to keep supplying global gas markets well past 2050.

The research highlights that rather than setting bold new directions, the country copies climate policies from elsewhere (like the UK and New Zealand) and has to accept the prices set by bigger economies for its critical minerals. By waiting so long to act, Australia missed the chance to shape the global market.

It also demonstrates the human cost - experts interviewed described how climate scientists and renewable energy experts left the country in frustration, a ‘brain drain’ that left Australia short of skilled workers just as the green economy began to boom.

“Australia’s story is a warning for all countries, especially those heavily tied to fossil fuels,” said co-author Dr Paul Tobin. “Delay now means paying the price later, not only in rising climate impacts like bushfires and floods, but also in lost opportunities for jobs, innovation and global influence.”

“If countries want to shape the future rather than scramble to catch up, they need to act boldly and early. Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue - it’s about economic competitiveness, national identity and fairness to the next generation.”

Professor Todd Hartman part of team awarded Wellcome Discovery Award for research on mental health and administrative justice

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:55:21 +0100

Professor Todd Hartman (Social Statistics) part of interdisciplinary team awarded Wellcome Discovery Award for research on mental health and administrative justice.

Primary health services are the first point of contact for those seeking support for common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. These services form an essential part of the response to the UK’s mental health crisis.

Engagement with those accessing and navigating primary care pathways for common mental health problems has highlighted that accessing and engaging with support frequently involves struggling with complex and burdensome bureaucratic processes at an already difficult time. These experiences can leave people with a profound sense of unjust treatment that continues throughout their journey through the system.

Research across different disciplines has suggested that perceptions of ‘just’ treatment can also significantly impact treatment outcomes by affecting engagement with services, deterring individuals from seeking support in the future, and exacerbating existing inequalities within the system.

A research programme, led by Professor Joe Tomlinson and funded by a £2.5 million Discovery Award, will pioneer the application of the theory of ‘bureaucratic justice’ in primary mental health services. By deploying an innovative combination of a longitudinal quantitative and qualitative study with participatory storytelling methods, the programme will develop a new understanding of the nature and relevance of just treatment in the context of how people interact with frontline administrative processes in primary care mental health services.

The programme will also build an interdisciplinary community of researchers, while providing a platform to embed lived experiences of seeking mental health support into research practices in innovative and engaging ways.

The programme formally launches in January 2026 and will run for six years. Alongside Professor Joe Tomlinson, The Dickson Poon School of Law and King’s College London, the programme will benefit from the expertise of co-investigator Head of the and Deputy Director of the at The University of Ұ��. Co-investigators are also based at the University of York (including Dr Jed Meers, Dr Simona Manni, Dr Annie Irvine, Dr Aisling Ryan, and Professor Lina Gega).

A Legacy of Courage and Conversation: 40 Years of the International Peace Lecture

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:08:59 +0100

This October, the at The University of Ұ�� celebrates 40 years of its International Peace Lecture. This landmark series has brought global changemakers and urgent conversations to campus since 1985.

The idea of a peace lecture at Ұ�� dates back even further. Records show that the first such lecture was proposed on the eve of the Second World War, in 1939, at the University. However, it was not until much later, when former university lecturer and his colleagues secured institutional support and funding, that the series was formally established. The inaugural lecture was delivered by former Prime Minister , setting the tone for decades of thought-provoking contributions from speakers such as , and .

Churcher, a psychology Lecturer at the University, formed the Peace Lecture Appeal committee to raise the funds needed to launch the series. Prior to this, he had worked with colleagues to establish the Ұ�� University Nuclear Disarmament Group (MUND), which collaborated with Greater Ұ�� Council to assess and communicate the potential impact of a nuclear attack on the region.

Reflecting on the legacy, Churcher said:

The will take place on Wednesday, 8 October, featuring Madeleine Rees OBE, Secretary General of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. The latest lecture, organised by , Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies, will centre on Rees’s talk titled The Continuous Struggle: Women’s Rights in the Last Four Decades and the Backlash Against Progress, exploring the evolving fight for gender justice and the global forces resisting change.

Speaking on the series, Ramovic said:

Over four decades, the International Peace Lecture has become a cornerstone of Ұ��’s public engagement, amplifying voices from conflict zones, social movements, and international diplomacy. It continues to challenge audiences to think critically about the conditions for peace and the courage it takes to pursue it.

Tickets are available for the hybrid event on .

Research shows cities must do more to support older residents

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:17:13 +0100

To mark the upcoming , a new study from The University of Ұ�� is calling for cities to do more to support older people who want to stay in their own homes and communities as they age.

The research published in the looks at the idea of ‘ageing in place’ - the policy focus on enabling older adults to live well in their own home and neighbourhood of choice for as long as they wish. While this approach is often seen as positive, the study highlights that many urban areas do not provide the necessary supports to make this a reality.

According to the research team, the pressures of rising inequality, cuts to public services, and the privatisation of spaces in cities mean many older people struggle to access the support they need. Poorer neighbourhoods in particular face declining facilities such as libraries, community centres and affordable housing – resources that are crucial for wellbeing in later life.

“Most people want to stay in their homes as they grow older, but this is only possible if the communities around them are supportive,” said lead author Dr Tine Buffel. “At the moment, too many older residents are left isolated or feel invisible in their own neighbourhoods. We need new ways of organising community life so people can rely on each other, rather than just on families and/or overstretched services.”

The study looked at innovative examples from around the world that could help tackle the problem. These include:

The Village model – neighbourhood organisations run by older people themselves, pooling resources to provide services like transport, home repairs and social activities.
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities – areas where large numbers of older people already live, supported by tailored health and community services.
Cohousing – intentionally created communities where residents share spaces and provide mutual support.
Compassionate Communities – grassroots networks that help people facing illness, end of life or bereavement.

Each model has benefits, from reducing hospital admissions to strengthening social ties, but also face challenges such as funding pressures and a tendency to leave out more disadvantaged groups.

The researchers argue that the next step is to think about ageing in place as a collaborative venture – something built on collective action, shared resources and planning with the direct involvement of older people themselves. They also call for urban planning to be less ageist, pointing out that too many urban regeneration projects prioritise young professionals over older residents.

The study concludes that ageing in place can only succeed if communities, councils, charities and older residents work together. Without this, many people risk not being able to live independently, or being “stuck in place” in unsuitable housing and unsupported communities.

Stitching at the End of the World: Rethinking Privacy Through Textile Practice at Ұ�� Museum

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:13:31 +0100

Written by Lydia Donohue with photographs by Tom Longstaff.

On the top floor of Ұ�� Museum, participants gathered for “Stitching at the End of the World,” a workshop that paired hands-on textile making with discussion of privacy, surveillance, and autonomy in the digital era.

Led by , a PhD researcher in Social Anthropology, and part of the open-source artwork Kill Your iPhone, the session guided attendees in creating phone pouches from Electromagnetic Shielding fabric. This material blocks the device from communicating with the technological infrastructure. Once inside, they are cut off from the mobile network and effectively become a “dead phone.”

Supported by funding and , the workshop was not only about making a practical tool. As participants stitched their pouches, conversations unfolded about cybersecurity, personal autonomy, and the role of ‘smart textiles’ in shaping everyday life. Sewing became a way to reflect on how digital systems structure our choices, and how creative practices can open space to challenge them.

