In light of the Queen’s Speech today, the Academy of Social Sciences and its Campaign for Social Science stress the importance of the UK higher education and research sector to the country, and the role that the social sciences will… Read more »
In light of the Queen’s Speech today, the Academy of Social Sciences and its Campaign for Social Science stress the importance of the UK higher education and research sector to the country, and the role that the social sciences will… Read more »
Eight Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences have been recognised in the 2017 Birthday Honours List for their contributions in various academic and professional fields, from tackling climate change and research into end of life care, to education and… Read more »
The Campaign for Social Science is looking for a proactive person to organise our fundraising from existing supporters, recruit new support and develop relationships. The Campaign was established in 2011 to promote the use of social science in public policy… Read more »
The Academy and Campaign respond to 2017 General Election result. Read more …
The Academy of Social Sciences and its Campaign for Social Science welcome the publication of The role of EU funding UK research and innovation, jointly commissioned from Technopolis by the Academy of Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society. Read more …
Statement from the Campaign on the amendment to keep students out of net migration targets. Read more …
Join us on the March for Science on April 22. Read more …
The Campaign for Social Science and Academy of Social Sciences submitted a joint response to the April consultation on the UK Government Green Paper on Industrial Strategy. Read more …
The rapid rise in childhood obesity is an “absolute scandal”, Sir Malcolm Grant, Chair of NHS England said at the launch of the Campaign’s Health of People report on Wednesday. Read more …
The Campaign for Social Science has today published its flagship report The Health of People. Read more …
The Academy and Campaign respond to the triggering of Article 50. Read more …
The Campaign for Social Science warmly welcomes the statement made today by Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chair of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee and the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, outlining the ‘Science priorities for Brexit’. Read more …
The Campaign for Social Science is seeking a new Chair towards the end of 2017. Read more …
Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, Jo Johnson, announced today (24th February) several amendments to the government’s Bill on HE and Research. Professor James Wilsdon FACSS, Chair of the Academy’s Campaign for Social Science welcomed the announcement saying, “Full marks… Read more »
The Academy of Social Sciences and its Campaign for Social Science have today (February 20) published a new briefing note on Brexit. Read more …
The Academy and Campaign have responded to the Prime Minister’s January 17 statement on Brexit objectives. Read more …
Professor Jonathan Michie FAcSS has written about this year’s World Economic Forum Global Risks Report identifying inequality, social polarisation and climate change as the trends that will shape global developments over the next ten years. The article originally appeared in… Read more »
In the wake of Brexit and the election of Donald Trump in the US, “fake news” has emerged as a pervasive, and potentially subversive, phenomenon. Here, Professor Simeon Yates, Director of the Institute of Cultural Capital, a strategic collaboration between the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, looks at its different forms, the effect of social media, and what this means for our democracies. Read more …
Sharon Witherspoon FAcSS, Head of Policy at the Academy and Campaign, was recently interviewed on the BBC World Service on evidence in policymaking.Read more …
The effects of Brexit on international staff and students could cause long term harm to the UK’s economy, the Academy of Social Sciences and its Campaign for Social Science have warned. Read more …
The Academy and Campaign have issued a joint response to the House of Commons Education Committee inquiry on the impact of Brexit on higher education. Read more …
“We need a world class, academically rigorously and highly trained teaching profession to transform education,” the Shadow Minister for Schools Mike Dakin told the launch of “Making the Case for the Social Sciences 12- Education”. Read more …
Mike Kane to launch new booklet making the case for social science research benefits to education. Read more …
The Academy of Social Sciences and its Campaign for Social Science have published a new briefing on part 3 of the Higher Education and Research Bill ahead of its second reading in the House of Lords on December 6.Read more …
Professor Beth Noveck, Director of the Governance Lab, told the fourth Campaign for Social Science Annual SAGE Lecture that “technologies of expertise will create more open government” and increase engagement among the public. Read more …
The Campaign has responded to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement Read more …
Wider use of patient data will lead to better health outcomes, Jo Churchill, MP for Bury St Edmonds and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Personalised Medicine, said Wednesday at a roundtable discussion sponsored by the Campaign for Social Science. Read more …
