Social Policy Research and Innovation Group

Through partnerships with third-sector organisations, public bodies, and policymakers, our research influences policies that improve lives worldwide.

Group LeadProfessor Palash Kamruzzaman

EXPERTISE AND MEMBERS

Our research shapes policies and improves lives globally. Our mission is to address issues like inequality, sustainability, and global development through impactful collaborations with third-sector organisations, public bodies, and policymakers.

Our dynamic team of scholars conducts world-leading, evidence-based research on issues like welfare, political philosophy, international development, youth studies, social justice, public services, and environmental sustainability.

Through research, innovation and critical thinking, we drive meaningful change and champion a more just, sustainable future for Wales, the UK, and beyond.

Social Policy Research and Innovation Group Members

IMPACT

The Group excels in collaborative, multidisciplinary research with real-world impact, particularly in policy analysis, migration, environmental politics, youth policy in the EU, public health, wellbeing, education, civil society, and global development.

In REF 2021, 71% of the Group's research in Social Work and Social Policy (UoA 20) was ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent (4*/3*).

Research publications and outputs

person sitting at a desk writing in a notebook

Changing young lives in Europe and beyond

Research by Professor Howard Williamson has had a significant impact on youth policy and practice across Europe and globally. His studies, commissioned by the Council of Europe, governments, and third-sector organisations, have shaped key youth policies, including the EU Youth Work Agenda and national strategies in countries such as Moldova and Georgia.

Energy policies, geopolitics and sustainability

Dr Filippos Proedrou’s research enhances understanding of energy, climate, and geopolitics, focusing on EU-Russia relations and the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean regions, while addressing climate security risks and energy transition challenges. His findings have influenced climate policy in Wales, contributing to strategies for carbon budgets and informing the Welsh Parliament.

Refugees, displacement and humanitarianism

Professor Palash Kamruzzaman’s research on refugees and displacement, particularly the Rohingyas in Bangladesh and internally displaced people in Afghanistan, has made significant contributions to humanitarian strategies, studies and policy. His British Academy-funded study explored violence, loss of dignity, and host community perceptions of refugees. It continues to shape global discussions on refugee integration and humanitarian aid.

Achievements

National impact

Our research on migration, displacement, social cohesion, poverty, and global development exerts significant influence on policy and practice across Wales.

Policy Alignment

Our research contributes to government debates and informs policy deliberations on sustainable development, social justice, and support for refugees and asylum seekers.

International Reach

Our international partnerships explore global development and displacement, aiding practices across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

National Recognition

Our research contributions are acknowledged by national research councils and academic bodies, leading to collaborations and policy consultations.

Societal Impact

Our research on refugees and displacement, global development, and community-based sustainability has helped drive important changes in policy and practice.

Research Focus Areas

Welfare, Inequality, and Social Justice

This theme addresses key issues like equality, diversity, social justice, inclusion, and wellbeing. Research focuses on youth policy, social exclusion, and the role of youth work in personal development. It also explores public service accountability, the Well-being of Future Generations Act, and community cohesion. Additionally, the group examines ethnocultural empathy, inequalities in multicultural societies, and their impact on life chances and social policy.

Global Development and Global Social Policy

This theme explores key global issues such as migration, forced displacement, and social inclusion. Research covers development policies, aid ethnographies, and the role of development experts, with a focus on the Global South. Key topics include refugees, international aid, civil society, extreme poverty, and indigenous knowledge in policymaking.

Environment and Sustainability

This theme focuses on energy geopolitics, climate policy, and sustainable development. Research includes topics such as oil, gas, renewables, and global climate policy, as well as drivers of livelihood, vulnerability, and climate change adaptation. The theme also explores grassroots community development and sustainable practices.

KEY PROJECTS

Politics of Denial and Non-Recognition of Genocide

Funded by the British Academy, this project explores why some of the world’s worst atrocities are denied or not officially recognised – and what this means for survivors, affected communities, and the wider world.

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Exploring the representations of climate change as international crime – evolution, trends, and implications for climate

This study, funded by the British Academy and Leverhulme Trust, aims to investigate how representations of climate change as an international crime (‘ecocide’) gain currency and how they tie into political stakeholders’ climate action.

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Angles and Standpoints: demystifying the concepts of ‘youth perspective’ and ‘youth mainstreaming’

This Youth Knowledge Book draws examples of both mainstreaming and perspective from beyond as well as within the youth sector to make more conceptual and practical sense of the meaning of these terms.

Find out more

COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

Our research and innovation are driven by collaboration with external organisations, enhancing reach, impact, and the student experience through practice-based opportunities and placements. These partnerships also inform our degree programmes, ensuring policy-relevant content in both undergraduate and postgraduate curricula.

We collaborate with leading universities, third-sector organisations, health boards, and policymakers.

University of Malaya
University College London
Zayed University
The Council of Europe
North South University
Al al-Bayt University
Chittagong University
Wales Institute for Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD)

University of Malaya

University College London

Zayed University

The Council of Europe

North South University

Al al-Bayt University

Chittagong University

Wales Institute for Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD)

Work with us

We welcome collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners to drive innovation and tackle real-world challenges. Whether you’re interested in co-developing solutions, exploring funding opportunities, or partnering on research projects, we are open to discussing how we can work together to achieve impactful outcomes.

To learn more or discuss potential collaborations, please contact Professor Palash Kamruzzaman at [email protected]

[email protected]

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH

Whether you’re pursuing a PhD, MPhil, or Masters by Research, you’ll be guided by passionate, leading experts, making a positive impact on individuals, communities, charities, businesses, and governments worldwide. We welcome UK and international applications for research degrees. Study full-time or part-time, on campus or remotely, depending on your area. Professionals with an existing body of work may also be eligible for a PhD by Portfolio.

Our research students are integral to our team. They benefit from excellent research facilities, dedicated study areas, and opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences.

The Graduate School

A group of researchers sit around a table chatting with coffee and books

Research-informed teaching

In the MBA Global and BSc Sociology, modules incorporate research from the University's Social Policy Research and Innovation Group, connecting students with current academic work to address real-world issues.

Podcast on International Aid and Hegemony
Students critically examine the complexities of international aid, focusing on themes like conditionality and Western dominance. Drawing on university research, they challenge traditional narratives and explore alternative perspectives, developing communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills through podcast production.

Advocacy Campaign Pamphlet
Students design campaigns on issues like gender empowerment, global poverty, and religious rights, using university research to propose policy changes and solutions. This task fosters creativity and a deeper understanding of evidence-based social policy.

Postgraduate Research Degrees

Research students

Abasiokpon Udoakah, is studying a PhD in Social Policy

Read Abasiokpon's story