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Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences

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REF 2014

As one of the world's leading multi-disciplinary universities our central location offers close interaction with Bloomsbury's cultural and intellectual vibrancy, Westminster and Whitehall, the City and our world-class hospital partners. We support dissemination, engagement and impact.

 

REF 2021

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

The previous REF (2014) found that, across the whole institution, UCL has the greatest impact power of any university in the UK. The case studies below highlight some of the world-class Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences research that was recognised and celebrated.

Using mobile devices in the Congo

Promoting Environmental Justice and Social Sustainability

Dr Jerome Lewis led the development of guidelines for Congo Basin logging companies to obtain free prior and informed consent from indigenous communities. These guidelines were used by logging companies and the Forest Stewardship Council and were supported by a training centre, community radio, and innovative participatory mapping techniques.

Setting the National Minimum Wage

Setting the National Minimum Wage

Research by Professor Stephen Machin and his co-authors changed the policy context before a National Minimum Wage was introduced in 1999, and has since provided the guiding logic for the operations of the Low Pay Commission.

Legacies of British Slave-ownership

Engaging with the Legacies of British Slave-ownership

The Legacies of British Slave Ownership project instigated a high-profile public debate about British slave ownership and its long-term influence on British society, economy, politics and culture, and led to apologies from some of the City's top firms for their past associations with slavery.

Male patient at University College Hospital holding a museum artefact

Healing Heritage: The impact of Museums on Health and Wellbeing

Research on how museum activities contribute to health and wellbeing in hospitals and care homes led to the development of a new wellbeing measure refined in partnership with 20 museums and other partners. It also influenced policy and funding considerations for heritage, and led to the development of a volunteer programme.

Open Air Laboratory

Open Air Laboratories: Their Contribution to Public Involvement in Water Science

Through an innovative public water survey the UCL OPAL Water Centre helped over 45,000 people - 17% from hard-to-reach communities - participate in water quality and aquatic biodiversity assessment, and thus be exposed to water science. OPAL data was used both for site management and for national and international policy.

Signpost of Downing Street

Codifying the Process of Government Formation through the UK Cabinet Manual

UCL research demonstrated the importance of clear guidance, through a Cabinet Manual, to demystify the process of  government formation. In the UK's hung Parliament of 2010, the draft manual proved critical in ensuring a smooth transition to the UK's first coalition government in 60 years.

You can read more case studies from the Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences on the UCL Research Impact website.

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UCL Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences
Andrew Huxley Building
Gower Street
London
WC1E 6BT

The Faculty Office is located in the Andrew Huxley Building with the entrance door opposite the South Junction.

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