Institute of Applied Social Research (IASR)

The Institute for Applied Social Research has a reputation for world-leading research to tackle complex global challenges, including studies on safeguarding children and families, child sexual exploitation, care experience, youth justice and policing, addictions, forced migration and displacement.  In REF 2021 81% of our Social Work and Social Policy research was rated as world leading or internationally excellent.

IASR’s research portfolio demonstrates strong methodological expertise in the use of participatory and creative methods to amplify marginalised voices. The team have extensive experience and expertise in qualitative and mixed‑methods designs, co‑production with people with lived experience, use of arts‑based approaches, longitudinal and life‑course analysis, evaluation of complex services and systems, and the study of professional practice and decision‑making.