The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has announced the selection of nine Professorial Fellows, renowned scholars in their field, to pursue groundbreaking research. The fellowships aim to free these top researchers from administrative duties, allowing them to focus on producing high-quality research.
A three-year study of 193 healthy older adults found that social environment, including home and family, was the most important factor in determining quality of life. Good mental faculties and personal optimism also played a significant role.
The report provides a sober assessment of nanotechnology's possibilities, distinguishing between current applications, potential future advancements, and unfeasible goals. It also explores the role of social science in nanotechnology development, highlighting opportunities to anticipate and incorporate implications into the technology.
The study explores how older adults adjust their living environments to ensure comfort and flexibility, affecting their identity and well-being. By considering personal aspects of their surroundings, individuals can create a suitable space that accommodates their changing needs.
Established educational websites dominate the e-learning market, prioritizing branding over content and interactivity. Despite potential for growth in home learning, government testing imperatives hinder innovation and competition.
A study led by Dr Jane Seymour found that older adults feel poorly informed about life-prolonging technologies, highlighting the need for better communication and public education. Participants emphasized trust, family involvement, and comfort as essential components of dignified end-of-life care.
A study by Dr. Thomas Scharf reveals that 30% of older people in deprived areas experience no form of exclusion, while 40% report multiple exclusions. The research highlights a significant disparity in poverty rates among Somali and Pakistani older people.
A recent study found that while opinions on cannabis are more liberal, attitudes towards other drugs like heroin and ecstasy remain strong. Most people support prescribing cannabis for medical purposes, but strict laws still apply to these substances.
A two-year study found autistic children have difficulty with early face-to-face interaction, which relates to pointing and showing abilities. The research suggests this problem starts earlier in development than previously thought.
A new UK study led by Dr Stephen Farrall found that only around 15% of people were 'very' or 'fairly' fearful in the past year. The study aimed to improve the accuracy of statistics about fear of crime by asking new survey questions, suggesting that surveys may exaggerate fears.
Research shows that most women cannot rely on private pensions for adequate income in later life, highlighting the need for improved state pensions and carer credits. Single women have a significant private pension advantage compared to married or divorced women.
Researchers investigated how babies up to six months old perceive moving objects behind screens, finding that they initially don't see continuity until four months old. This suggests that babies develop their perceptual abilities with age rather than being born with them.
Researchers analyzed interviews with WW2 Polish Resistance veterans to identify key motivations behind recruitment, including patriotism, xenophobia, and moral constraint. The study found that these emotions were rooted in a migrants' moral system and family life, rather than solely driven by ideology.
The Millennium Cohort Study found that over seven percent of English babies sleep in their parents' bed, a higher rate compared to other countries. The study also revealed various interesting facts about the first year of life for these children, such as the most common names and solid food consumption.
A study by Dr Lydia Plowman and Dr Rosemary Luckin found that young children can coordinate toy and screen interactions without confusion. However, the toys' limited ability to promote learning was noted, with children preferring human helpers over technology.
Recent national surveys in the UK show that full-time employment remains dominant, while careers are not dead and job tenure has increased. The study also reveals that new technologies have not revolutionized the work experience of all employees, and labour markets have yet to experience any radical transformation.
Researchers used video sequences of people, soap operas, and radio shows to investigate face recognition. They found that for unfamiliar faces, memory appears dominated by external features, but once familiar, internal features become more important.
A recent study found that UK teachers are struggling to implement new teaching methods due to a lack of clear guidance. The research suggests that most teachers ask easy questions rather than open-ended ones to prompt classroom discussion, resulting in limited pupil engagement.
A study of 100 working families in the UK and USA found that planners' assumptions about housing, transport, and work-life balance often clash with reality. Families often prioritize convenience over ideal living arrangements, leading to increased travel time and reliance on private transportation.
The Millennium Cohort Study, funded by ESRC, follows the lives of nearly 19,000 babies born between 2000 and 2002. The study provides valuable insights into birth, baby, and parenthood topics, such as parents' ages and children's development.
A study found that economic growth often takes precedence over environmental concerns in local policy-making. However, there are examples of cities like Manchester where sustainability has become an integral part of urban development. Local authorities still play a crucial role in driving environmental and economic policies.
Current policies focus on enhancing skilled workers, neglecting organisational change and institutional transformation. New research highlights the importance of workplace reorganisation and structure in creating high-skills workforces.
A recent survey found that the public was misled by the media's coverage of the MMR controversy, with 53% assuming there was equal evidence for both sides. The study also revealed that journalists struggled to balance competing views on issues like climate change and genetics.
A study of over 200 older people from minority ethnic groups found that experience of racism was a clear difference in their quality of life. Despite feeling isolated, many participants had strong social connections and relied on each other for support.
A study by Dr Nir Vulkan suggests electronic markets will replace traditional dealer markets unless made more attractive with lower commissions. The research found that 'weak' traders are drawn to anonymous electronic marketplaces, leading to a potential shift of all traders to electronic markets.
