Review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender
This research project explored the ways data on sex and on gender identity is collected and can be transformed.
This project is available at the The Sullivan Review webpage. This project ran from March 2024 to May 2025 and was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
Background
The loss of robust, standardised data on sex in the UK has raised concern among a range of stakeholders, including academics and policymakers. At the same time, there is evidence of wider barriers – at an institutional and societal level – to research and scholarly activity regarding sex and gender, making it difficult for open discussion to take place.
Against this backdrop, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) commissioned this independent review – terms of reference.
Methodology
The review was conducted using existing sources and interviews with stakeholders. In addition, there was a call for evidence on barriers to research on sex and gender.
Research aims
The project aimed to:
- Identify obstacles to accurate data collection and research on sex and on gender identity in public bodies and in the research system, and
- Set out good practice guidance for how to collect data on sex and gender identity.
Team
Project lead
- Professor Alice Sullivan, Centre for Longitudinal Studies
Members
- Murray Blackburn Mackenzie
- Dr Kathryn Webb, Department of Sociology, University of Oxford
Call for evidence
The loss of robust data on sex in the UK has raised concern. There is also evidence of wider barriers, at an institutional and societal level, to research and scholarly activity regarding sex and gender, making it difficult for open discussion to take place.
Against this backdrop, the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) commissioned this independent review, which is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
The review welcomed submissions of evidence in two strands:
- Examples of flawed data collection on sex and/or gender identity
- Barriers to research
The call for evidence was open from 22nd April until 1st July 2024.
Outputs
- The first report from the review has been published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Media
- Independent review provides recommendations on sex and gender identity data collection
- Media coverage
Additional information
If you wish to contact the review team, email ioe.SullivanReview@ucl.ac.uk
Updates will be posted from @Sullivan_Review.
Related links
- UCL Social Research Institute
- UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology – Review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender: terms of reference
- The Sullivan Review webpage
Contact us
Social Research Institute
IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society
University College London
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London WC1H 0AL