ESRC Society Today

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is the UK's leading research funding and training agency addressing economic and social concerns. We aim to provide high quality research on issues of importance to business, the public sector and government.

• About ESRC
• ESRC Facts and Figures
• ESRC Community News
• Video: Making A Difference

Social science is, in its broadest sense, the study of society and the manner in which people behave and impact on the world around us.read more...

• Social Science in Numbers
• What Social Scientists Do

ESRC research offers a better understanding of the issues facing us all - from the climate, new technologies and ageing populations to global economics and education.

• ESRC - Making a Difference
• How Social Science Affects our Lives
• Social Science in Society
• Public Attitudes to Science 2008 (external website)
• Darwin Today (external website)      

Considering a career in social science? Or are you a teacher looking for school resources? We fund a number of activities for young people and schools, including:

• Debating Matters
• Discover Anthropology
• Schoolscience.co.uk
• BA Crest awards
• Careers in social science
• RCUK and schools
• Researchers in Residence
• CLS Cohort Studies teaching resources (external website)  

Read more about our activities.

Annual Report 2007-08

The Annual Report and Accounts 2007-08 is now available. Covering the period 1 April - 30 March, it includes a review of the year from the ESRC Chair and Chief Executive, outstanding features, facts and figures, and full accounts.

• Magazines, newsletters and articles for the public, the research community and policymakers.
• Research publications - reports, briefings and research resources.
• Corporate publications - ESRC plans, annual reports and guidelines.
• All ESRC publications          

• Consultation on Strategic Plan 2009-2014
  As part of the development process for its Strategic Plan for 2009-2014, the ESRC is holding a national consultation over the summer and autumn of 2008 with our stakeholders. 

ESRC press release:

• £28.5 million investment for groundbreaking new research facility
  A new research facility is planned for the study of birth cohorts, enabling unprecedented understanding of how economic, social and biological factors combine to shape human behaviour. The new facility will be a collaboration between the ESRC and the Medical Research Council, with the £28.5 million funding coming from the science portfolio of the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills.
• Diversity in primary schools promotes harmony
  For the first time, children as young as five have been shown to understand issues regarding integration and separation. The ESRC-funded research confirms that the ethnic composition of primary schools has a direct impact on children’s attitudes towards those in other ethnic groups. 

Magical Memory Tour

Join the Magical Memory Tour to share your memories associated with Beatles songs, and help scientists explore how the brain handles memories.

• Forthcoming events
• ESRC Public Policy Seminar Series                  

Interested in other areas of research? The Research Councils UK website is a joint portal for all Research Councils, offering access to the whole range of UK research funded through the councils.