Research

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Our Research Vision and Community

At the School of Social Sciences, we are committed to developing and sustaining research that is original, significant, and rigorous. Our work is grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration and a supportive research culture that supports innovation and impact. Bringing together scholars and students across both the university and the world, we address pressing social, cultural and educational challenges. We offer a range excellent research facilities to support this.

Research Facilities
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Research Themes

Our research spans a wide range of areas, with particular strengths in science and technology studies, gender and women’s studies, political economy, mobilities, media and cultural studies, political sociology, children and young people, disability studies, and English language and linguistics.

We are also home to a diverse group of research centres which host a vibrant calendar of events including seminars, conferences, and film screenings.

Research Centres
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Partnerships

Our research is deeply collaborative, involving sustained partnerships with:

  • International organisations (e.g., European Parliament, UNESCO)
  • National and local government bodies (e.g., Defra, Equality and Human Rights Commission)
  • Public services, political parties, and city governments
  • Major science institutions (e.g., Royal Society, Natural History Museum)
  • Corporations and SMEs (e.g., Intel, Microsoft, Chinese low-carbon enterprises)
  • NGOs and community organisations (e.g., NSPCC, Women’s Aid, Age UK)

 

We actively contribute to public discourse and social change through blogs, podcasts, and social media. Visit our YouTube channel to view featured videos from staff and students showcasing the breadth and impact of our research.

Linguistics and Language Research Excellence

Our department is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in English Language and Linguistics. For over fifty years, we have led cutting-edge, empirically-based research in both theoretical and applied linguistics. Our mission is to shape and inform cultural, social, and educational issues through meaningful engagement with stakeholders in the UK and globally.

In the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF2021), our Linguistics submission achieved:

  • 100% of research impact rated ‘outstanding’
  • 100% of research environment rated ‘world-leading’
  • A Ranking of 2nd in the UK for overall research quality

Upcoming Events

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More Events

News

CULCOM2025 delegates

Culture and Communication Network (CULCOM) 3rd Annual Conference

On Wednesday, 16th July, the Department of Linguistics and English Language hosted the third annual conference of the Culture and Communication network (CULCOM). This year’s conference focused on business communication coinciding with the launch of Lancaster University’s new MA in Intercultural Business Communication.
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OBE in King’s Birthday Honours for Professor Karen Broadhurst

A Lancaster University professor, who has championed compassionate and effective services for women whose children are at risk of entering the care system, receives an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Image shows Mini car with union flag on roof and a Brexit sign on the booton a map of Europe heading from France to the UK

Call for Britons living in EU/EEA/EFTA to ‘have their say’ five years on from Brexit transition

A new survey, led by Lancaster University researchers, explores the experiences of Britons resident in the EU, EEA, and EFTA member states in accessing and securing their post-Brexit status and rights, five years on.
Paper cut out showing a family inside a person

Invitation to hear about new research in the family justice system

A new Centre of Excellence led by Lancaster University, to improve aspects of safeguarding for vulnerable families in the family justice system, will be officially launched this month.
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Julia Gillen on Toddlers, Tech and Talk

Julia Gillen has been busy discussing her recent research project, “Understanding how very young children learn language and literacy at home in a post-digital age” with a variety of audiences.

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Who is Sociology For? Sociology and Climate Change Action

Dr Nicola Spurling, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, spent 1 week working at Concito, a Copenhagen-based Danish climate think-tank whose work influences national and international decision making processes and policy. The visit had two purposes: for Nicola to share her work as part of Concito’s current project ‘Living well below 3 tons’, and to build an understanding of how people with degrees in Social Sciences can have careers addressing environmental issues and climate change.

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