Research impact

Research within the Faculty of Humanities is making a positive difference to societies nationally and internationally.

By creating innovative solutions to some of the world's major problems we have been able to influence policy and practice across areas including the economy, health and emergency services, environmental care and creative and cultural sectors.

Here is a snapshot of how research in our Schools is making an impact:

Cadbury invests £45 million in sourcing fair trade cocoa

Cadbury committed to protecting the social and economic wellbeing of its farmers following our research into the challenges facing its cocoa supply chain.

Research commissioned by Cadbury into the social and economic sustainability of cocoa production led the chocolate producer to switch to fair trade cocoa and invest £45 million in cocoa growing communities.

Fair and effective systems for police complaints

Our research is supporting procedural and cultural reforms in police forces across Europe, with a focus on addressing cultures of impunity and disproportionality in complaints against ethnic minority or female officers.

The key research findings have been incorporated into police training, procedural reform and promoted as best practice across Europe and beyond. 

Historical perspective impacts on changes in humanitarian aid

Research into the history of humanitarian responses has affected the development of international policies on emergency aid.

Our reinterpretation of how humanitarian efforts and technologies are organised and carried out has been taken up by medical practitioners, leading research institutions, and international policy makers,including The British Academy, Handicap International, and the Red Cross.

Our findings are also important to recent international policy innovations such as the UK International Emergency Trauma Register.

Informing policies on immigration and rising diversity

Our research into the public opinion on immigration and ethnic minority political attitudes has generated a clearer understanding of the political and social impact of immigration and ethnic change in Britain.

Insights from the research have helped to inform government policies and activist-led campaigns, supporting their policy development and campaign planning on integrating ethnic minorities and addressing concerns about immigration and rising diversity.

National assessment tool for stroke patients

Research into improving post-stroke care led to the development of an assessment tool which is now being used across England, and by the Stroke Association, to identify the long-term needs of stroke patients.

The Greater Manchester Stroke Assessment Tool (GM-SAT) improves care by identifying needs and enabling access to relevant support. Healthcare, social care and voluntary sector staff were involved in its development along with stroke survivors and their carers.