The session bridged STEM research, future-fabric technologies, anthropology, and creative education, showing how textiles can serve both as functional objects and as critical methods of inquiry. By linking material practice to large-scale debates on surveillance and digital dependency, the workshop demonstrated how interdisciplinary and material methods can address pressing social questions surrounding civil liberty and privacy.

Textiles, with their slowness and tactile qualities, stand in sharp contrast to the invisible speed of digital infrastructures. Making a shielding pouch thus became more than a technical exercise: it was an invitation for participants to imagine how they might reclaim agency in a hyper-connected world, offering them the choice to connect or to disconnect.

Through its blend of craft, theory, and public dialogue, “Stitching at the End of the World” offered a fresh perspective on how we can reimagine autonomy in an increasingly connected world.

Empowering Youth, Transforming Futures: Reducing Teenage Pregnancy in Akatsi North

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:49:14 +0100

A recent follow-up study in the Akatsi North District, Volta Region, Ghana, reveals promising progress in the fight against teenage pregnancy. A collaborative program by and , which included children's clubs, health workshops, and vocational training, has successfully shifted attitudes and provided valuable skills for young people.

The research, funded by Good Neighbors (in 2022-23) and The University of Ұ�� - International Science Partnerships Fund (in 2024-25), was led by a joint team from the School of Social Sciences and , University of Ұ��, including Dr Jihye Kim, Professor Wendy Olsen, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim, Harshada Ambekar, Sonny McCann and Mindy Park.

They conducted both surveys and focus groups, finding that students who participated in the programme showed a shift in their attitude about early pregnancy, such as postponing the expected age of having their first child. The programme’s success is attributed to its emphasis on education, future development, and mutual respect among peers, rather than solely focusing on negative outcomes.

Community leaders have observed a . This progress is encouraging, but the report emphasises the need for continued support and a long-term strategy. Misunderstandings about family planning still need to be addressed at a community level to achieve a sustainable reduction in teenage pregnancy.

The study concludes that social engagement is a potent tool for empowering young people and improving sexual and reproductive health knowledge.

The baseline and follow-up study reports are available on the . The paper on the results from the baseline study has been released in .

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Good Neighbors Alliance, known globally as Good Neighbors International, a federation of independent but affiliated Non-Government Organisations operating in over 50 countries.

New publication in Politics and Governance

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:49:23 +0100

You can read the paper, “”, online.

Political elites in the US are ideologically divided over climate change. We identify two perspectives:

The intrinsic view on ideological climate polarisation views climate beliefs as entrenched parts of an actor’s identity and posits that ideological positions have factually shifted towards ever more extreme positions over time.
The instrumental view, in contrast, emphasises that polarisation entrepreneurs mobilise their constituency to participate in the climate policy debate by amplifying ideological differences over climate-related focusing events when they arise, leading to fluctuations in visible polarisation, rather than a steady trend.

This study examines which of the two perspectives holds in US Congressional and subnational media debates by analysing time trends of polarisation and phases of structural stability. We distinguish between endogenous events, which can be attributed to the political process, and exogenous focusing events, such as extreme events or those related to the international climate regime, and investigate which type of event tends to be associated with changes in polarisation.

Applying two novel time series measures for discourse networks - structural polarisation and the detection of phases of structural stability - to the climate debate during the 112th to 114th Congress (2013–2017) and subnational print media in four swing states, we find that exogenous events are largely irrelevant while endogenous political dynamics increase the polarisation of the debate considerably.

We find ups and downs of polarisation corresponding to distinct structural phases in which polarisation is linked to participation. This temporal fluctuation of polarisation around endogenous political events is consistent with the instrumental perspective.

When AI breaks your heart

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:35:12 +0100

Dr Jennifer Cearns is a digital anthropologist, specialising in AI and algorithms in social life. Her research focuses on how people relate to one another through emerging intelligent technologies and she is currently conducting researching into Human-AI relations, looking at intimacy and how trust and empathy forms between humans and AIs.

As people increasingly search for connection in an often-isolated modern world, the line between technology and companionship is blurring. By examining what happens when those bonds with AI falter, Dr Cearns’ work sheds light not only on the ethics of human-machine intimacy, but also on the wider human search for belonging.

In her most recent project, she has used digital ethnography and interviews to examine how users emotionally invest in AI ‘soulmates’ – AI chatbots that become romantic partners to humans – and the grief that follows their malfunction or shutdown. This research is critical for highlighting new forms of kinship and ethical care in human-machine relationships.

Meet the researcher

Jennifer Cearns is Lecturer in AI Trust and Security, in the Department of Social Anthropology. Her research explores how people form emotional, romantic, and therapeutic relationships with AI, focusing on kinship, ethics, and cultural understandings of personhood.

Read her papers

New research finds that ‘Levelling Up’ left many southern areas behind

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:18:44 +0100

Communities in the South of England were systematically underfunded in the government’s flagship ‘Levelling Up’ programme, according to new research using a Community Resilience Index (CRI) developed at The University of Ұ��.

The study, published in , analysed how £8.64 billion of Levelling Up funding was distributed across 307 local authority districts in England. Using a new Community Resilience Index (CRI) to measure need, researchers discovered that while many northern and coastal areas received more than their “fair share” of investment, the South of England was consistently underfunded.

The findings challenge the dominant narrative of a simple “north-south divide” and reveal that southern communities - particularly in inland areas - were frequently left behind in funding allocations.

Only 36.2% of local authorities received support proportionate to their need - the research shows that 30% of Levelling Up funding would have needed to be reallocated to ensure an equitable distribution across the country

“Levelling Up was designed to help all places build on their strengths and reach their potential - yet our resilience-based analysis shows that many southern communities were overlooked in funding allocations,” said Dr Christine Camacho, lead author of the study. “These areas face significant challenges but did not receive the support needed to strengthen their resilience.”

Among the starkest cases was Havant, in the South East, which received just £12.45 per person in Levelling Up support - 94% less than the £200 per person it would have received under a fair allocation model.

By contrast, several northern districts received far more than their modelled “fair share”. Redcar and Cleveland, for example, secured £469.70 per person - more than double its needs-based allocation. The researchers argue that this unevenness highlights deep flaws in the competitive, ministerial-driven allocation process.

The study emphasises that competitive bidding and ministerial discretion meant funding often flowed to areas with stronger institutional capacity, rather than those with the greatest social and economic need.

The researchers argue that without systematic, needs-driven allocation of investment, future regional policies risk repeating the mistakes of Levelling Up - leaving vulnerable communities in both the North and the South behind.

The authors stress that as the new Labour government moves beyond the Levelling Up brand, future place-based policies must adopt transparent, needs-based criteria. The Community Resilience Index, they argue, offers a robust tool for ensuring resources go where they are most needed.

Not white, not seen: study uncovers France’s racial blind spot

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:20:34 +0100

A groundbreaking new study from The University of Ұ�� has challenged traditional ideas of race and national identity in France, revealing how French citizens of Indian descent are navigating their identities in a society that often ignores them.

The research, led by Dr Manuela Latchoumaya from the University’s Department of Sociology and published in leading journal , explores the lived experiences of French people whose families come from former French colonies in India and the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe via the system of Indian indentured labour in the 19^th century.

Despite holding French passports and speaking fluent French, many of these citizens feel excluded from what it means to be “truly” French.