In an oral evidence session before the Lords Science and Technology Committee on Tuesday, Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson was questioned on some of the pressing concerns posed by Brexit for Higher Education, science and research. Read more …
Beth Simone Noveck, Director of The Governance Lab, will deliver this year’s Campaign/SAGE Annual Lecture on Tuesday, 22 November. Read more …
The Academy and Campaign held an all-day conference addressing some of the individual and institutional challenges to interdisciplinary collaboration, such as funding, university structures, and career objectives on Tuesday, October 11. Read more …
In an article originally appearing in the Guardian, Sir Peter Gluckman and James Wilsdon argue the need for evidence to influence policy in addressing many of the pressing social, economic and environmental challenges on the world stage. Read the full article below. Read more …
The Campaign has published its annual report covering the period from 2015 to early 2016. Read more …
Brexit negotiations must include a representative of the UK higher education and science community, The Academy of Social Sciences and its Campaign for Social Science have said. Read more …
In a briefing note addressing the consequences of the “prolonged period of uncertainty” in the three months since the EU referendum vote on June 23, the Academy and Campaign make recommendations about immediate steps the government should take to support UK science and ensure the “long-term health of research is kept to the fore” during the Brexit negotiation process. Read more …
Some of Scotland’s foremost scholars of American politics will discuss the result following the US Presidential elections on November 10. Read more …
With the Rio Olympics kicking off this Friday, Professor John Horne FAcSS, Professor of Sport Sociology at the University of Central Lancashire, and author of Understanding the Olympics, looks at the challenges facing the Olympic brand and discusses some of the underlying criticisms exposed by the 2016 edition. Read more …
In June and July, the Academy and its Campaign held their first-ever Summer Programme series, covering topical and timely issues of social science significance. As we wrap up a successful season, we take a look back at the four headline events. Read more …
Professor Linda Woodhead rounded out the Academy and Campaign’s Summer Programme with a lunchtime talk on “The Rise of ‘No Religion'”. Read more …
Jon Deer, deputy director of the Research Division and team leader for the Research Development team at LSE, has accepted an invitation to join the Board. Read more …
The Health of People Working Group held its third meeting at the end of June to further develop the Campaign for Social Science’s flagship project, which will demonstrate how social science research and expertise can address some of the major problems facing UK health.Read more …
The Campaign for Social Science hosted a panel discussion on the implications of the vote to leave the EU for UK social science on Thursday, June 30 at their offices in London. Read more …
In an article originally appearing in the Guardian, Ashley Lenihan and Sharon Witherspoon look at the long term implications of Brexit for UK social science. Read more …
The Academy of Social Sciences and its Campaign for Social Science have called for detailed parliamentary scrutiny of the Higher Education and Research Bill following the uncertainty resulting from the referendum decision to leave the European Union. Read more …
Britain has voted to leave the European Union. Professor Roger Goodman FAcSS, Chair of the Academy of Social Sciences, says ‘This will result in uncertainty for the social science community, with implications for research funding, international collaboration, freedom of movement,… Read more »
The EU Referendum is really about the winners and losers of the processes of globalisation and the ways in which UK society have been shaped by them, Professor John Curtice told an Academy and Campaign event. Read more …
The Academy of Social Sciences has published a professional briefing on the implications of the EU referendum for UK social science. Read more …
The Academy and its Campaign have announced a full lineup of events for the summer season, covering a range of topical and engaging issues. Read more …
Professor John Curtice considers how the problems of the polling industry and the social tensions exposed by the referendum might play themselves out in nine days’ time… and beyond. Read more …
Professor Linda Woodhead FAcSS will deliver a lunchtime talk at the Academy of Social Sciences on Wednesday, July 20, on the rise of “no religion”. Read more …
Join Professor James Wilsdon FAcSS (Chair); Professor Jane Elliott FAcSS (ESRC); Professor Graeme Reid (UCL), Jon Deer (LSE and EASSH) and Professor Antje Wiener FAcSS (University of Hamburg) for a panel discussion on the implications of the EU referendum result. Read more …
The Academy and Campaign issued a response Friday 6th May to the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee’s Powerhouses and Engines Inquiry. Read more …
The Academy and its Campaign have responded to the Science and Technology Committee’s Inquiry into Science Communication. Read more …
We must create “pathways to social science” for students from secondary all the way to postgraduate education, Sharon Witherspoon, Acting Head of Policy for the Academy and Campaign, said at an event on Friday, 22 April in Cambridge. Read more …
