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: Season 5 is out now!

Tackling the big questions through a social science lens, Season 5 of the We Society Podcast is here.

In the first episode of the season, our host, Will Hutton, speaks to Professor Lord Richard Layard FAcSS, renowned economist and Peer, on the social science of wellbeing and how it contributes, not only to individual happiness, but also to wider society.

Delivering civic value to communities – the impact of UK universities’ social science research

In this Higher Education Policy Institute blog, our Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Ed Bridges, uses a range of examples from the REF Impact Case Study (ICS) dataset, to illustrate how social science research is making communities better, reducing inequalities, delivering value for money and serving governments well in their policy agendas.

The SHAPE of Research Impact

This report, commissioned by the British Academy and Academy of Social Sciences, highlights the tangible impact of the UK’s SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy) research on the wellbeing of society, culture, and the economy through a collection of case studies.

Election 24: ideas for change based on social science evidence

Social science perspectives will be vital in informing policy debates ahead of a likely UK General Election next year. To support the development of evidence-based policy discussions, our new hub foregrounds the social sciences in informing policies across the political spectrum and showcases research evidence relevant to public policy.

Latest News

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The 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.