A community digital storytelling project, Generation 2012 gives young Londoners a platform to share their experiences and hopes for the Olympics. The project explores the role of sport in multicultural societies and provides insight into the attitudes and aspirations of young Londoners.
The ESRC Festival of Social Science explores Scotland's complex identity and its impact on daily life, from nostalgia and food to migration and public services. The festival offers a range of engaging events that foster discussion and debate among various audiences.
The report highlights the impact of social science research on policies addressing crime prevention, education, and re-employment, as well as healthy diets and child wellbeing. A panel of MPs will discuss the challenges facing the future of social science research and its role in bridging evidence gaps.
Research suggests that privatizing government-owned banks can result in a collapse of depositors' confidence, triggering bank runs and financial instability. Effective regulation is crucial to prevent this outcome, as it allows for the banking system to finance economic growth.
Research found that UK prisoners formed groups along ethnic lines for protection and shared interests, yet experienced racist tensions. Prisons lacked gangs, but minority ethnic prisoners faced harsh treatment from staff, sparking fears of institutional racism.
The police service is grappling with a range of challenges in the face of a global recession, including the risk of over-centralisation and politicization. Experts argue that policing must adapt to new priorities and acknowledge the limitations of its powers.
A new report by the Economic and Social Research Council highlights the importance of volunteering in promoting employment and social inclusion. Key findings include successful examples of how volunteering helped individuals gain skills and find jobs.
Donations to overseas development charities have grown at an average rate of 7.4% per annum, exceeding household income and government aid growth rates. Individual giving is not deterred by government grants, with a new model suggesting a 10% change in household incomes produces a similar 10% change in donations.
The Abu Dhabi Economics Research Agency (ADERA) has been founded to improve globally the level of economics research relevant to Abu Dhabi and its region. ADERA will fund research teams in affiliated universities and institutions around the world, providing high-quality research on sustainable economy and economic development.
Researchers found that even short interruptions can lead to longer completion times due to cognitive focus disruption. The study suggests designing pop-ups with minimal visual impact and providing time for users to rehearse their place before resuming tasks.
A study by Dr. Tiziana Nazio found that public sector workers are more likely to have children due to the relative security of employment, flexible hours, and career progression linked to seniority. In contrast, men's careers do not directly influence their decision to have children, but rather the pattern of women's careers and househ...
A study by King's College London found that workplace basic skills courses had little impact on productivity and employability. Short course durations were identified as a major reason for the failure of the initiative. Conversely, participants reported increased confidence and a greater interest in education.
A UK survey of 1500 respondents found that those who own their own home are more likely to separate rubbish than renters, while switching off lights in unused rooms is the most popular green behavior. The survey also shows that taking fewer flights and car sharing are less common.
Children as young as 11 can predict their future educational and career choices, according to a new study. The research highlights the importance of providing advice and information to children during secondary education to increase post-16 participation.
The third sector continues to innovate in public service delivery, despite tough economic times. Key findings from a report by the ESRC reveal the sector's ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances.
Children can play a key role in driving sustainability initiatives by encouraging changes in behavior and taking on wider roles as active citizens. Schools need to adopt different learning approaches that activate creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to harness their potential.
A study by Cardiff University researchers found that performance reviews under the Audit Commission's Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) led to improved council standards. Poorly performing councils were more likely to see a change in political leadership and management, resulting in better outcomes.
A new publication by ESRC explores how to strike a balance between security and privacy in the face of increasing technological advancements. The guide is designed to help organizations assess potential concerns and identify safeguards, emphasizing the need for early consideration and informed decision-making.
A new study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council reveals that teenagers' attitudes towards diet and weight are shaped by their social class. Middle-class families expect their children to develop a good body shape for adult life, while working-class families prioritize everyday concerns over future health. The findings hi...
A study by Manchester Metropolitan University found that children's reputations can be formed quickly in reception class, leading to difficult-to-shake labels. Once a child's reputation is established, it affects their behavior and interactions with teachers and peers.
The booklet summarizes a Public Policy Seminar discussing ways to capture the value of culture, media and sport. Experts highlight the need for more comprehensive methods to understand the impact of these sectors on society. The seminar aimed to develop a strategic evidence base for policy-relevant research.
Researchers found that large real increases for some food items were balanced by big falls for others, but variations existed between stores and locations. Some healthy items like fruit and vegetables became increasingly expensive, while others like apples and bananas got cheaper.
A UK study finds that young volunteers feel disconnected from environmental conservation work due to lack of training in both conservation and youth work. The report calls for more coordination between voluntary sectors and youth services to support skills-building and regeneration policies.
The UK Innovation Research Centre has announced phase two of its initiative, focusing on substantive and exploratory research projects in areas such as financial innovations, public procurement, and environmental regulation. The £1.5 million funding will support high-quality research and knowledge hub activity.
A study by Professor Brigitte Nerlich's team found that the way people communicate about a threat largely determines how they understand it and behave towards it. The research focused on MRSA, avian flu, and compared media coverage with hospital matrons' language.