Using interviews with 21 people, the study paints a powerful picture of what it feels like to be treated as invisible in your own country - and how people push back.

“It’s not just about being seen as different,” said Dr Latchoumaya. “It’s about being completely left out of how the French think about who belongs.”

The study found that many French Indians are misidentified as Black or North African, two established categories in France that covertly operate to minoritise people with roots in the French Empire. Others are judged by outdated stereotypes - like being overly traditional or even exotic - based on ideas left over from colonial times. These experiences often begin in childhood and continue into adult life, especially in education, work and healthcare.

But rather than staying silent, many people are speaking up and taking control of their identity. Some proudly reclaim the label Black as a category of visibility, while also identifying as South Asian. Others challenge people who use offensive or outdated terms, and several participants said they now openly name ‘whiteness’ - the idea that being white is the default or “normal” in France - as part of the problem.

The study also highlights the deep impact of colonial history, showing how the French Empire shaped today’s ideas about identity, and how some communities - like those with Indian roots - have been left out of the national story.

This research is one of the first studies to centre the voices of French citizens of Indian descent, a group rarely studied in academic or public discussions about French imperial history. It is especially relevant today as France - and many other countries - grapple with their colonial past and while having increasingly diverse populations.

This research was published in the journal .

Full title:

DOI:

Three Ұ�� experts become Academy of Social Sciences Fellows

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:05:39 +0100

Three academics from The University of Ұ�� have been recognised as leading experts in their fields by being named as Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences.

New Fellows are named in recognition of their excellence and impact, and their advancement of social sciences for the public good. Through leadership, research and policymaking, they have deepened understanding of major societal challenges. The Academy comprises over 1,700 Fellows from academia, the public, private and third sectors as well as 46 societies and affiliates, forming a 90,000-strong network that cements the UK’s global leadership in social sciences.

Academy Fellows - who are selected through an independent peer review which recognises their excellence and impact - are elected for their excellence in their fields and their substantial contributions to social science for public benefit.

Joining them is Professor of Public Administration and Head of Politics Liz Richardson, an expert who advances democratic and inclusive policymaking through her knowledge of participatory urban governance, local politics, public services and innovative research methods. Recognised among the Local Government Information Unit’s Top 25 Thinkers, Liz bridges academic insight and civic practice to tackle complex local and global policy challenges. She has co-authored pivotal reports in the UK’s Public Design Evidence Review, shaping how design thinking can reinvigorate public services.

“I am delighted to be an ambassador for social science,” Liz said. “Academic research has the potential to create a more equitable society - such potential is greater when knowledge fosters scientific rigour as well as respect for the experiential expertise of participants.”

Also named as a new Fellow is Professor of Public Policy David Richards, an internationally recognised scholar who specialises in British politics, governance, democracy and institutional reform. His research investigates the relationship between political institutions, public policy and democratic accountability. He has co-authored influential works, including Institutional Crisis in 21st Century Britain, and leads major projects on Treasury–Whitehall financial relations and productivity governance. Widely published and frequently cited in national debate, he bridges academic insight and public discourse, shaping critical conversations about the challenges facing British democracy and the future of effective, accountable government.

Our third new Fellow is Professor of Urban Economics & Real Estate Anupam Nanda, an award-winning expert in the economics of property markets, urban and regional dynamics, real estate finance, investor sentiment, cross-border investment, ESG issues, and the role of technology in real estate. A prolific researcher, his papers feature in top journals such as Journal of Urban Economics, Real Estate Economics, Regional Studies, and Energy Economics. Alongside his academic research, he works with policymakers and industry to develop solutions for sustainable, resilient and fair urban and housing systems.

“I am pleased to be nominated to join the Academy and contribute to its crucial work in promoting the role of social sciences in my field and across other related fields,” said Anupam. “I look forward to working with other fellows of the Academy.”

President of the Academy, Will Hutton FAcSS, said, “It’s a pleasure to welcome more leading social scientists to the Academy’s Fellowship. Their research and practical applications have made substantial contributions to social science and wider society in a range of areas, and we look forward to working with them to promote further the vital role the social sciences play in all areas of our lives.”

UK Data Service expertise helps government listen to researchers on the future of health data

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:39:49 +0100

Work led by Professor Vanessa Higgins (Professor of Data Literacy in the Social Sciences and Service Director of Training and User Support, ) and (Professor of Social Gerontology and Deputy Director, UK Data Service) has made headlines in following the UK Data Service in June, which brought national attention to the future of the (HSE).

Drawing on their expertise in population data, large scale social surveys, and the use of data to inform fair and effective health policy, the Ұ�� academics highlight the vital role of robust evidence in ensuring policy keeps pace with societal change.

Launched in 1991, the Health Survey for England, has been the backbone of health policy evidence for more than three decades, providing annual, nationally representative data to monitor the nation’s health and guide healthcare delivery. At the June 2025 conference, the government confirmed that NHS England would no longer run the survey. While details of any replacement are yet to be confirmed, discussions are under way on the future of population health surveys in England.

Since the conference, The UK Data Service has acted swiftly to ensure researchers’ voices are heard in the national debate:

Boosting consultation responses – negotiating with (DHSC) and the (ONS) to re-open a user consultation on the future of population health surveys for three weeks in July, generating a further 140 responses from health survey users.
Showcasing impact – collaborating with a key health survey user to publish a Data Impact blog highlighting the importance of the survey: .
Supporting decision-makers – at DHSC/ONS’s request, preparing a written summary of the Health Survey for England’s value and impact, including user testimonies, to feed into their internal report (due end of September), and advising on an expert peer-reviewers.

Through this work, Ұ�� academics and the UK Data Service are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Health Survey for England, influencing how health data will be collected to meet the challenges of a changing world.

Major new book asks whether addressing climate change requires stability or conflict

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100

A landmark new book is set to change how we think about tackling the climate crisis. It asks a big question: when it comes to climate change, is it better to ‘lock in’ steady, long-term policies, or do we need dramatic political conflict and protests to force real change?

Stability and Politicization in Climate Governance is co-edited by and - both leading politics experts from The University of Ұ�� - alongside from the University of Massachusetts Boston (USA). The book highlights that the debate between ‘stability’ and ‘politicisation’ isn't as simple as it seems.

For a long time, many policymakers believed that ‘stability’ was the key to successful climate action. This stability meant creating predictable rules that encourage businesses to invest in green solutions, or making laws that are difficult to roll back in the future.

However, the book reveals a significant problem: often, trying to keep things stable just means nothing really changes, which can actually slow down efforts to cut carbon. Studies in the book also show that a focus on stability can perpetuate existing inequalities, making it harder for marginalised communities to participate in climate action.

On the other hand, "politicisation" means bringing climate issues into the public spotlight, challenging powerful interests and sparking debate. The book shows how social movements like the Fridays for Future school strikes in Germany have successfully pushed governments to adopt more ambitious climate strategies. This kind of public pressure can show who really has the power and lead to significant policy changes, like demanding deadlines for phasing out coal.

However, building pressure isn't equally easy or safe for all communities. For some groups, like Muslim climate activists in the UK, engaging in protests can be risky because of existing unfairness in society. As one Muslim climate campaigner noted, "when you think about climate change, it is a social justice issue".

The book’s main message is that stability and politicisation aren't always opposites - they often interact in complex ways. What appears stable may hide underlying conflicts which eventually burst out, while political conflicts can sometimes lead to new forms of stability.

