The contemporary relevance of the social sciences

The social sciences play an essential role in harnessing the many opportunities and mitigating the numerous and varied challenges we face in our contemporary human world. Our new report explores this by outlining eight principles about the UK’s social science sector, each of which is supported evidence and case studies, serving as a user-friendly reference for policymakers, academics and practitioners.

Devolution Hub

Our new hub showcases evidence-led insights from social science research to offer informed perspectives on devolved and sub-national government in the UK.

Watch: Truth and Trust: The Vital Role of Social Science in a Divided World

We were delighted to welcome The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, 27th Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of the Global Institute for Women, to deliver the 2025 Campaign for Social Science Annual Sage Lecture focusing on the role of social science in a divided world.

Our hubs

Explore our hubs for evidence-based social science insights and perspectives from leading social scientists on various societal and policy challenges.

Beyond the ballot: social science insights on eight key policy challenges

Our new report showcases a breadth of social science-based research, ideas and evidence relevant to addressing some of the country’s political and social challenges, many of which are relevant to the UK Government’s policy agenda.

Life, health and wellbeing: the transformative potential of interdisciplinary social science

In this guest feature, Dr Paul Meller, Wellcome Trust, discusses how research within the social sciences and in exciting new combinations with other fields such as STEM offers huge potential to transform our understanding of life, health and wellbeing.

Join the Campaign

Support the Campaign for Social Science to help promote the benefits of investment in the social sciences and demonstrate the vital role they play in improving our society.