The Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR) coordinates research activity across the Faculty. Our staff are renowned for many areas of research and here are examples of current high impact projects, working across and between disciplines, that demonstrate the contribution that our excellent research makes to society and the economy.
This unique study is the first large scale qualitative longitudinal piece of research funded by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) and covers the life course from cradle to grave. The ESRC supports quantitative longitudinal studies it describes as world class and it's envisaged they will feed into policy and practice at all levels and into higher education substantively, methodologically and practically in providing training in using the data produced. Timescapes has high public visibility including links with BBC Memoryshare, a website which collects memories from the UK population.
This qualitative longitudinal study of young people's transitions to adulthood has a national and international academic reputation and is playing its part in policy and practice formation. Policy makers and practitioners in all areas affecting the lives of young people are on the group’s Advisory Board and are keen to draw on the data and insights this project produces. The work has featured in many publications and presentations for both academic and policy/practitioner audiences.
This Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) funded scheme aims to develop creative methods to engage with young people at risk of school exclusion. It sets out to explore their experiences and the social context that frames their behaviour. The study is producing strong policy and practice based outcomes, and valuable applied knowledge for organisations invested in children's participation in service delivery as well as researchers. A partnership has been established with Kids Company, a renowned London-based charity working with disadvantaged children and young people, to secure further funding to extend and build on the research.
Tate Encounters is a three-year research project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and has been shortlisted for THES Awards, Research Project of the Year. Collaborating with Tate Britain and the University of the Arts London, Tate have acknowledged the work as part of its research strategy for museums of the future. Tate Encounters: Britishness and Visual Cultures, ran from 2006 to 2009. The impact of the research continues to develop and a programme of dissemination through conferences, referred papers and a major book are in progress. Tate is keen to continue the research collaboration and with LSBU are now making three new applications to the AHRC with a total value of over £500K for 2010-2012.