The book covers examples from around the world - from Brazil to China and South Africa to Norway - across all levels of society from grassroots street activists in California right up to global negotiations. The volume also tackles a wide range of policy areas and sectors including the fossil fuel industry, financial and insurance businesses and electricity companies.

It is available now, and free to read and download from .

Innocence success in the United Nations

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:39:49 +0100

Since its inception, the Task Force has submitted over 15 reports to the United Nations Human Rights Commission (HRC), with further work actively underway.

At The University of Ұ�� Law School, , Suzanne Gower, and Nicola Campbell, along with volunteer students from the , have contributed pro bono research to support the Task Force’s efforts. Their briefing materials recently informed a report submitted to the HRC in August against the treatment of incarcerated individuals in Vietnam.

The HRC report strongly reflects the Task Force’s central message: international law requires a mechanism to prove innocence and secure exoneration, alongside the right to appointed legal counsel and access to essential resources for pursuing such claims. Additionally, compensation must be provided upon exoneration.

As more experts encourage UN bodies to endorse these principles, the case for recognising them as universal human rights grows stronger. A critical mass of support is steadily taking shape. The Ұ�� Innocence Project is helping lead the way as part of the Task Force.

Claire McGourlay reflects:

The University of Ұ�� is globally renowned for its pioneering research, outstanding teaching and learning, and commitment to social responsibility. We are a truly international university – ranking in the top 50 in a range of global rankings – with a diverse community of more than 44,000 students, 12,000 staff and 550,000 alumni from 190 countries. Sign up for our e-news to hear first-hand about our international partnerships and activities across the globe.

You can listen to our Talk200 podcast with Nazir Afzal on the limits to equality – access to justice and scandal here.

New report highlights how UK asylum system can distort memory through trauma

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:36:17 +0100

The report, based on a peer-reviewed paper in the Journal of Social Philosophy, is authored by , Lecturer in Political Theory within The University of Ұ�� , and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Durham University. It explores how social and political institutions, particularly the asylum system, can disrupt people’s autobiographical memories. This can lead to inconsistencies in their accounts, which may be unfairly interpreted as dishonesty during asylum interviews.

Read the or access the .

The authors use the UK asylum system as a case study to show how institutional stress can affect memory. They argue that the system itself—through long waiting times, hostile environments, and public protests—can cause or worsen trauma, which in turn affects how people recall and communicate their experiences.

The report recommends reforms to reduce stress and improve fairness, including better living conditions, trauma-informed interview practices, and training for officials to understand how trauma affects memory. The authors stress that these changes are essential to ensure that people seeking asylum are treated with dignity and that their rights are respected.

KOSTAT-UNFPA Population Seminar 2025

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:12:50 +0100

Held in Seoul, the seminar brought together 30 international scholars for a week of intensive workshops. The training was methodologically rigorous and highly relevant to Rahul's PhD research on migration dynamics in the Global South.

Practical sessions included the implementation of Cox Proportional Hazards models and Kaplan-Meier estimators using R. A highlight was a constructive meeting with Professor Yabiku and colleagues concerning future work and collaboration on research on migration.

KOSTAT-UNFPA Summer Seminar on Population

The Summer Seminar on Population was first launched by the East-West Center (EWC) in 1970 and quickly gained recognition as a leading population seminar series. In 2013, responsibility for population activities was transferred to Statistics Korea (KOSTAT), which hosted the first KOSTAT Summer Seminar on Population in 2014.

Since 2017, the seminar has been co-hosted annually by KOSTAT and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), continuing its mission to advance population studies and statistical capacity building.

The seminar serves as an international platform for government statisticians, graduate students, and population experts to exchange ideas, share research, and strengthen statistical capacity in population-related fields. Over the years, participants from more than 20 countries have taken part in the programme.

Economics student among top three in UK for placement performance

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:48:24 +0100

Niamh Walsh, BA (Hons) Economics student, was recognised as the third best-performing intern across the nation during her year in industry with Enterprise Mobility.

Niamh was selected as the best performer in the South East, representing the region at the company’s Intern of the Year Finals 2025 where she came third.

Over 450 students took part in the scheme nationwide.

Niamh said:

The competition involved Niamh pitching her business improvement ideas to a panel of senior leaders at the company’s European Head Office.

She was celebrated for her achievement earlier this summer, with a member of the School’s Curriculum and Programmes team accompanying her to the awards ceremony.

Niamh added:

Ұ�� experts join national project to combat NHS fraud

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:26:53 +0100

Two leading criminologists from The University of Ұ�� are playing a key role in a groundbreaking national research project designed to tackle fraud in the NHS, which costs the UK taxpayer an estimated £1.3 billion each year.

The initiative, known as Project SCAN (Strengthening Counter-Fraud Across the NHS in England), is led by Northumbria University and brings together experts from across the UK to improve understanding and responses to fraud within the health service.

Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the 32-month study will generate robust evidence on the nature and organisation of counter-fraud strategies in the NHS in England, and how these strategies can be strengthened.

It will explore multiple dimensions of fraud risk in the NHS, from procurement and payroll to patient identity and prescription fraud. It will also look at how data and technology can support prevention efforts and how public sector institutions can be better equipped to respond to emerging threats.

The project will involve collaboration with NHS bodies, frontline counter-fraud professionals and other academic partners across the UK. Results will be disseminated through public reports, practitioner briefings, academic publications, and policy engagement events.

By generating evidence-based recommendations, Project SCAN aims to inform national policy and practice, ultimately helping to safeguard public money and ensure NHS services remain sustainable and fair for all.

Ұ��’s Professor Nicholas Lord and Dr Katie Benson, both from the University’s Department of Criminology, have previously led and contributed to high-profile studies into economic and white-collar crime, working with varied public and private organisations. In Project SCAN they will focus on the practical delivery of local counter fraud provision across NHS organisations.

“Understanding how counter fraud work is carried out is important for improving its effectiveness," added Dr Benson. ”Our research will better understand the experiences of those delivering these services, identifying what challenges they face and what support they need. This insight is vital for shaping a more strategic and joined-up approach to tackling fraud across the NHS."

Experts reveal how migration between South America and Europe has changed

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0100

A new study from experts at The University of Ұ�� has uncovered how people have moved between South America and Europe over the past 35 years, and how those patterns might change in the future.

The research, led by Dr Andrea Lisette Aparicio Castro and Professor Arkadiusz Wiśniowski from the Department of Social Statistics, looks at where people moved, why they moved, and what might happen by the year 2050.

In the early 1900s, many Europeans moved to South America to find work and a better life. But in more recent times, the direction has changed - now, more people are moving from South America to Europe. Until now, it’s been difficult to understand exactly how these movements work because the data from different countries didn’t match up.

To fix that, the research team collected census data from 30 countries and used a smart model to fill in the gaps and correct errors. This gave them a clear and complete picture of migration between 1985 and 2018, and helped them to make educated guesses about how migration will look in the future.

The study showed that many people from countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela moved to Spain, while Brazilians often went to Portugal. These moves were often easier because of shared languages and cultural history.

“We wanted to understand not just how many people moved, but why,” said Dr Aparicio Castro. “We found that people’s decisions are influenced by things like education, job opportunities, family ties, language, and even natural disasters like floods.”

