Institute for Community Studies

What’s the UK’s vision for HE? Let’s think local

Blog 2 December 2025

Senior Research Manager Tania Carregha explores how universities can act as civic partners to drive positive change in their local communities.

How can universities be better neighbours?

Blog 2 December 2025

Dr Al Mathers highlights how universities can act as true civic partners, building long-term, place-based relationships to generate measurable social impact in their communities.

The UK can deliver growth, address inequalities, and meet net zero targets. Here’s how.

Blog 2 December 2025

Knowledge Exchange Manager Jacob Coburn explores how regional anchor institutions can drive inclusive growth and strengthen local communities.

New report and analysis explore ‘social wellbeing’

News 2 October 2025

Collaborative programme publishes evidence to build greater understanding of community wellbeing around the UK.

Partnerships for ‘citizen science’

Publication 14 August 2025

This is the third in a series of short discussion papers, sharing learnings from the UKRI-funded Citizen Science Collaboration Grants.

£6m project will drive academic evidence in public policymaking

News 15 July 2025

£5.9m-programme will champion and strengthen evidence-informed policymaking

Joining up for a sustainable future

News 13 March 2025

Partner organisations host launch of new research centre for Joined Up Sustainability Transformations in the North of England

What does ‘good’ university collaboration look like? 

News 26 February 2025

We are gathering evidence of what’s working when universities in England engage with with students and local communities, or on civic climate education.

Ethics in ‘citizen science’

Publication 17 October 2024

This is the second in a series of short discussion papers produced by the Institute for Community Studies to share learnings and reflections from the UKRI-funded Citizen Science Collaboration Grants.

Empowering students with a ‘truly civic’ experience

News 17 June 2024

New report urges UK universities to equip all students to be lifelong active citizens.

CiviCast: on air

Blog 4 June 2024

Tania Carregha talks to NCIA’s John Fell about her experiences of community engagement and her research as a key delivery partner of the NCIA programme.

Evidence of the lived experiences of poverty in the UK

Publication 1 May 2024

A synthesis of The Young Foundation’s work exploring the nature of poverty and low income in the UK since 2009.