A new £692,000 research program will investigate why vulnerable people with complex needs become homeless and how to prevent it. The project aims to develop a greater understanding of homeless individuals who face multiple problems such as drug dependencies, mental health issues, and institutional experiences.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that cattle and sheep grazing on natural grasslands produce tastier, healthier meat with a richer diet. The research concluded that pasture-based farming is good for the environment and consumers, but needs stronger policy support.
A new study by the Economic & Social Research Council highlights potential risks of Project Finance in developing countries, including environmental damage, health concerns, and human rights issues. The research proposes a code of practice to address these risks and improve social and environmental outcomes.
New research by Professor Christine Griffin at the University of Bath suggests that increases in young people's alcohol consumption are levelling off. The study also highlights the role of marketing practices in shaping young people's attitudes towards alcohol, and calls for a radical re-thinking of national alcohol policy to take into...
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that NHS hospitals' risk management standards are linked to lower MRSA infection rates. Hospitals that meet certain targets receive discounts on their liability insurance premiums, leading to a reduction in infections.
The Teaching and Learning Research Programme (TLRP) has drawn conclusions after nine years of investigations across all sectors of education. Key findings include the importance of genuine engagement, developing skills to become autonomous learners, and the positive impact of group work on pupil performance.
Researchers propose a new model to improve existing standards by capturing the multi-dimensional experience of new teachers, highlighting the importance of emotional and relational aspects in their development. The study found that support from colleagues and availability of teaching materials are key factors in job satisfaction.
A study by Professor Demetriades and colleagues suggests that government-owned banks are a safe haven for depositors when regulatory institutions are perceived as weak. The research challenges the 'political view' of state banks, arguing that privatisation can lead to financial instability and dis-intermediation.
Researchers point to historical events like the collapse of the City of Glasgow Bank in 1878 as a guide for addressing current banking crises. The UK's Financial Services Authority is recruiting more staff and considering stricter regulation, with experts emphasizing the need for effective policing of new regulations.
A new study by Queen Mary University of London highlights the success of a grassroots coalition in winning higher wages for low-paid migrant office cleaners. The research shows that community action and cooperation among faith groups, unions, and community organisations can bring positive changes.
The global financial crisis may delay the discovery and production of many new life-saving medicines due to reduced investment in biotechnology research. Biotechs made profits for the first time last year, but financing is still a struggle.
The UK's Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) has launched the world's largest household longitudinal study, Understanding Society. The ambitious project will collect data from 100,000 individuals across 40,000 households to explore the long-term effects of social and economic change on the well-being of the UK population.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has launched four Capacity Building Clusters to develop closer dialogue between social science and the business sector. The clusters focus on key priorities, including driving innovation, adapting to new technologies, and improving leadership and management.
Research finds UK baby boomers have limited retirement plans, preferring to maintain current lifestyles. They demonstrate a changing attitude towards inheritance, with a focus on enjoying life rather than leaving a legacy. Baby boomers also show diverse generational views, varying in their perceptions of age, identity, and consumerism.
A new UK study suggests that biological products, also known as biopesticides, have the potential to play a significant role in a more sustainable food chain. Biopesticides can help reduce the use of chemical pesticides, which pose risks to workers' health and contaminate groundwater.
A recent study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) can be a motivating tool for students, allowing them to build and test complex ideas together. The research also highlights the importance of using IWBs in the right way, avoiding superficial use due to time constraints.
A new study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council argues that hope is essential for effective HIV prevention strategies. People with hope are more likely to adopt realistic plans and engage in protective behaviors.
The £28.5M funding will enable the co-ordination of data collection across existing birth cohort studies, allowing analysis across generations and investigating social, economic, and educational impacts on health and poverty. The new facility will expand the series by creating a new cohort to extend the study over 12 years.
A longitudinal study of 398 children found that attending schools with higher ethnic diversity reduces peer problems and prejudice. Children with an integrationist orientation, balancing their heritage with the host society, show significant improvements in self-esteem and social relationships.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has awarded four large grants to researchers addressing significant social and economic challenges. The grants will support investigations into business taxation, health inequalities, time use, and emotional regulation.
New research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council explores standards in stem cell research, balancing scientist autonomy with data comparability. The study suggests that standardizing practices could lead to automation technologies, but also raises concerns about exclusivity and robustness.
The Birmingham University-led Third Sector Research Centre will conduct research on the effectiveness and impact of third sector organisations. The centre aims to strengthen the evidence base for the entire third sector, including charities, social enterprises, and small community organisations.
The UK SME sector is particularly vulnerable to poor information security due to a lack of expertise and awareness. A new report reveals that investing in IT does not ensure adequate information security, with people management being the key factor in preventing breaches.
The new strategy focuses on reducing per capita consumption from 150 litres to 130 litres per day, emphasizing the need for a sociological perspective to understand water usage habits. The report explores the role of metering and price signals in encouraging water efficiency, as well as the development of rising block tariffs.
