Institute for Community Studies

‘Communities must be at the heart of a people-powered transition to net zero’

Blog 11 May 2023

The recent independent review calls for widespread participation in our shift to low carbon living – yet government policy hasn’t changed, says Samanthi Theminimulle.

‘Vital and timely’ net zero policy research

News 14 April 2023

Funding from the British Academy will drive a six-month project exploring place-sensitive participatory policy development for a ‘just transition’ to net zero.

‘Health equality has been de-prioritised for decades’ 

Blog 13 March 2023

Emily Morrison highlights the ‘triple injustice’ in knowledge and evidence, gender identity, and social policy that perpetuates health inequity. 

‘Our transition to net zero must be government-led and people-powered’ 

Blog 10 March 2023

To achieve the UK’s net zero goals, we need a united department at the heart of Westminster, says Emily Morrison 

Call for evidence launches to inform policy for youth engagement

News 9 March 2023

Our Civic Journey programme announces a call for evidence to help shape policy recommendations to support young people to develop as active and empowered citizens.

‘A human-centred approach in an uncertain world’

Blog 21 February 2023

Young people need ‘pragmatic and solution-orientated design-thinking’ as they develop skills, knowledge and behaviour on their Civic Journeys, says Professor Matt Flinders 

‘Young people need “social scaffolding” to reach their full potential’ 

Blog 17 February 2023

When thinking about support for the challenges young people face, Professor Matt Flinders says it’s right to use the language of access and growth. 

Getting beyond the jargon 

Blog 25 January 2023

The Levelling Up White Paper brought the term ‘social infrastructure’ out of the shadows. But what does it mean, and why is it important? Richard Harries shares his thoughts. 

Building resilient communities and tackling geographic inequalities

News 25 January 2023

Our collaborative research – delivered with the British Academy, Power to Change, and the Bennett Institute for Public Policy – explores the role and importance of ‘social infrastructure’.

Hive Minds: Funding a more participatory future for citizen science

Blog 13 January 2023

This panel discussion reflects on the findings of a review of UKRI’s Citizen Science Exploration Grant-funded projects, and explores ways to support participatory research approaches. 

Transforming tomorrow

Blog 13 January 2023

Dr Steve Scott describes UKRI’s journey in supporting citizen science, working to enable diverse groups to participate with, and collaborate in, the research and innovation process.

Taking action together

Blog 13 January 2023

Helen Goulden OBE, CEO of The Young Foundation, reflects on future of participatory research in policymaking.