Collaboration and engagement

The unique combination of the breadth and depth of our research, initiatives made possible by key donations, and the collegiate structure, provide significant opportunities for individual scholars in narrow areas of specialism to collaborate with other world leaders to form multi- and interdisciplinary research groups and centres, with strong multi-institutional collaborations and partnerships that engage with the outside world. In this way, Oxford’s social science researchers are ideally placed to push new multi- and interdisciplinary boundaries and explore cutting-edge research.

Our strong reputation for theoretical intellectual scholarship is complemented by high quality research co-produced with practitioners in the fields of social work, education, law, museums, and business (with corporations and SMEs). Through wider engagement with society, we also work with external stakeholders to set agenda and share expertise through collaborative work, to develop and maintain partnerships with external bodies, and to promote the application of social science research outside of the academic community. Our influence on policymaking is particularly extensive, both within the UK and beyond. Our researchers regularly advise international governments and multi-lateral agencies, UK government departments and local government authorities, as well as working with intermediary non-governmental organisations that lobby and encourage policy change.