A study by Oxford University suggests that students with vocational backgrounds are underrepresented in prestigious institutions, facing difficulties in balancing academic work and family commitments. The research highlights the need for tailored support mechanisms to address these challenges and promote fairness of access in higher ed...
The ESRC's new Strategic Plan focuses on delivering significant advances in methods, theory, and application of social sciences. The plan supports a broad portfolio of integrated activities, including world-class infrastructure and international leadership.
The study reveals that effective teachers focus on building self-esteem, engendering trust, and maintaining respect. They combine good knowledge of their subject and teaching practice to provide tailored support.
Researchers discovered that anxious individuals struggle to avoid distractions and take longer to switch attention between tasks. Training techniques to enhance attentional control may help anxious students achieve their full potential.
A recent study found that one in five people fall below the poverty line following a partner's death, with women being more at risk. The research highlights the need for better awareness of financial issues and support systems to help bereaved individuals adjust to their new economic situation.
Research by Carol Grayson highlights the risks of paid blood donors and the need for an open and safe blood policy to prevent patients from contracting blood-borne infections. The study found that successive UK governments failed to prioritize self-sufficiency in blood products, leading to the contamination of blood supplies.
A new report emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts and adaptive leadership skills in addressing complex social issues in Scotland's public sector. Experts recommend reevaluating leadership education to foster a culture of sharing ideas and learning from each other.
The fellowships will investigate how individuals develop their ideas about security and insecurity, exploring the impact of language, images, and symbolism on risk perception. The programme aims to generate knowledge and develop understanding of global uncertainties, informing effective strategies for prevention and mitigation.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that children whose mothers often talked about people's feelings, beliefs, wants, and intentions developed better social understanding than those who did not. By age 12, these children were as socially sophisticated as adults.
Research reveals significant wealth-related disparities in health and life expectancy among older adults, highlighting the importance of socio-economic factors. Engaging in non-work activities like volunteering can improve mental health and well-being when individuals feel valued and rewarded.
Research highlights potential for green economy to stimulate employment and reduce carbon emissions during recession. Experts propose tax reform and low-carbon investment incentives to support sustainable growth.
A new report emphasizes the importance of retrofitting existing UK buildings to reduce carbon emissions. The UK's 24 million existing buildings would need significant attention to reduce their emissions by just 40%, with large-scale refurbishment being only part of the answer.
The global financial crisis is expected to exacerbate poverty for vulnerable households in developing countries, threatening progress towards reducing extreme poverty. Experts will discuss potential outcomes and steps to mitigate the impact on the most disadvantaged populations.
The report card evaluates Britain's performance in various areas, including science and technology, health, and the environment. It also explores potential policy options, such as slowing population growth and privatising the road network.
Panicos Demetriades, a renowned economist, argues that the current global financial crisis presents an opportunity for governments to take a more proactive role in finance. He suggests that countries should adopt policies that prioritize the public interest over the narrow interests of financial institutions. This could involve nationa...
A unique exhibition showcases video clips of younger and older people reflecting on life and growing old, revealing surprising experiences and challenges to common stereotypes. The event also invites the public to record their own digital stories on ageing, exploring the potential of technology in social sciences research.
Leading experts Colin Hay and Gerry Stoker say politics has become 'depoliticised' due to key decisions being handed over to independent bodies. They argue that politicians have lost trust in their ability to govern effectively and in the collective interest, leading to a disenchantment with the conduct of politics.
Natural burial grounds in the UK offer a range of services and habitats, catering to individuals' preferences for informal settings and community interaction. The research team has visited over 20 sites, finding that some provide anonymity while others host events like Christmas carol services and live music festivals.
The event reveals the fundamental connection between humans and plants, showcasing how plant toxins have led to effective medicines. The Festival of Social Science celebrates British social science research, with a focus on the often-overlooked role of plants in our daily lives.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Act's development is examined in a conference, revealing insights into UK science policy decision-making processes. Key stakeholder groups' impact on the public debate and legislative outcome are discussed.
The ESRC Festival of Social Science brings together young people to discuss pressing issues like environmental sustainability, organ donation, and migration. The event aims to find solutions to violent behavior in the UK through research and experiential learning.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has awarded £16.5m in funding to three new Centres of Excellence, with a focus on the economic wellbeing of the UK. The centres will conduct research on globalisation, macro-economic growth, and the impact of immigration on growth and wellbeing.
A group of UK scientists and social scientists highlight the need for integrated solutions to address the complex roles of plants in global systems. Key findings include the importance of balancing competing priorities for land use, energy production, and human well-being.
Experts gather to discuss how economic growth affects well-being and whether poverty or wealth guarantees happiness. Research highlights the negative effects of unemployment, while stability in work improves health and well-being.
Complementary schools enhance minority ethnic children's development by learning their community language outside the home. Bilingualism is associated with contemporary, cosmopolitan identities and social networks.