The team also looked ahead to 2050. They found that as Europe’s population gets older, more workers from South America may be needed to help fill jobs - especially in healthcare and services. At the same time, education levels in South America are rising, which could mean more skilled workers moving to Europe.

The research was a partnership with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, and is published in the journal .

Jamie Hagen appointed as EDI Officer for the British International Studies Association

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 16:17:16 +0100

We are delighted to announce that lecturer of Global Politics, has been nominated as the new Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Officer for the (BISA).

The EDI Officer plays a vital role in leading BISA’s strategy to ensure that the association reflects and supports diversity in all its forms: demographic, intellectual, pedagogical, methodological and institutional. The role also involves embedding inclusive practices across BISA’s policies, processes, governing arrangements and activities.

In response to the appointment, Jamie shared:

This appointment reflects Dr Hagen’s ongoing commitment to advancing inclusive values within the wider academic community.

Social Sciences students come top in President’s achievement awards

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 11:46:08 +0100

Roan Goulden, second-year Law student transitioning to final year, has been named as Undergraduate Student of the Year for the Faculty of Humanities.

The title recognises Roan’s extensive contribution to criminal justice through his multiple roles in the Innocence Project, Bar Society and International Wrongful Convictions Task Force.

Claire McGourlay, Professor of Legal Education who nominated Roan for the award, said:

Roan’s commitment to supporting victims of miscarriage through the Innocence Project earned him and his team the Ұ�� Law Society’s Pro Bono Award. As the project’s student manager, he mentors students on handling cases and ensures the public knows of the project’s impact and work.

Roan also leads on helping students pursue careers as barristers in his role as the Bar Society’s Treasurer. Through his membership in the International Wrongful Convictions Task Force, he works with students, lawyers and academics to develop the international law on wrongful conviction rights.

Niamh Cashell, a PhD student, has also been recognised as the Faculty’s Postgraduate Research Student of the Year.

Niamh has made significant contributions to academic leadership, public engagement, and responsible innovation. As Secretary of the Political Studies Association’s Early Career Network, she provided strategic leadership and administrative coordination, organising a virtual conference with over 70 early career researchers and co-leading an in-person Early Career Day at the PSA Annual Conference in 2024.

Niamh's commitment to research impact extended beyond academia, completing an ESRC-funded internship with the BBC’s Responsible Innovation Centre, where she produced a report on AI-generated images in UK political contexts.

Rachel Gibson, Professor of Political Science and Niamh’s PhD supervisor said:

She has also won the Ұ�� Doctoral College Excellence Award for Research Impact.

New publication in Community, Work & Family

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:54:20 +0100

This study examines the heterogeneous labour market effects of family leave policies for single and partnered mothers.

Longer family leave has been shown to weaken women’s labour market positions and some studies have found heterogeneous effects across population groups. However, whether the effect differs by partnership status remains unexplored.

Using Finnish register data from 1989 to 2014 (ca. 2.5 million person-years) and controlling for selection into single motherhood by comparing estimates from OLS and FE models, this study compares single and partnered mothers’ unemployment and earnings consequent to extended family leaves. In line with predictions that single mothers may face greater work-family reconciliation issues or cumulative disadvantage leading to greater labour market penalties, the results showed that longer leave increases the length of unemployment for single mothers more than for partnered ones.

This is not solely because of selection into single motherhood. Earnings penalties after family leave (net of employment status) are the same for single and partnered mothers.

We conclude that similar long- lengths of family leave are penalised more among single mothers in terms of employment, which increases and reproduces social inequalities. This means that existing inequalities are reinforced by labour market absences supported by leave policies.

University of Ұ�� interns collaborate with SICK! Productions to produce community-driven documentary

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:00:34 +0100

Six student interns from The University of Ұ��'s (SoSS) and (SALC) have successfully completed a documentary project in collaboration with the renowned . This initiative, now in its second year, aims to provide students with real-world experience and enhance their employability in the creative sector.

The interns were tasked with creating a short documentary about community arts projects in North Ұ��. This year's focus was on a mural project, where shop shutters and walls in Moston and Harpurhey were transformed into vibrant pieces of art. The goal was to reframe the negative perceptions of the area and highlight the resilient and positive community spirit.

During the project, the students faced various challenges, including technical issues and the need to quickly learn new skills. Despite these hurdles, they found the experience rewarding and gained valuable insights into filmmaking and community engagement. The documentary aimed to showcase the positive aspects of the community and what can be done to further support it.

The students expressed their gratitude to the Moston and Harpurhey communities for their cooperation, and to the SICK! team for their guidance. They also acknowledged the support of their mentors, Fresh RB who played a crucial role in the project's success.

The documentary was presented to staff and students from the University of Ұ�� and members of the SICK! and Fresh RB teams. The interns received positive feedback for their commitment and the quality of their work. The project not only provided them with practical skills but also a deeper understanding of the importance of community and storytelling.

One of the interns reflected:

Each student intern was asked at the presentation to choose one word to describe their experience:

Enlightening
Lesson
Collaborative
Meaningful
Hopeful
Inspiring

The SICK! continues to be a platform for creative collaboration, and this project exemplifies the positive impact that such partnerships can have on both students and the local community.

Dr Claire Fox, SoSS EDI Director, expressed her enthusiasm:

Dr Sheena Kalayil, SALC EDI Director, also praised the interns:

Ұ�� expert helps shape groundbreaking review on public design

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:37:55 +0100

An expert from The University of Ұ�� has contributed to a major new government review which suggests that public design - an approach that brings citizens and designers into policymaking - could help to ensure that public services consistently achieve their goals.

The is the most comprehensive exploration yet of how design thinking can transform public services. Spearheaded by the Cabinet Office and drawing on expertise across government and academia, it brings together global case studies, academic insights and frontline government perspectives. It invites policy professionals to reimagine how we create value through more human-centred, collaborative public services.

Professor Liz Richardson, from the Department of Politics at The University of Ұ��, played a key role in the landmark project. She co-authored two of the PDER’s core reports, which examine the promise and potential of public design in modern governance.

One of her reports reviewed evidence on whether public design truly delivers public value - finding promising signs that, when done well, it can deepen collaboration, uncover fresh insights into how people experience services, and stimulate innovation by involving diverse voices in co-creation.

Professor Richardson also contributed to a major academic commentary in the review, setting out the current research landscape and future priorities for both academics and policymakers.

Reflecting on the work, she said: “Design could offer a fresh portfolio of ways to design and deliver high-performing public policies. Public design is part of a rich landscape of policy innovation. We are heartened by growing academic and policy interest in a family of ‘positive’ approaches to public policy (PoPP), including public design.”

The PDER was coordinated by the Policy Profession Unit, prepared for publication in the Department for Work and Pensions, and launched by the Cabinet Office with support from the University of the Arts London.

The report represents a true cross-sector effort to rethink how government can better serve the public. Professor Richardson’s involvement highlights how academic research can directly shape public services, and help to build more responsive, trusted and inclusive government.

Natalie Shlomo wins ESRA Outstanding Service Award

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:26:30 +0100

, Professor of Social Statistics in the , , was awarded the European Survey Research Association (ESRA) 2025 Outstanding Service Award at the recent ESRA Conference held in Utrecht, Netherlands, July 14-18, 2025.

The ESRA Outstanding Service Award acknowledges sustained and high-level contributions to European survey research, either of a methodological, substantive or infrastructural nature. Nominations are made and voted on by members of the ESRA Committee.

