Making a difference with impact

Oxford social science research creates impact in many fields beyond academia and our social scientists make a significant difference in people's lives locally and across the globe. We regularly exchange expertise, knowledge and insights with a wide range of organisations, groups and people, helping to improve society and the economy on many fronts and contributing to key debates among the wider population. 

Our impact on policymaking is particularly extensive, both within the UK and beyond. Our researchers regularly advise international governments and multi-lateral agencies, UK government departments and local government authorities, as well as working with intermediary non-governmental organisations that lobby and encourage policy change. 

Impact stories from Oxford social sciences

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Social Sciences Impact Conference 2026

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Changing the world, together: celebrating social sciences collaborations making a difference

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Six Oxford social science researchers awarded at prestigious 2023 ESRC Impact Awards

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Social Sciences and BBC Ideas launch four new short films in partnership

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Six Oxford social scientists shortlisted by ESRC for research making outstanding economic or societal impact

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Social Sciences and BBC Ideas launch four new short films in partnership

The welcome desk at Hope into Action conference

Hope into Action: researchers, stakeholders and partners come together for inspiring Social Sciences Impact Conference 2023

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Oxford awarded £1.25m for social sciences research

Explore our impact by research theme

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Impacting corporate and government policies leading to improved working conditions for workers in the gig economy

Professor Mark Graham and The Fairwork Foundation Team
Professor Tarunabh Khaitan holds his Highly Commended impact award, flanked by event branding at the awards reception

Impacting judicial approaches to discrimination law in India

Professor Tarunabh Khaitan
Professor Sandra Wachter and Dr Brent Mittelstadt hold their Highly Commended impact award, flanked by event branding at the awards reception

Impacting law, policy, and business practice around the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence

Professor Sandra Wachter and Dr Brent Mittelstadt
Prof Rosa Freedman holds the Highly Commended award with Sarah Blakemore and Alex Dressler, flanked by event branding at the awards reception

Impacting policy and practice to safeguard against abuse by humanitarian aid workers

Professor Rosa Freedman (University of Reading)
Dr Isang Awah

Improving outcomes for children and families through parenting programmes

Explore our impact by type

Every day, all over the world, research from the Social Sciences Division is making a difference to communities, to policymakers, and to industry, helping them to tackle some of the society's biggest challenges. You can explore the selection of impact stories below offer to discover some of the different ways in which our research is making difference in the world.

social sciences excellence in impact awards by john cairns 19 10 21 188  web

Impacting corporate and government policies leading to improved working conditions for workers in the gig economy

Professor Mark Graham and The Fairwork Foundation Team
Professor Tarunabh Khaitan holds his Highly Commended impact award, flanked by event branding at the awards reception

Impacting judicial approaches to discrimination law in India

Professor Tarunabh Khaitan
Professor Sandra Wachter and Dr Brent Mittelstadt hold their Highly Commended impact award, flanked by event branding at the awards reception

Impacting law, policy, and business practice around the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence

Professor Sandra Wachter and Dr Brent Mittelstadt
Prof Rosa Freedman holds the Highly Commended award with Sarah Blakemore and Alex Dressler, flanked by event branding at the awards reception

Impacting policy and practice to safeguard against abuse by humanitarian aid workers

Professor Rosa Freedman (University of Reading)
Dr Isang Awah

Improving outcomes for children and families through parenting programmes

Our Impact Awards and Conferences

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Social Sciences Impact Conference 2026

Impact Conference 2026

Impact in Motion: Social Sciences Impact Conference 2026 explores how social sciences can drive change in uncertain times

Impact Awards 2025

Social Sciences Impact Awards 2025

The welcome desk at Hope into Action conference

Hope into Action: researchers, stakeholders and partners come together for inspiring Social Sciences Impact Conference 2023

O²RB Excellence in Impact Awards, Oxford University Museum of Natural History, 19th October 2021, #O2RBImpactAwards Supported by the ESRC Impact Acceleration Account

O²RB Excellence in Impact Awards 2021

Further information

Oxford ESRC Impact Acceleration Account

ESRC IAA

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Environment Impact Acceleration Account

Research impact support and advice

Our approach to embedding and enhancing research impact across the Social Sciences Division has been highly successful in the last ten years, with the volume of research awards continuing to rise and the development of a large number of research centres and groupings. Researchers at Oxford receive significant support and guidance in the development of their research, including research and impact funding, research project design and management, and research outputs from academic and administrative colleagues across the University, division and departments. 

If you are a researcher at Oxford, please visit our Support for Researchers page to find out more.

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RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

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COLLABORATION AND ENGAGEMENT

INNOVATION

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SUPPORT FOR RESEARCHERS

Who can help me?

If you are interested to learn more about social sciences research impact and opportunities to engage with Oxford social scientists - whether in relation to public policy, industry collaboration, or public and community engagement - please get in touch below.

Aileen Marshall-Brown

Aileen Marshall-Brown

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Sam Harper

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Rebecca Jones

Alex Martalogu

Alexandru Martalogu

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Juliet Scott-Barrett

Charlotte Medland

Charlotte Medland