SAGE and the British Academy: the Crucial Role of Social Science

A debate held in London on 16th March 2010 as part of the ESRC festival of social science. Co-hosted by SAGE and the British Academy, supported by the Times Higher Education Magazine.

Researchers, government and policymakers address how social science research can strengthen its involvement in policymaking, increase its impact and combat potential public expenditure cuts.

While the social science disciplines play a crucial role in contributing to a better quality of life, this remains under recognised in many circles. Social scientists have an urgent need to demonstrate the value of their research and the power of their expertise – and convince those who constitute our future government about the short and long term contribution this makes to addressing the many national and international challenges of our age – exploring the human and social implications of scientific breakthroughs, analysing the consequences of proposed new policy directions and bringing the searchlight of high quality, evidence based scrutiny to bear in seeking ways to improve our quality of life.

For further information see britac.ac.uk/​events/​2010/​tbt/​index.cfm