Natalie publishes widely in areas of survey statistics and survey methodology, including survey design and estimation, adaptive survey designs, small area estimation, non-probability sampling, data linkage and integration, confidentiality and privacy.

She is an elected member of the International Statistical Institute (ISI), a fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and President 2023-2025 of the International Association of Survey Statisticians. She also serves on editorial boards and international Methodology Advisory Boards at National Statistical Institutes.

In her acceptance speech for the award, Natalie noted that survey methodology and survey statistics are becoming increasingly important. She emphasised the need for high-quality randomised probability-based survey data to evaluate accuracy and mitigate biases in non-survey data sources, such as administrative data, big data and non-probability samples. She mentioned that only through the knowledge and understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of statistical methods and inference can we truly move forward into the digital and AI era.

Professor Ada Wossink leads key discussions at Westminster Energy Forum

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:14:06 +0100

Ada Wossink, Professor of Environmental Economics, delivered a keynote address and chaired part of the proceedings at the .

The event provided a platform for key stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the findings from the , focusing on key areas of risk and priority actions moving forward.

The discussions centred on aligning existing frameworks such as Environmental Land Management schemes and Biodiversity Net Gain frameworks, in order to preserve ecosystems, support climate adaptation, and balance competing land-use. Sessions also addressed the challenges for sustainable and reliable food production, maintaining habitats and supporting the farming community. Further discussions included improving water resources and the practical steps needed to accelerate habitat restoration and species protection.

Other notable speakers at the conference included Dame Glenys Stacey, Chair, Office of Environmental protection, Georgie Barber, Countryside and Land Use Lead, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission who also delivered keynote addresses. The House of Lords was represented by the Earl of Devon.

Ada Wossink reflects:

Researchers gain new skills at Methods@Ұ�� Summer School

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:32:13 +0100

The Methods@Ұ�� annual Summer School returned this week, giving researchers the exciting opportunity to meet and connect with their peers while gaining new social science and humanities methods skills.

Methods@Ұ�� is a Faculty-funded initiative developed to highlight the University’s strength in research methods across the social sciences. The jam-packed event not only offered attendees the chance to receive support from leading experts carrying out cutting-edge research but also created a supportive network of researchers who can continue to learn from one another.

Delegates had the opportunity to attend one of six specialised courses throughout the week, including training in Nvivo software, Qualitative Interviewing and Longitudinal Data Analysis, showcasing the considerable expertise in the Faculty across a range of methodological areas.

Some courses on offer were taught in collaboration with centres across the University. For example, the offered a team-taught course focused on Creative Approaches to Qualitative Research and the team ran a course focused on Digital Methods. New for this year, experts from the offered a course in AI Driven Analytics, providing the opportunity for participants to explore pioneering methods using AI.

Students were particularly engaged and keen to deepen their research throughout the week, with course lead for Longitudinal Data Analysis, Thiago Oliveira, commenting:

During the event, delegates shared positive feedback on the course so far, appreciating the interactivity of the sessions and how engaging the facilitators were. One student reflected on the event, saying:

Another student commented:

Alongside the practical courses, Methods@Ұ�� also organised a series of social activities for delegates, including a walking tour around the city, helping to foster connections between researchers.

Students came away from the week feeling uplifted and motivated, with one student commenting:

To find out more about the Summer School and the courses that were on offer, visit the Schools and courses section of the .

Iran’s history has been blighted by interference from foreign powers

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:28:57 +0100

Israel’s recent surprise attack on Iran was ostensibly aimed at neutralising Iran’s nuclear programme, but it didn’t just damage nuclear installations. It killed scientists, engineers and senior military personnel.

Meanwhile, with no ties to the government or military, became “collateral damage”. For 11 days, Israel’s attacks intensified across Tehran and other major cities.

When the US joined the attack, dropping its bunker-buster bombs on sites in central Iran on June 21, it threatened to push the region closer to . Israel’s calls for regime change in Iran were joined by the US president, Donald Trump, who took to social media on June 22 : “if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”

Trump’s remarks are reminders of past US interventions. The threat of regime change by the most powerful state in the world carries particular weight in Iran, where memories of foreign-imposed coups and covert operations remain vivid and painful.

In the early 1890s, Iran was after the shah granted a British company exclusive rights to the country’s tobacco industry. The decision was greeted with anger and in 1891 the country’s senior cleric, Grand Ayatollah Mirza Shirazi, issued a fatwa against tobacco use.

A mass boycott ensued – even the shah’s wives reportedly gave up the habit. When it became clear that the boycott was going to hold, the shah cancelled the concession in January 1892. It was a clear demonstration of people power.

This event is thought to have played a significant role in the development of the revolutionary movement that led to the that took place between 1905 and 1911 and the establishment of a constitution and parliament in Iran.

Rise of the Pahlavis

Reza Shah, who founded the Pahlavi dynasty – which would be overthrown in the 1979 revolution and replaced by the Islamic Republic – rose to power following a British-supported coup in 1921.

During the first world war, foreign interference . In 1921, with British support, army officer Reza Khan and politician Seyyed Ziaeddin Tabatabaee . Claiming to be acting to save the monarchy, they arrested key opponents. By 1923, Reza Khan had become prime minister.

In 1925, Reza Khan unseated the Qajars and , becoming Reza Shah Pahlavi. This was a turning point in Iran’s history, marking the start of British dominance. The shah’s authoritarian rule focused on centralisation, modernisation and secularisation. It set the stage for the factors that would that eventually lead to the 1979 Revolution.

In 1941, concerned at the close relationship Pahlavi had developed with Nazi Germany, Britain and its allies once again intervened in Iranian politics, . He was exiled to South Africa and his 22-year-old son, Mohammad Reza, in his place.

The 1953 coup

Mohammad Mosaddegh became Iran’s in 1951. He quickly began to introduce reforms and challenge the authority of the shah. Despite a sustained campaign of destabilisation, Mossadegh retained a high level of popular support, which he used to push through his radical programme. This included the , which was effectively controlled by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company – later British Petroleum (BP).

In 1953, he was ousted in a and placed under house arrest. The shah, who had fled to Italy during the unrest, returned to power with western support.

Within a short time, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi established that governed through repression and intimidation. He outlawed all opposition parties, and numerous activists involved in the oil nationalisation movement were either imprisoned or forced into exile.

The 1979 revolution: the oppression continues

The shah’s rule became increasingly authoritarian and was also marked by the lavish lifestyles of the ruling elite and increasing poverty of the mass of the Iranian people. Pahlavi increasingly relied on his secret police, the Bureau for Intelligence and Security of the State.

Meanwhile, a scholar and Islamic cleric named Ruhollah Khomeini, had been rising in prominence especially after 1963, when Pahlavi’s unpopular land reforms mobilised a large section of society against his rule. His growing prominence brought him into confrontation with the government and in 1964 he was sent into exile. He remained abroad, living in Turkey, Iraq and France.

By 1978 a diverse alliance primarily made up of urban working and middle-class citizens had paralysed the country. While united in their resistance to the monarchy, participants were driven by a variety of ideological beliefs, including socialism, communism, liberalism, secularism, Islamism and nationalism. The shah fled into exile on January 16 1979 and Khomeini returned to Iran, which in March became an Islamic Republic with Khomeini at its head.

