Coventry University wins £1.25m of ESRC funding to maximise impacts of economic and social sciences research

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has awarded Coventry University a £1.25 million Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) to deliver a five-year programme of impact activity.

IAAs support critical early-stage translation of university research into real impacts, which helps transform public services, create new jobs, attract private investment and forge new partnerships with business and charities.

This year, 32 research organisations across the UK have benefitted from this £40 million pound investment from the ESRC.

This is the first IAA that Coventry University has received, reflecting the successes already delivered by its researchers. The achievement builds on the ambitions as set out in the 2030 Research Strategy, and is demonstrated by the new substantive research grants being won following a successful REF2021 outcome.

Professor David McIlhatton, Institute Director and University Impact Lead, said:

Coventry University has 16 research centres with many researchers who are delivering local, national and international impact-focused work.

This is demonstrated by our research into national security, a key focus for our peace and security researchers, where their work engages with businesses, government (local, national, emergency services) and society to help shape policy and practice that helps minimise security threats.

Our peace and security researchers also work closely with many UK communities affected by Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and organisations that support victims in this area. They engage with key stakeholders to undertake research and deliver insights that help mitigate the societal impacts of SGBV by influencing and changing practice and policy in the UK and internationally.

The Centre for Business in Society delivers research to support the most vulnerable groups in our society. The team engage with individuals, communities, and charities to understand more about current financial and digital challenges and impacts issues such as unemployment, low income and social isolation. Their aim is to reduce the negative effects of these social situations by co-creating their research with service providers, policymakers, and government agencies.

ESRC Interim Executive Chair, Professor Alison Park, said: 

The IAA funding will help to generate greater benefits from the university’s research, helping to create a more prosperous, inclusive, healthy and secure society.