Impact case studies

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.

Professor Nigel Driffield's contribution to developing Greater Birmingham's inward investment strategy helped the area become one of the most successful in Europe for attracting business investment.

Research has provided the EU with a new fuel poverty measurement tool and focused attention on the 54 million European households struggling to heat and power their homes.

Face recognition experts developed the EvoFIT software and a new interview technique, boosting arrest rates in the UK and internationally.

Research on the limitations of human vision has been influential in lowering speed limits to 20mph in residential areas, saving an estimated 38 lives and preventing over 450 serious injuries each year, and stimulating car technology innovation.

The Competitiveness Index model has been used by policymakers across the world, and cited by 80 authorities in the UK alone. The 2016 UK Competitiveness Index benchmarks the competitiveness of the UK’s localities, including cities and Local Enterprise Partnership areas.

Research into ethically produced jewellery has opened a new market in jewellery retail, led to a £200,000 increase in annual turnover, and improved working conditions and the environmental impact of gold mining.

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership helped car retailer Benfield Motor Group to implement 'lean' techniques for their aftersales service – increasing annual sales turnover by £720,000.

A groundbreaking training pack involved more than 200 street children as researchers, supporting their input into a UN consultation and participation in the 2016 Street Child Games.

Using a city's street network to reveal underlying information, the Spatial Design Network Analysis software is used worldwide to plan cities that are healthier, safer and more sustainable.