Impact case studies

With his long term commitment over successive research initiatives to maximising impact opportunities for his own research and that of colleagues and collaborators, Professor Charlie Jeffery, ESRC Impact Champion of 2015 is a model of leadership in the social sciences.

A unique study led by Professor Hester Parr has improved the way UK police officers relate to missing persons and transformed policing guidance on the handling of missing persons and their families.

Based on his 15-year study of rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe, Professor Ian Scoones and team have successfully transformed understanding of the impact of the 2000 land reform, leading to policy shifts within the region and internationally.

Dr Aisha K Gill's pioneering research on violence against women, 'honour' crimes and forced marriage has improved support for victims, raised awareness and enabled better prevention strategies and the successful prosecution of perpetrators.

Research by Professors Colin Mason and Richard Harrison over the past 25 years has played a crucial role in stimulating business angel investment worth £750 million a year in the UK and ensuring government support for this key source of entrepreneurial finance.

Dr Jennifer Doyle's research is helping the social housing sector foster social change in deprived communities through improvements in measuring, monitoring and evaluating social impact.

Professors Jenny Kitzinger and Celia Kitzinger have created a much-needed online resource supporting relatives of patients in long-term coma states.

Dr Oliver Owen's five-year fieldwork study within the Nigerian Police Force is providing unique research evidence for reforms aimed at improving police performance, effectiveness and accountability.

Dr Jane Dyson's documentary on the challenges facing young people in the Indian Himalayas has reached school children, students and policymakers worldwide.

A six-year research programme driven by Dr Victoria Lavis has shaped a new national equalities policy framework and new policies and guidance for the care and management of transgender offenders.