Promoting understanding of our contemporary human world
We are the national academy of academics, practitioners and learned societies in social science. The sector’s leading independent voice in the UK, we champion the vital role social sciences play in education, government and business.
The We Society Podcast: Catch up on season 6
In season 6 of the We Society podcast, our host, Will Hutton, has been joined by a number of guests from the world of social science to discuss a variety of topical issues including the economic impacts of Brexit, improving adult education, the UK’s housing crisis and the hidden world of young carers. You can catch up on season 6, and all our other seasons, in our back catalogue on your favourite podcast platform.
Academy publishes social science research funding summary data report
The Academy of Social Sciences has published a new report which summarises the scale and trends in research funding for the social sciences across UK higher education. Drawing largely on published annual Higher Education Statistics Authority research funding data between 2013/14 and 2021/22, the report provides insight into the quantity, distribution and change over time of research funding for the social science sector as a whole and across disciplines within it.
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Transport: bridging the gap between research evidence and political/public action
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Can social science protect us against global threats?
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You're either protecting humanity or hurting it
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Education, education, education
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It takes a village to raise a child
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The UK is a stagnation nation
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Market forces won't solve climate change
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Cities are our future
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We must do better for the next pandemic
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Military defeat happens gradually then suddenly
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You can't build a plan around Armageddon
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Going to the moon and back
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They're stoking people's fears, rather than providing hope
Annual Review 2023
Our 2023 Annual Review highlights our achievements over the past year. Featuring an introduction from the President, Will Hutton FAcSS, the Annual Review summarises the Academy’s work and activities in 2023 and how it contributed to our 2020-2023 strategic objectives.
Spotlight On
Latest projects, publications, commentary and activities happening across the Academy and Campaign.
Latest News
View allThe latest news and activities from the Academy and the world of social science research and policy
Discover our Campaign
The Campaign for Social Science demonstrates how social science improves public policy, society and all our lives. Discover more about its activities and supporters and find out how you can get involved.
Our Impact
Striving for successful outcomes and impact underpins all our work. Our impact influences how well social sciences are understood, flourish in academia, and used beyond. Ultimately this enhances decision-making, society and social science.
Our work to ‘promote social science in the UK for public benefit’ is guided by our strategy. We inform and advocate to enhance and safeguard social science; we showcase its importance and use; we facilitate knowledge exchange to policy on issues of national importance; we foster multi-disciplinary approaches and innovation.
We inspire diverse future generations of students; and we recognise excellence, convene and connect individuals and organisations. In short, we are a strong independent voice for social science and we champion its many applications in creating a better society.
Our human world is changing rapidly. Many of the great challenges we face are caused by humans and their solutions rest with humans. The list is long, from population demographics, climate change and sustainability, to COVID-19, levelling-up, social inclusion, and much more.
It is vital that we understand the dynamics, interactions, and what works in managing societal challenges. It is equally as vital that we have informed citizens. Social science with its analysis and understanding of society, economy, people and place is fundamental to both and to a sustainable, stable and more equitable future.
The Academy draws on the expertise of 1500 Fellows for knowledge and inspiration. It works collaboratively with 48 Member Social Science Societies each representing a discipline, sub-discipline or interdisciplinary area. This is a powerful collective voice for social science and an influential network and resource.
As a charity we are governed by an elected Council of Fellows, advised by four expert committees, and core funded by member subscriptions and Campaign sponsorship.