ESRC Society Today

Social science is, in its broadest sense, the study of society and the manner in which people behave and impact on the world around us.read more...

• Social Science in Numbers
• What Social Scientists Do

Britain in 2009 - on sale now

The ESRC newsstand magazine Britain in 2009 is now available in High Street stores including WHSmith, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Tesco and Borders, priced at £4.95. Britain in 2009 showcases the diversity of ESRC-funded research and topical issues concerning the state of the nation. We also ask readers to participate in a user survey.

• Magazines, newsletters and articles for the public, the research community and policymakers.
• Research publications - reports, briefings and research resources.
• Corporate publications - ESRC plans, annual reports and guidelines.
• All ESRC publications  

ESRC research offers a better understanding of the issues facing us all - from the climate, new technologies and ageing populations to global economics and education.

• ESRC - Making a difference
• Video: Making a difference
• Social Science in Society
• Public Attitudes to Science 2008 (external website)
• Darwin Today (external website)          

• Forthcoming Events
• ESRC Public Policy Seminar Series

Interested in other areas of research? The Research Councils UK website is a joint portal for all Research Councils, offering access to the whole range of UK research funded through the councils.

ESRC-funded experts, research and comments shed light on the financial crisis. See our overview of ESRC resources.read more...

• The charity crunch
  Charitable donations are dwindling as recession spreads - while charities' services are becoming more in demand. Charities will need to make strategic decisions to get through the slump, suggest ESRC-funded researchers.   

ESRC press release:

• Prescription for patient safety
  A reform of legal liability insurance for NHS hospitals has improved patient safety. Offering discounts on insurance premiums to hospitals with high standards of risk management led to lower rates of MRSA infections.
• Major teaching and learning research programme draws conclusions
  The Teaching and Learning Research Programme (TLRP), the largest research initiative into education related topics ever undertaken in the United Kingdom, presents its major conclusions on 24th and 25th November after nine years of investigations across all sectors of education. 

Funding opportunities, corporate news, research activities, events: stay informed about what's happening in the ESRC community with eNews, our bimonthly newsletter.read more...

Considering a career in social science? Or are you a teacher looking for school resources? We fund a number of activities for young people and schools, including:

• Debating Matters
• Discover Anthropology
• Schoolscience.co.uk
• BA Crest awards
• Careers in social science
• RCUK and schools
• Researchers in Residence
• CLS Cohort Studies teaching resources (external website)  

Read more about our activities.