The Academy of Social Sciences has responded to the Cabinet Office consultation on Better use of Data in government. Read more …
The deadline for submission has been extended to Friday 6th May 2016. Call for evidence The Campaign for Social Science is commencing a new project, The Health of People, to demonstrate the vital role of social science research and practice… Read more »
Issues of roles and relationships, and methods of managing money in low-income families, have not been explored enough, or qualitative research findings exploited sufficiently, in analyses of Universal Credit, argues Fran Bennett. Read more …
This piece by Professor Susan Michie FAcSS, Chair of the Health of People Working Group, also appears on the Times Higher Education blog: With an ageing population, a rise in long-term conditions, growing health inequalities, and a lack of political… Read more »
Council of Deans of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities of the UK (DASSH UK) Summer Conference 2016 12-13 May 2016 Grand Connaught Rooms, Central London Confirmed speakers include: Nicola Dandridge (UUK), Laura Dyer (Arts Council), James Wilsdon, BIS representative and… Read more »
The Academy hosted a conference on the role of ethics in social media research on Monday, March 21 in London. Read more …
The Academy responds to Lord Stern’s Review of the Research Excellence Framework. Read more …
Sharon Witherspoon MBE FAcSS takes up role as Acting Head of Policy across both the Academy and Campaign.Read more …
The Academy and its Campaign are deeply saddened to learn of the recent unexpected death of Professor John Urry FAcSS. Read more …
A packed Committee Room 11 in the House of Commons heard The Rt Hon Norman Lamb MP call for a stronger evidence base for public spending and its evaluation at the launch of ‘Making the Case for the Social Sciences 11 – Dementia’. Read more …
Norman Lamb to launch new booklet making the case for social science research benefits to dementia care. Read more …
Call for evidence The Campaign for Social Science is commencing a new project, The Health of People, to demonstrate the vital role of social science research and practice in contributing to health and addressing specific issues facing the NHS, UK… Read more »
The eleventh issue in the Academy’s series showcasing the impact made by social science research looks at the topic of dementia and will be launched at a lunchtime seminar at the House of Commons on Tuesday 15th March 2016 with… Read more »
In a piece originally appearing in Research Fortnight, our Head of Policy David Walker says Paul Nurse’s plan for the research councils lays out a crucial role for the research community. But it’s doubtful any such body exists. Read the full article below. Read more …
David Walker reflects on the Business of People report one year on from its publication. Read more …
At the first ‘Social Sciences Student Conference for Further and Higher Education’ earlier this month, Mike Danson FAcSS, Professor of Enterprise Policy at Heriot Watt University, gave a talk on social science and careers to more than 60 students from Moray College UHI, in Scotland. Read more …
James Wilsdon and Sarah Main explain how a Cabinet Office proposal to ban organisations receiving government funding from using those funds to influence policy threatens to put the brakes on the research impact agenda.Read more …
Professor Dame Sally Davies highlights the importance of behavioural sciences in addressing gaps in health research and social care.Read more …
The Academy of Social Sciences has published its first ever Annual Report, covering the period from 2014 to September 2015. Read more …
The Academy hosted an expert conference, ‘Impact and Implications: The Future of Research Excellence and the Social Sciences’, reflecting on REF 2014 and its significance for the future of social science and UK research more broadly. Read more …
The group met on January 13 to discuss the vision and structure of the report, due to be launched in summer 2016. The report will outline the vital role of social science research and practice in contributing to health and addressing specific issues facing the NHS and public healthcare more broadly.Read more …
The Academy and its Campaign have submitted their response to the BIS consultation on higher education: teaching excellence, social mobility and student choice. Read more …
The Academy of Social Sciences and its Campaign for Social Science have submitted evidence to the BBC Trust’s Impartiality Review of the BBC’s use of statistics chaired by Dame Jil Matheson FAcSS. Read the full document here. Print version
Six senior social scientists, Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences, have been recognized in the 2016 New Year Honours for their contributions to social science and to public life: Professor Dame Henrietta Moore DBE FAcSS, Director, Institute for Global… Read more »
The current lack of attention by government and opposition, and the prioritising of the economy over all other areas of state responsibility, has led to a relative media silence on climate change. Read more …
The social sciences must be ‘audacious’ and use their ‘elbow power’ to give rise to public benefit, while highlighting some of the internal as well as external challenges ahead.Read more …
The similarities between climate change and belief systems may be its strength because they help reinforce the idea of climate change, influence public opinion and trigger public action in just the same ways as belief systems gain popularity and mass support.
