Impact case studies

Medical and sociological research into non-invasive baby post-mortem using MRI imaging has changed NHS training and post-mortem care processes, increased uptake in post-mortem consent by parents, and initiated new bereavement support groups.

An estimated 312,000 children annually lose a parent to imprisonment in England and Wales. Research on how the sentencing of mothers affects children has changed practice for judges, magistrates and Probation Officers, who now consider how children will be affected by their parents’ sentence.

Autistic individuals are estimated to be seven times more likely than the general population to come into contact with the Criminal Justice System. Research into how they are affected by police custody has led to new autism guidance for all police in the East Midlands, shaped the design of 'autism-friendly' custody cells, and changed police practice in supporting neuro-divergent individuals in custody.

The 20-year Edinburgh study of 4,300 young people shaped the Scottish Parliament bill to raise the age of criminal responsibility from eight to 12 years, and underpins a radical change in policy to counter youth offending.

Research on legislatures and political parties has strengthened practice towards over 30 developing countries worldwide, while findings on vote manipulation are helping the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other organisations to safeguard elections.

The Wales Centre for Public Policy is helping to inform and shape policy decisions by presenting research evidence directly to government ministers, producing over 120 studies in the last five years – supporting effective policymaking and benefiting public services across Wales.

Findings from the ASPIRES study have informed a new approach to science teaching which supports more young people, from more diverse backgrounds, to engage with science – reaching over 600,000 students and informing education policy in over 20 countries.

Nearly 35% of the workforce in India’s tech sector are women, compared to less than 18% in the UK. Research stimulated tech industry engagement, launching a national Indian scorecard and informing a UK strategy for diversity in the tech sector.

Research resulted in improved practice for out-of-court family dispute resolution, better information online, and a video about available mediation options which has been widely adopted.

Flexible learning methods such as self-study guides and catch-up clubs reduced school dropout rates in Lesotho and Malawi up to 45% – ensuring that disadvantaged children don’t miss out on their education.