The social impact of research conducted in Russell Group universities

25 October 2012

Research has an impact on all of our lives in every area from business and industry to healthcare, technology and culture. But its impact is sometimes hard to predict and research currently underway in our world-class universities has the power to transform radically our society in ways none of us can imagine.

The research generated in leading universities helps us understand our society and informs the infrastructure that supports social cohesion.

It informs policy and practice across areas that touch all our lives directly, such as medical treatment for the ill or the education of our children, and shapes our social environment through debate on topics such as human rights, equality and national security.

Our research also helps us to preserve and appreciate our magnificent cultural heritage, playing a vital role in our appeal to individuals, organisations and governments as a nation to visit and to do business with.

It supports the production of numerous art forms, often in ways that allow the public to engage with the art in an interactive and enjoyable way.

This report looks to demonstrate how research in our universities has huge, positive impacts on our health, quality of life, culture, society and environment.

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This is the second part in a series on the impact of research from Russell Group universities. You can also read The economic impact of research conducted in Russell Group universities (2010) and Engines of growth: The impact of research at Russell Group universities (2015).
 

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