Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen)

Delivering research at the heart of evidence-based policy in Scotland, using a variety of methodological approaches, across a range of topics.

The Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen) is an integral part of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen). Based in Edinburgh, we have decades of experience of listening to the public and making sure their voice is heard.

Our research helps government and charities in Scotland make the right decisions about the big issues. Our reputation for delivering high quality, relevant research is based on our policy expertise, and the breadth and depth of our team of survey methodologists, data analysts and expert quantitative and qualitative researchers.

But doing high quality research isn’t enough - we’re also passionate about ensuring that our work has the widest possible impact .

We set the standard and are proud to share our knowledge and best practice

It’s part of our mission to boost the quality of social research in the UK. We hold events in Edinburgh and elsewhere in Scotland to share the work of ScotCen with the wider policy and research community.

And working with NatCen Learning - the leading provider of high-quality research courses and seminars - we deliver practical insights to the wider research and policy community.