Read more …
The major reason for why climate change is a wicked problem is that, even as far back as 1998, it was realised that it necessarily concerns human activities and not just physical or technological futures.Read more …
Leading social science academics and practitioners have begun work on the Campaign’s next major report, The Health of People.Read more …
‘Social science research is alive and making a difference’, said Mark Drakeford AM, Minister for Health and Social Services in the Welsh Assembly.Read more …
The Academy of Social Sciences and its Campaign for Social Science are seeking an individual well-versed in social science and policy to undertake policy formation for both organisations. You’ll play a vital and exciting part in our work for and… Read more »
It is vital that social science perspectives, alongside those from the natural sciences, engineering, arts and humanities, play an active role in informing debates about the future shape and remit of the research councils, the REF and the new ministerial science committee.Read more …
On the clock counting down to George Osborne’s spending statement on 25 November, it’s five to midnight. The most goody two-shoes departments settled with the Treasury first. They include communities and local government, leaving councils in England to infer that if the department can lop off a third of its budget for staffing and buildings, prospects for its grant to councils are grim.Read more …
The Academy of Social Sciences together with its Campaign for Social Science welcome the report to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills today from Sir Paul Nurse, president of the Royal Society – but his strong endorsement of the quality of research makes it even more urgent that the money is found.Read more …
As it prepares to mark its fifth birthday at the start of 2016, the Campaign for Social Science has today announced the appointment of eight new Board members, drawn from academics and practitioners across the social sciences. The new members… Read more »
View the full list of the world’s top 100 universities for social sciences The triumph of the US and the UK in the Times Higher Education subject ranking for social sciences sends a “powerful warning” to policymakers to “tinker” with… Read more »
In an article originally appearing in The Guardian, Campaign Chair James Wilsdon, Campaign Head of Policy David Walker, and Kieron Flanagan, senior lecturer in science and technology policy at the University of Manchester, write about the future of UK research. Read more …
Professor Jenny Phillimore will give a talk at the inauguration of the Academy’s new offices at 33 Finsbury Square on Wednesday, November 4Read more …
A leaked consultation on the future of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills suggests that November’s spending review will be accompanied by a radical overhaul of the research funding system, Professor James Wilsdon, Chair of the Campaign for Social… Read more »
The Campaign for Social Science welcomes the opportunity of dialogue with Labour’s new shadow science and universities team – and to remind them of the centrality of social science in any credible strategy for innovation and growth. For Labour, Yvonne… Read more »
A survey aimed to highlight how the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) could develop its support for postdoctoral social science researchers.Read more …
Ian Sample’s account of Nosek et al’s reproducability studies misrepresents the quality and value of social psychological research and misleadingly uncritically reports Ioannidis’ Stanford-stamped claims that the unreproducability is ‘devastating’ for social psychology.Read more …
The Academy of Social Sciences deeply regrets the death of Lord Claus Moser, one of the most eminent social scientists of the later 20th century, combining the highest academic attainment with public service and untiring advocacy of the benefits of social research and investigation. Read more …
The Campaign for Social Science is seeking three new members to serve on its advisory Board, which is chaired by Professor James Wilsdon.Read more …
We are pleased to announce the relocation of our administrative office to 33 Finsbury Square, London, EC2A 1AG on 19th October 2015. We shall be housed within the offices of The University of Liverpool in London.Read more …
Twenty four of the UK’s foremost academic and professional institutions have called on national governments to take immediate action if they want to avert the serious risks posed by climate change. A joint communiqué published today brings together a diverse… Read more »
The Campaign has published a series of videos of social scientists talking about the importance of research. The speakers include:
Professor Andy Ross, Professor Sue Scott, Professor Neil Ward, Professor Pat Thane, and Dr Simon Bastow. Read more …