Research impact

Explore some of the ongoing research projects from the School of Law and Social Justice, and the real-life impact they have had.

We are delighted that in the REF 2021 results announcement on Thursday 12 May 2022, SSPC has placed 3rd in the REF for 4* outputs, and Law has placed 10th for 4* Impact.

Tackling Childhood Obesity: Defining Food Marketing as a Global Child Rights Concern Triangles and food in the background.

Tackling childhood obesity (REF2021 case study)

Defining food marketing as a global child rights concern – Professor Amandine Garde.

The UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union: Influencing Policy Making Michael Dougan giving a lecture.

The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (REF2021 case study)

Influencing policy making and improving public understanding – Professor Michael Dougan.

Informing, Developing, and Delivering the UK’s Trade Policy Fishing boats and shipping cranes

Informing, developing, and delivering the UK’s Trade Policy (REF2021 case study)

Examining the design, development, and implementation of international economic law by political actors - Dr Gregory Messenger & Professor Mavluda Sattorova.

Supporting Charities in Challenging Times Yellow blanket on the floor.

Supporting charities in challenging times (REF2021 case study)

Shaping law and shaping policy and practice in order to better support charities in times of austerity - Professor Debra Morris & Professor Warren Barr.

Lego girl.

Protecting children’s legal status and rights in the UK after Brexit (REF2021 case study)

Campaigning to bring children’s rights into the Brexit negotiations - Professor Helen Stalford.
Youth justice, human rights and penal detention Prof Barry Goldson plus a black and white image of two children behind fencing

Youth justice, human rights, and penal detention (REF2021 case study)

The functioning and effects of youth justice systems – Professor Barry Goldson.

Closing Justice Gaps Research Impact collage - Closing Justice Gaps - Prof Barry Godfrey

Closing justice gaps (REF2021 case study)

Improving the effectiveness of and confidence in Out of Court Disposals – Professor Barry Godfrey.

The Loop drug checking service The Loop team at Parklife festival

The Loop

The UK’s first systematic drug checking service – Professor Fiona Measham.

Using historical life-course data to shape criminal justice Black and white image of a building.

Using historical life-course data to shape criminal justice policy and practice

Exploring the effects over the whole life-span of offenders, and their children, and grandchildren - Professor Barry Godfrey.

Digital Panopticon Digital Panopticon exhibition

Digital Panopticon (Department of History submission)

In partnership with Universities of Liverpool, Sheffield, Oxford, Sussex and Tasmania - Professor Barry Godfrey.

REF 2021 results Blue background with white text that reads '10th - Law is ranked 10th in the sector for 4* research outputs'.

REF 2021 results (UoA 18 Law)

View a summary of our REF 2021 results for Law.

REF 2021 results Blue background with white text that reads '3rd - Social work and social policy is ranked 3rd in the sector'.

REF 2021 results (UoA 20 Social Work and Social Policy)

View a summary of our REF 2021 results for SSPC.