A recent study by Dr Glen Newey argues that politicians' deception is often necessary for the greater good. The researcher claims that the more people demand transparency from their leaders, the more likely politicians are to resort to lies and misrepresentation.
A new study raises concerns about the effectiveness of Scotland's modern apprenticeship scheme due to lack of data on its success. The researchers recommend introducing a recognized national diploma and monitoring employment conditions to ensure young people gain real benefits from the scheme.
A unique satisfaction index developed by London School of Economics and Queen's University Belfast reveals that local councillors can improve voter satisfaction by applying findings to spending decisions. The research found different priorities in various areas, often related to local economic circumstances.
A study by researchers found that proportional representation distances MEPs from their constituents, with most prioritizing party interests over individual voters. The number of visible contacts between MEPs and constituents decreased, indicating a reduced role for constituency work.
Research reveals that news media rarely references public opinion through polls, surveys, or demonstrations, instead relying on inferences and citizen experiences. This model of citizenship may be contributing to declining voter turnout and disengagement with politics.
A study by Lancaster University found that strong local campaigns significantly increase constituency turnout and results in marginal seats. Campaign intensity was key to Labour's success, with their targeted efforts leading to higher turnouts in target seats.
A study by Dr. Jeanne Moore and Tracey Crosbie found that homeworkers in professional occupations tend to find the experience more rewarding, while those with young children struggle to balance home and work responsibilities. The researchers also discovered that men and women have different experiences of homeworking.
A recent study reveals that British commercial banks have failed to develop internal structures suitable for lending to small firms, rationing credit to this category of potential customers. This deficiency has had a damaging impact on regional economic regeneration and national economic competitiveness.
The study found that voluntary organisations play a greater role in designing and delivering policies, but face growing tensions between leadership and participation. To deliver effective results, they need to maintain their autonomy and critical edge.
Research reveals that British Muslim LGBTQ+ individuals face significant challenges in navigating their identities amidst conservative Islamic teachings and family pressures. The study highlights the importance of providing tailored support services to address these complex issues.
The study found that Education Action Zones demonstrated some innovation in parents' perceptions of education, but this was not matched by consistent improvements in pupil performance. The zones also struggled to implement lasting changes in classroom practice due to the pressure of short-term targets.
A study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that older men prefer to avoid groups geared towards older women, fearing they will be seen as giving up. Efforts must be made to make day centres more attractive to this demographic to address their unique needs.
Research by Roger Vickerman suggests that planned short-term immigration boosts the UK labor market with workers taking lower-skilled jobs, allowing indigenous workers to move up the career ladder. This mobility also benefits home countries through remittances and skills acquired abroad, contributing to increased productivity upon return.
A study led by Dr. Debra Bekerian found young gay men are anxious and depressed, with many unaware of their HIV status. Trauma may have a protective effect on health behavior, and the report suggests improving health messages using the internet could help reduce unsafe sexual practices.
A study by sociologists at the University of Bristol found that young women in their 20s and 30s tend to hold traditional views on family life. Many prioritize motherhood and a close relationship with their mothers, even if they have career aspirations. The researchers also identified four distinct career patterns among young adults: '...
Despite challenges, public support for devolution remains strong, with 43% of people backing the system. However, sectarian divisions and pessimism about community relations are on the rise, according to new research.
A study by academics at the Universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen found that half of Scottish sporting estates have been owned for 25 years or less, while two-thirds are run by absentee landowners. Despite new access legislation, many estate owners still oppose public access to their properties.
Despite years of decline, trade unions are finding new ways to gain support and influence, such as community links and international agreements. Research shows that partnerships with employers and local consultation can drive growth, but challenges remain in certain workplace environments.
The Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) has introduced a new professorial fellowship scheme to enable top scholars to pursue innovative research. The fellowships will run for three years, providing funding for PhD students, research assistants, and travel expenses.
A study by Martin Weale and Professor James Sefton found that there is a strong relationship between fathers' and sons' earnings. However, once a son reaches at least 'A' Level standard, their father's social class and income no longer influence their earning power.
A study led by Dr Andrea Litva found that both health professionals and lay people do not currently support direct public involvement in clinical governance. The research suggests that creating a culture shift among lay people will require time and support from primary care trusts to involve the public effectively.
A study explores the attitudes and experiences of middle-aged male managers and professionals in their late 40s and 50s, revealing a mixed picture with both benefits and risks. The research highlights the need for alternative solutions to traditional early retirement options, including part-time working and job-shares.
Researchers found that people with big problems need space to sort out their lives, but the British approach to welfare-to-work is a compromise between 'work-first' and 'human capital' objectives. The study highlights the need for a wider concept of work-life balance to enable individuals with multiple problems to get permanent paid jobs.
Researchers found that a minority of homicides are reported in national newspapers, with a substantial bias towards covering untypical cases. The report highlights the need for responsible reporting to showcase real dangers and avoid manufacturing fears.
Research shows firms are quick to raise prices when costs increase, but not so keen to reduce prices when costs fall. Positive inflation raises output, preventing losses due to price asymmetries, while high inflation targets may have modest output gains.