Impact case studies

Professor Mike Levi's research into fraud, money-laundering and organised crime has made counter strategies more effective both in the UK and abroad, reducing the billion-pound cost to society.

Research prompted the first national study of rape and sexual assault of people over 60, highlighting this hidden, unrecorded offence and increasing support for victims.

British Election Study research on the shock result of the 2015 General Election led to more accurate polling methods that have been adopted by many leading pollsters.

The Enterprise and Diversity Alliance has improved ethnic minority entrepreneurs' access to finance, markets and business support, providing a unique support network.

The Migration Observatory has shifted thinking on contentious migration issues by providing the first UK source of independent, high-quality evidence and analysis aimed at public audiences.

Research on HIV prevention led to a Cash plus Care programme that has helped over two million girls in 10 African countries avoid contracting HIV/AIDS since 2014.

Research for the Financial Conduct Authority led to a price cap for payday loans – protecting more than four million payday loan customers from extortionate interest fees.

Research spanning 25 years has changed the way police interview witnesses, the conduct of video parades and the treatment of vulnerable witnesses in court.

Evidence and advice from the ESRC Centre on Constitutional Change shaped the development of devolution legislation and enhanced the scrutiny of parliaments in Scotland and the UK.

Rigorous quantitative research into tax, benefits, poverty and living standards over the last 17 years has changed debate and shaped policy, most recently on Universal Credit.