Past projects

Our research projects are about enabling people, places and the planet to flourish.

From education to healthcare, heritage to economic security we work on a range of issues where we can bring people and ideas together to create impact.

2020s crises and change

How do communities respond to crisis to shape their long-term future?

A woman wearing a face mask and a high-collared jacket stands on a street. The background is slightly blurred, showing parked cars and buildings on either side, creating an urban setting. The image is in black and white.

Collective defined contribution pensions forum

Supporting the implementation and regulation of CDC schemes.

A person with a beard sits at a wooden desk in a bright room, working on a computer. They hold their glasses in one hand and have a focused expression. The desk is cluttered with papers, and a lamp is beside the monitor. Large windows are in the background.

Community banking

Supporting the creation of local banks across the UK.

A vendor in a striped apron hands a mesh bag filled with vegetables to a customer at an outdoor market stall. The stall is stocked with various fresh produce, including carrots, zucchini, and peppers. The customer is paying with cash.

Deliberative democracy

Renewing democracy by listening to people again.

A group of people seated in a casual, indoor setting. Two women in the foreground are smiling and engaged in conversation. Others are visible in the background, also chatting and holding notebooks. The atmosphere appears relaxed and friendly.

Economic security observatory

Identifying where gaps in support – from the state, communities or employers – contribute to this rising tide of insecurity.

Person walking on a large, blue and white checkerboard pattern. Their shadow is elongated on the bright surface, emphasizing the geometric design.

Economies for healthier lives

Supporting areas seeking to embed health outcomes in all economic development activity.

A nurse in blue uniform sits on a couch next to an elderly woman, checking her blood pressure. The woman holds out her arm with a cuff on it. A lamp and wooden side table with a mug are in the background.

Futures thinking and strategic foresight

Exploring how using strategic foresight can help us make better policy.

Woman with curly hair, holding a whiteboard marker, gazes thoughtfully at a semi-transparent surface covered with indistinct writing. She appears focused, with a light, blurred background.

Global innovations in good work

We’re working together with the Autodesk Foundation to deepen and scale the impact of global innovations in good work.

A person wearing a tan turtleneck is sitting at a desk, focused on a desktop computer screen. They hold papers in one hand and have an open laptop beside them. A bitten apple rests on the desk, and the background features office seating.

Heritage

Exploring what heritage means to local people and how it can improve lives.

A person is shaping a wooden boat with a hand tool in a workshop. The room is lit by large windows in the background, casting light on the boat's hull. The black-and-white scene highlights the craftsmanship involved.

Learning about culture

One of the largest ever studies in the UK on the value of arts education.

A close-up of assorted paintbrushes with varying sizes and shapes, some with frayed bristles, in containers. The background is blurred, highlighting the texture and details of the brushes.

Leeds fashion futures

Could Leeds shape the future of fashion to be circular, where clothes are used more and made from safe and renewable resources?

A group of older adults collaborates around a table, engaging in a crafting activity. They are focused on a large, colorful textile piece, surrounded by yarn and craft materials in a cozy indoor setting.

Make fashion circular

Linear is out of fashion. Let’s design a circular future for our clothing.

Mannequin in a white blouse with a black ribbon around the neckline, standing against a black background. Its right arm is extended to the side, creating a dramatic contrast with the dark backdrop.

One powerhouse

Reducing regional inequality in the UK.

A tall residential apartment building with multiple balconies stands against a clear blue sky with scattered white clouds. The structure has a modern design, featuring grids of windows and sliding doors.

Pinball kids

Exploring why school exclusions are increasing and how we can support students.

A young girl with long hair stands on an outdoor sports court, wearing a black and white varsity jacket. The background features trees and a cloudy sky.

Preventing school exclusions

How do we make local education systems more inclusive and reduce preventable exclusions?

A young boy with curly red hair, wearing a blue and gray jacket, stands on an outdoor basketball court. The background shows a tall building and blurred figures playing basketball in the distance. The sky is overcast.

Primary youth social action

Can we extend the positive impact of volunteering to primary schools?

Black-and-white image of two children focused on painting a wall with brushes. The boy in the middle wears a striped hoodie; the girl on the right, a patterned jacket. The background shows blurred trees and vertical beams.

Rethinking Public Dialogue

We’ve been supporting projects that test novel approaches and new possibilities for public dialogue.

Two white speech bubbles with three teal dots each, indicating typing or ongoing conversation, against a plain background.

Rough guide to being a public entrepreneur in practice

Exploring new ways of addressing the challenges NHS Lothian’s staff face in their work.

Illustration of three stylized birds sitting in a geometric nest. The design features bold black outlines with turquoise accents among white branches and abstract shapes.

Transforming lifelong learning

We’re testing an innovative approach to lifelong learning, via a digital careers and employability coaching platform.

An older man with glasses sits in a leather chair near a window, holding a tablet. A decorative lamp is on a side table next to him. Sunlight softly illuminates the room, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

The third benefit

We believe teachers’ motivations and experiences of high-quality youth social action represent an underexplored ‘third benefit’.

A vibrant classroom with young children seated at tables, engaged in activities. Two teachers are interacting with the students, one smiling at a child. The room is decorated with art supplies, a clothesline with papers, and colorful wall art.

Self-managing care teams

Social care isn’t working. It’s time to trust care workers.

Universal basic income

How we can help people take control of their own lives.

A calm, illuminated canal lined with modern high-rise buildings and moored boats at dusk. The sky is overcast, with reflections visible on the water.

Young people’s future health and economic security

Exploring how money worries impact health.

Three people sit at a table in a cafe. The person in the center looks forward, wearing a black top and hair in a bun. Another wears a blue shirt, and the third wears a white shirt. There's a world map on the wall behind them.

Our Approach to Change

Change can be hard. This is how we make it happen.

Find out more