Taking a long view: the Social Sciences and Impact

Social scientists aspire to understand the world, even change it - but measuring, communicating and understanding the impact of theoretical developments and empirical evidence isn’t straightforward. Does a long-term, historical perspective help us understand what makes a difference? How has the conceptual thinking of the past come to underpin current policy and practice? What role does politics play in achieving and assessing impact?

The conference aims to enhance our understanding of development of impact in social science and public policy. Our keynote speaker is Professor Ann Oakley, who will draw on her recent biography of Barbara Wootton, a pioneer and advocate of evidence-based policy development, and her own long research career. She will be joined by Paul Boyle (ESRC), Danny Dorling (University of Sheffield), Richard Bartholomew (GSR), David Martin (University of Southampton), Kevin Schurer (University of Leicester), Tim Lang and Geof Rayner (City University), Tricia Dodd (ONS) and Emma Stone of Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Refreshments and lunch are included in the registration fee. There are a limited number of free places for students; please email robert.davies@bl.uk for details.