But the US was not finished in its attempts to destabilise Iran. In 1980, Washington backed Saddam Hussein in initiating a , which claimed hundreds of thousands of Iranian lives and severely disrupted the country’s efforts at political and economic reconstruction.

Iran and the US have remained bitter foes. Over the years ordinary Iranians have suffered tremendously under rounds of US-imposed , which have all but destroyed the economy in recent years.

This new wave of foreign aggression has arrived at a time of significant domestic unrest within Iran. Since the protests, which began in September 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of the morality police, there has been a general groundswell of demand for social justice and democracy.

But the convergence of external aggression and internal demands has brought national sovereignty and self-determination to the forefront, as it did during previous major struggles. While world powers gamble with Iran’s future, it is the Iranian people through their struggles and unwavering push for justice and democracy who must determine the country’s future.

, Senior Lecturer in Sociology,
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

From Idea to Impact: Politics Student recognised for social innovation

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:59:33 +0100

The School of Social Sciences is proud to announce that one of our BSocSc Politics and International Relations students, Derry Duffy, has been awarded a prize in the Social Category of the Venture Further Awards 2025, at which the (MEC), at The University of Ұ��, celebrated 25 years of enterprise education helping students launch impactful ventures. The event showcases the depth of entrepreneurial talent emerging from The University of Ұ��.

Derry Duffy and a co-founder, Herbie Warner (a Theoretical Physics graduate) created ‘Cause’, the first online giving platform built specifically for small charities, making it easier for them to connect with donors, raise funds, and grow. Cause removes the barriers that small charities face when fundraising such as high advertising costs, low visibility and lack of digital expertise. Through the ‘app’, donors and charities can easily connect, either organically through data driven recommendations or through affordable, accessible and targeted marketing. Allowing small charities to have maximum impact is central to the mission of the ‘app’ so there are no platform fees or fees on donations for donors or small charities.

In Derry’s summer after his first year at university, he became aware of how the coming Cost of Living Crisis was likely to affect people, especially those who were already facing fuel and food insecurity. In response he thought it would be a good idea to set up a charity to support people in Ұ�� through the Winter. However, the issue he couldn’t find an answer to was how to connect with local donors. He assumed a platform where small charities and local donors could connect would exist but it didn’t. Derry and co-founder Herbie decided to create that platform, an ‘app’ that allows donors to find small charities that are doing work close to their hearts.

Derry reflects on receiving the award:

SoSS professor to Chair working group reviewing 14-day rule for human embryo research

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:13:22 +0100

Sarah Devaney, Professor of Healthcare Law and Regulation, has been announced by Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB) as Chair of its working group for a project reviewing the 14-day rule for human embryo research. The current law means that human embryos can only be cultured in a UK laboratory for a maximum of 14 days, but scientists suggest that by extending this, we could gain a better understanding of healthy development and miscarriages.

Sarah will work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary group to provide decision-makers with the independent evidence they need to better understand arguments for and against extensions to the 14-day limit on human embryo research. The project, which is funded by a grant from Wellcome, will consist of four phases and will result in insights intended to support government in making evidence-based decisions on whether to review the current law.

The project will be completed in approximately 18 months and any insights will be shared as they are gathered.

From the Classroom to a Calling: How a Miscarriages of Justice module sparked a student’s passion for reform

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:58:36 +0100

When Professor re-designed the Miscarriages of Justice undergraduate module with Suzanne Gower, they did so with a clear purpose: to bring the law to life through real-world stories and to inspire students to think critically and compassionately about the justice system. But even they could not have anticipated the profound ripple effects that the assignments would create.

As part of the module’s assessment, Claire invited students to explore the theme of wrongful convictions in a creative format. One student, Fatin Najwa Fadzli, deeply moved by what they had learned, chose to create a video blog (vlog) and dedicated it to , a former sub-postmaster who had been wrongly convicted during the infamous Post Office Horizon scandal.

Tom had previously visited the module to speak candidly to students about the devastating impact of being wrongly accused, tried, and convicted. His honesty, humility, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. But for this student, Tom’s story did more than resonate, it sparked a calling.

The vlog was a heartfelt tribute, not just to Tom’s personal resilience but to the broader need for justice, reform, and accountability. Moved by the student's dedication, Claire reached out to Tom to share the vlog and the powerful message behind it. True to the compassionate spirit that defines him, Tom responded by writing a personal letter to the student, thanking them, encouraging them, and reminding them that their voice matters in the ongoing fight for justice.

That one moment, a connection between a student, a teacher, and a survivor of injustice, may have changed the student’s life. Inspired by both the academic experience and Tom’s courage, the student is now considering pursuing a , aiming to become part of the next generation of legal professionals working to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again. This would of course be alongside Najwas national team ice hockey appearances!

This is more than just a story of one student and one assignment. It is a reminder of the extraordinary power of education when it is rooted in empathy, real-world relevance, and human connection. It shows the importance of giving students the space to respond creatively and emotionally to the law and how, in doing so, they may just find their life’s purpose.

Professor Claire McGourlay continues to lead the way in innovative legal education, but stories like this remind us that her true legacy lies not only in curriculum design, but in the lives Claire shapes, one student, one story, one act of justice at a time.

Claire McGourlay reflects:

University of Ұ�� team wins BISA 2025 EDI prize for Decolonial Praxis Project

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:07:24 +0100

The (BISA) has recognised The University of Ұ��’s outstanding commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) by awarding its 2025 EDI Prize to a team of staff members whose work has significantly advanced inclusive practices in international studies.

The award was presented during the BISA 2025 annual conference, held in Belfast, and celebrates initiatives that have made a tangible impact on fostering inclusive academic environments. The University of Ұ�� team who received the EDI prize consisted of , (both from the Politics department) and (Sociology department).

The Decolonial Praxis project, that the awardees co-lead, challenges colonial legacies in Higher Education, while ensuring a more ethical and social justice-oriented approach to international partnerships. It is a transformative initiative that embodies the principles of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Its working method is to evolve the approach in collaboration with colleagues from other universities (so far that includes universities of Ghana, Nairobi and Pretoria).

The initiative has sought to rethink modes of decolonising by including a wider range of participant: students, staff including academics and research support staff, and artivists. It convened at the universities but also in local communities and art-spaces giving importance to locally produced knowledge and knowledge-practice.

Over the last two years, activities have included mapping courses and degree programmes to highlight the ways in which structural inequalities persist as an evidence base to drive change within our School. Moreover, by engaging with colleagues from other universities and across disciplinary boundaries (in Nairobi the Faculty of Education; in Ghana the Interdisciplinary Institute for African Studies and in Pretoria the Department of Politics), the initiative has facilitated peer learning with implications for critical pedagogy, research and research support.

This initiative enhances diversity by amplifying marginalised voices and perspectives, through collaborative workshops and knowledge exchange. Through this initiative the project created an important space for critical dialogue and co-production of tools that advance decolonial praxis. This approach not only validates Indigenous knowledge but also ensures its relevance to socio-economic and cultural contexts, promoting sustainable development. The project’s long-term impact is secured through the ongoing development of a decolonial archive, and a number of publications.

This recognition underscores The University of Ұ��’s leadership in social responsibility and its commitment to inclusive excellence in higher education. The project has been funded by the International Science Partnerships scheme and the Faculty of Humanities at Ұ��.