The ESRC-funded project aimed to develop a model of action research that enables teachers to take ownership of their practice, leading to more inclusive teaching. The results showed that collaborative action research can engage all pupils in learning and stimulate inclusive teaching when teachers have a strong sense of ownership.
A recent study found that language difficulties added significant misunderstandings about genetic disorders among the Bangladeshi community in Britain, particularly when it comes to testing and screening decisions. The research highlights the need for greater understanding of language barriers and their impact on patient care.
A study found that children aged 4-6 avert their gaze when performing difficult tasks or being tested by someone familiar. This finding has implications for teachers and social workers, who can use gaze aversion to identify 'improvers' versus those regressing.
A study funded by the Economic & Social Research Council suggests that everyday fears of crime are often linked to anxiety about social stability and neighbourhood breakdown. Researchers found that people's experiences of fear and anxiety are complex and multifaceted, rather than solely driven by concerns about immediate threats.
The report outlines the nature of Northern Ireland's productivity gap and presents potential policymaking solutions. Key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and business services are identified as areas for improvement to help halve the private sector productivity gap with the UK by 2015.
The Economic & Social Research Council invests £3 million in five projects across the UK to enhance student engagement and understanding of Science and Mathematics related subjects. The projects focus on curriculum reform, assessment methods, and developing effective interventions to improve participation rates.
A study funded by the Economic & Social Research Council found that students perceive mathematicians as old, white, middle-class men with no social life. The research suggests using popular culture to promote a more positive view of maths.
Researchers found that disabled people faced uncertain financial futures due to limited access to insurance and extra costs associated with disability. Socio-economic factors such as religion and ethnicity also influenced attitudes towards money and debt.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that British adult children help their elderly parents according to their needs, rather than past behavior. Parents with health problems are 75% more likely to receive help from their children.
A recent survey reveals that 22% of new R&D centres will be located in China and 19% in India, as multinational firms tap into emerging economies' resources and markets. This trend raises significant challenges, including managing research and development in foreign countries.
The ESRC Festival of Social Science 2008 celebrates British social science research, highlighting its impact on everyday lives. The festival features over 90 events across UK towns and cities, covering topics such as climate change, ageing, and energy efficiency.
The ESRC is funding two new research centers, the Centre for Population Change and the Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy, to explore migration, fertility, and ageing. The centers will provide evidence to support policy-making in these critical areas.
A new book by Professor Frank Trentmann shows that Free Trade was once a popular movement in Britain, promoting citizenship, justice, and democracy. It argues that consumerism did not necessarily make people apathetic, but rather mobilized them politically.
Farmers perceive genetically modified (GM) crops as a means to reconcile high-quality food production with environmentally sensitive farming. They are more interested in the practical applications and potential benefits of GM crops rather than any moral or ethical concerns.
A new book, Going Global, explores emerging trends and potential future of business, global poverty, communications and the world food supply. It forecasts that more people will work in virtual worlds like Second Life, blurring the line between work and leisure.
A new study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that foreign retailers can provide workers with opportunities to prosper and improve their skills in Chinese subsidiaries. Contrary to expectations, job satisfaction was high among employees in apparently menial jobs, such as checkout staff and warehouse workers.
A new study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that there is little evidence of a 'cultural elite' that aspires to high culture while shunning popular culture. The research confirmed that education and social status are key factors in determining cultural consumption, with a significant proportion of people from a...
A study by University College London found that retired households in Britain now spend similarly on goods and services as younger people, with an increase in leisure activities like holidays. This marks a significant shift from previous stereotypes of older consumers.
A UK study finds that modern employment practices can damage employees' well-being, particularly among administrative staff. Women's family relationships are more adversely affected by these pressures, which also lead to anxiety about childcare arrangements. ICT surveillance is a new source of stress in the workplace.
Research reveals that Scottish women are less likely to have larger families, stop at two children, and combine work with having kids. Factors contributing to low fertility include education, employment, gender equality, and friendship networks.
A recent upswing in births and migration to Scotland is expected to be short-lived, with the country's population predicted to decline and age markedly over the next 25 years. The research highlights the importance of maintaining or improving current net in-migration balances to address these challenges.
Research funded by ESRC suggests that UK businesses are under-investing in intangible assets, which could be the reason for stagnant productivity. Investing in intangibles such as software, research, and branding can increase productivity, making traditional measurement techniques inadequate.
Researchers tracked autistic children over three years, revealing no uniform pattern of development. Children showed positive gains in social interactions, forming friendships and reducing unusual behaviors.
The UK Politics and International Studies research has been rated as world-leading according to a new report by the ESRC, PSA, and BISA. The discipline excels in areas such as political theory, electoral studies, and European Union studies.
Research explores how social, cultural, and historical contexts hinder Israeli children's understanding of the Palestinian perspective. Dr Asi Sharabi's study reveals contradictory feelings of racism and compassion among Israeli children, highlighting the need to overcome prejudices in conflict situations.
Transnational English language TV channels are being used to project nation-states' voices and policies in the global Anglosphere. These channels also aim to reach diasporic audiences and provide tools for development, challenging traditional notions of foreign policy and development goals.