Our research
Research themes and key topics
We partner with government, charities and other research organisations to help them better connect with and understand the public. Through explaining what people really think, feel and do, we help decision makers to make more confident and informed choices.
Ageing
As a society we are facing major changes with a growing and ageing population. We research the experiences of people across generations
Children and Families
This research programme covers the early years, children and young people, parenting and family issues.
Community
We undertake some of the most exciting and influential research to inform and evaluate social policy in communities.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on society and our research explores its social legacy.
Crime and Justice
Our Crime and Justice team play a leading role in some of the most sensitive and complex research in the UK.
Deliberative methods
We use deliberative methods to involve the public in decision-making in a meaningful way.
Diet and Nutrition
We have carried out a range of studies related to diet and nutrition to help shape future policy in this critical area.
Education
Our specialist expertise in education research addresses a wide range of issues, from policy evaluations, longitudinal studies or early interventions.
Energy and the Environment
We explore what the public thinks about environmental issues, and how governments, communities and businesses are working towards a sustainable future
Equalities
We produce high quality evidence and research to address inequality, discrimination and social exclusion in the UK and internationally.
Finance
Our research speaks to fundamental questions that are facing society, covering employment, poverty, welfare, pensions, tax and income.
Gambling
We look at topics including; problem gambling, social attitudes towards gambling, varying demographics, patterns and, increasingly, online gambling.
Health
Our work covers multi-morbidity, ageing, disability, addiction and mental health.
Housing
Our Housing research spans our methodological expertise, from Deliberative workshops to large-scale national surveys.
Immigration
We explore the impact of immigration and evaluate interventions to support future policy development.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Our work focuses on mental health from childhood through to old age, and the extensive societal factors connected with mental wellbeing.
Social and Political Attitudes
We believe that exploring how attitudes and societal views change over time is invaluable for researchers and policy makers.
Social Care
Our research looks at how social care is delivered in the UK, how it can be improved and how to benefit both carers and the public.
Transport and Infrastructure
We conduct research into travel behaviour, public perceptions and experiences of our current transport systems to help inform future policy.
Work and Employment
This area of work covers a broad set of policy areas including employment, welfare, pensions, taxation and income.