Leadership Behind Bars: A New Vision for Justice Reform Emerges from the Inside Out

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:50:00 +0100

On Monday, 16 June, the House of Commons hosted a groundbreaking event titled “Prisoner Leadership, Meaning, Value, and Role in Justice Reform,” co-organised by (Senior Lecturer in , University of Ұ��), , and . The panel brought together lived experience leaders, MPs, academics, and justice professionals to explore how leadership within prisons can reshape the future of justice in the UK.

Centred around the newly published book (Palgrave Macmillan), the event challenged traditional notions of leadership by highlighting the often-unrecognised influence of incarcerated individuals. These leaders, shaped by survival and solidarity rather than hierarchy, offer critical insights into reforming a prison system in crisis.

Guest speaker (former Professor, University of Ұ��) underscored the importance of recognising lived experience as a legitimate and powerful form of knowledge. The event called for a shift from tokenistic inclusion to genuine collaboration across sectors—between academics, policymakers, and those directly impacted by incarceration.

The organisers emphasised that real reform must be rooted in humility, shared leadership, and a commitment to justice that listens to those who have lived it.

The visit resulted in MPs and Justice Select Committee representatives asking that the presented Policy recommendations based on the book’s findings be translated into law, illustrating how research-led impact can emerge in decision-making spaces.

Learn more about how Prisoner Leadership is reimagining justice from the inside out in our latest .

Postgraduate student wins MDC Excellence Award for Local Community Impact

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Megan Hadfield, a PhD student in Criminology, was honoured for her work with the , a Ұ��-based organisation supporting people experiencing homelessness. Megan has been volunteering at the Centre since 2019, and her long-standing commitment has evolved into a pioneering initiative that has already made a tangible difference.

While serving on the Centre’s Board of Trustees, Megan identified a communication gap affecting service users whose first language is not English. Drawing on her role within the School of Social Sciences’ Social Responsibility Committee, she proposed a new volunteer project specifically for individuals with second-language skills. With the committee’s backing and in collaboration with the Booth Centre, the pilot programme launched in 2024.

Megan has played a key role in coordinating between the University and the Centre – scheduling training, creating information sheets and leaflets and setting up volunteer recruitment. “It has been a pleasure to help with this, and I can already start to see the incredible impact it has had,” she said. “The Booth Centre is such a wonderful organisation and benefits the wider community, so anything I can do, however small, to help them help others, I’ll do it.”

Reflecting on the award, Megan said:

Megan received her award at the MDC Excellence Awards ceremony, which took place on Tuesday 17th June. The event celebrated the exceptional contributions of postgraduate researchers across the University, and Megan’s recognition highlights the power of community-focused research and the meaningful impact students can have beyond academia.

New report shows a ‘dose response’ relationship between racism and poor mental health

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 17:30:00 +0100

A new report titled investigates how experiencing racial discrimination affects mental health, both directly and indirectly.

It finds a ‘dose-response relationship’ between racial discrimination and poor mental health (ie the negative impact on mental health increased with increasing number of times and areas in which racism was experienced).

The authors also examine the impact of experiencing racism over many years. Recent experiences of racial discrimination (within the past 5 years only) had a stronger effect on mental health compared to experiences of racial discrimination that happened over five years ago. Chronic experiences of racial discrimination over someone’s life (both past and recent experiences) had the strongest effect on mental health.

Drawing on data from , the largest and most comprehensive survey to document the lives of ethnic and religious minorities in Britain during the pandemic, the report also shows how experiences of racial discrimination were associated with testing positive for COVID-19, financial concerns, feelings of loneliness, and a reduced sense of belonging. Racial discrimination also indirectly contributed to poor mental health, through these experiences.

The report is written by Patricia Irizar, Dharmi Kapadia, Harry Taylor, Gertrude Wafula, Albert Kwansa, Charles Kwaku-Odoi, Laia Bécares and Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi.

This report summarises published in 'Sociology of Health & Illness' (open access).

Student app designed to bridge the life skills gap shortlisted for national award

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0100

The award-nominated student app, Clarify, assists those aged 16-24 in navigating essential life skills including financial literacy, legal awareness, career readiness and day-to-day adult responsibilities.

The three BA (Econ) students, Irene Madu, Vania Ahiakwo and Sonia (Germaine) Garba Enyai, worked on the app alongside their studies to create a supportive resource for young people.

They said: “At the start, we were just bouncing around ideas between lectures, trying to find common ground on something we believed could actually make a difference. Building Clarify meant juggling exams, research projects, and tight deadlines — but we kept pushing.

Drawing insights from a recent Santander finding that 79% of young people report feeling unprepared for financial realities, the app offers courses, videos and features on taxes, pensions, warranties and other areas often underrepresented in traditional education.

The Clarify team added: “Many lack knowledge about legal rights or how to access help. We've spoken with peers, surveyed students, and collaborated with professionals — all pointing to the same insight: there’s a clear, urgent demand for accessible, inclusive life-readiness education.”

The app team is currently inviting students to and help shape the platform into a meaningful and accessible resource for young people across the UK.

Working with Qualitative Interview Data: Themes and Beyond

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:27:29 +0100

Ever painted your interview data?

Me neither, but that’s where we ended up in this recent innovative and energising session with , a Sociologist of Everyday Life and a member of the .

We started the session with a useful but whistle stop tour of thematic analysis, which set the scene for a reflection on what is really meant by themes in the interpretation of data, and how this process might change if we allow for a more reflexive approach which allows us to consider more carefully the ways we ‘work’ with data and our emotional connections with that data.

According to Andy, data is lively, and opening up to that liveliness entails recognising data’s many shapes and forms, rather than the ‘straight lines’ of themes so beloved of procedural-focused approaches to analysis, and the ways that we ‘live with’ data in our everyday lives as researchers.

The workshop then moved on to a practical encounter with our data through painting on our transcripts or making data poetry with them.

Whether used as an end in itself or a tool to see data differently, perhaps surmounting an interpretation impasse, 38 workshop attendees eagerly embraced brush strokes and poetry. Analysis and interpretation were re-imagined and re-shaped, our data came alive, we read and saw it differently.

You can find out more about Andy’s ‘painting with data’ technique in and I will be eagerly awaiting the Morgan Centre book due to hit the shelves in Autumn, which Andy is co-authoring with Morgan Centre colleagues (Sophie Woodward, James Fletcher, James Hodgson and Jess Mancuso).

In the meantime you could satisfy your creative thirst with the Morgan Centre’s ‘creative approaches to qualitative research’ course, but do hurry as we are at near -full capacity!

Methods@Ұ�� workshops and activities

To keep up-to-date with Methods@Ұ�� events and activities see our and do let us know if there are particular innovative and advanced methodological approaches you would like to suggest for inclusion in next year’s workshop programme.

New Publication in Policy Studies Journal

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:30:00 +0100

Policy subsystems are comprised of competing advocacy coalitions, in which public and private political actors with shared belief systems learn from each other and coordinate their strategies in the pursuit of influencing policy making in their favour.

While numerous studies have focused on the longevity and structural stability of advocacy coalitions, there is scant theory and evidence on how nascent policy subsystems bifurcate into stable, competing coalitions.

This article proposes a three-stage model of problem discovery, differentiation, and consolidation.

We apply discourse network analysis to the nascent subsystem of the UK's COVID-19 response in order to study these phases and discuss their applicability and implications for other institutional and issue contexts.

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