Evidence briefings

A personal legal identity is crucial for accessing benefits and services, and is seen as a key driver for prosperity in developing countries. A digital identification system based on behavioural data can provide a legal identity for people in underdeveloped countries.

International students are a key source of funding for UK universities and are beneficial for the wider economy, with a government estimate of over £5 billion in income excluding tuition fees. Declining student numbers could be reversed with targeted policies.

The Economic and Social Research Council and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) jointly fund a £20 million dementia social science research initiative on interventions and care – the world's largest social science research programme on dementia and care.

The uneven spread of industry across Britain limits productivity and innovation in low-performing areas, with London productivity 32% higher than the UK average in 2015. A new analysis highlights patterns of industry distribution and business performance across the country.

Income inequality is higher in the UK than in several other European countries, and is set to increase over the coming years. Child poverty is increasingly concentrated among one-earner couples, and policies supporting this group could have the most impact on reducing poverty in the future.

The demand for low-carbon goods and services is increasing rapidly, with a turnover of £43.3 billion in 2015 for low-carbon and renewable energy companies in the UK. A low-carbon strategy for international trade agreements will maximise opportunities after Brexit.

This briefing examines civil society responses to the migration crisis, including the responsibilities assumed by civil society actors (including nongovernmental organisations), gaps in governmental policy, and examples of good practice in refugee reception.

Evidence from the Mediterranean Migration Research Programme on the dynamics of migration to Europe in 2015 and 2016 challenges assumptions about the so-called 'push' and 'pull' factors underpinning the EU policy response.

This briefing discusses recent research from the Mediterranean Migration Research Programme, focusing on search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea, and on states' efforts to manage bodies and human remains and to identify those who die at sea.

This briefing discusses recent research from the Mediterranean Migration Research Programme, focusing on the reception of refugees and migrants and their integration in host states.