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Using History to inform Armed Forces policy and training

Summary of the impact

Research by staff in the Centre for War Studies at the University of Birmingham, has informed continuing professional development (CPD) and training in the Armed Forces in the UK and overseas. This includes the design and delivery of training, study tours and materials for chaplains and NATO senior officers. Additionally academics have facilitated access to research to stimulate policy debate in the Armed Forces through invited presentations to professional conferences, and nationally and internationally by informing the content of Select Committee expert evidence.

Submitting Institution

University of Birmingham

Unit of Assessment

History

Summary Impact Type

Societal

Research Subject Area(s)

Studies In Human Society: Political Science
History and Archaeology: Historical Studies

Lisbon and its Jewish refugees: Engaging Portugal with its World War II history

Summary of the impact

UCL research improved public understanding in Portugal of the important role that Lisbon played in WWII as an `open city' where both sides in the war operated. In particular, it showed and publicised the city's role as an exit point for thousands of refugees (mainly Jewish) trying to escape German-occupied Europe and get to North America or Palestine. This was achieved through a best-selling publication and a photographic exhibition in Lisbon attended by 10-14,000 visitors. Both were widely reviewed as providing important insights supported by research into previously unpublished archives.

Submitting Institution

University College London

Unit of Assessment

Theology and Religious Studies

Summary Impact Type

Cultural

Research Subject Area(s)

Studies In Human Society: Political Science
History and Archaeology: Historical Studies

Enhancing public understanding of the origins of the Israel-Palestine conflict by extending the range and improving the quality of argumentation and evidence in public discourse.

Summary of the impact

Renton used his research on the origins of the Israel-Palestine conflict to enhance public understanding by extending the quality and range of evidence and argumentation in public discourse on a major issue of historical importance with present day consequences. This was achieved through a range of collaborations, media, engagement with public campaigns, and synergies with the international news cycle.

Submitting Institution

Edge Hill University

Unit of Assessment

History

Summary Impact Type

Societal

Research Subject Area(s)

Studies In Human Society: Political Science
Law and Legal Studies: Law
History and Archaeology: Historical Studies

Military and Naval History: Policy and Heritage

Summary of the impact

This case study, centring on the work of Dr Harry Bennett, Reader in Military History, demonstrates impact generated out of very wide-ranging research on twentieth-century military and naval history and aspects of government policy over a period of about 20 years. The case reports on the impact of research on naval strategy and operations, including that on the role of the German Schnellboote in World War II, achieved in relation to three key areas: the economic gains from naval heritage, public policy concerning naval heritage, and public engagement with and discourse about these matters, extending from think-tanks to very broad exposure in the media.

Submitting Institution

Plymouth University

Unit of Assessment

History

Summary Impact Type

Cultural

Research Subject Area(s)

Studies In Human Society: Political Science
History and Archaeology: Historical Studies

Influencing Constitutional Affairs and Governance

Summary of the impact

This case study draws upon the research of the internationally renowned scholar, Peter Hennessy (http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/lords/lord-hennessy-of-nympsfield/4189), and the public engagement organisation that he established, the Mile End Group (MEG — http://www.mileendgroup.com/). Hennessy's historically-informed understanding of constitutional and governance issues has enabled him to make direct interventions in key debates in the House of Lords and affect public debate and parliamentary democracy. Similarly, MEG has played a critical role in generating popular and public interest in its events and thus in the modern and contemporary history of British constitutional affairs and governance. MEG is a trusted environment in which historians, civil servants and politicians can frame decision-making with a proper appreciation of precedent, contingency and comparative studies. It has provided historical research and expertise in its work with No. 10 Downing Street, the Cabinet Office on the Cabinet Secretaries Project and with the Treasury for its in-house seminars `Learning the Lessons of Past Spending Reviews'.

Submitting Institution

Queen Mary, University of London

Unit of Assessment

History

Summary Impact Type

Cultural

Research Subject Area(s)

Studies In Human Society: Policy and Administration, Political Science
History and Archaeology: Historical Studies

Rethinking National Defence Strategy for the Twenty-First Century

Summary of the impact

Key questions face Western military establishments and governments concerning the likely form of future defence needs and, consequently, the size and shape of their armed forces. Following dashed hopes of a long-term `peace dividend' after the collapse of the USSR, came recognition that defence remained a fundamental concern, but that military needs might be manifested in different ways. The debate about a `war on terrorism' post-9/11 further intensified questions about the nature of future conflict. Through his research on strategy, and his guiding role in the Oxford "Changing Character of War" programme, Sir Hew Strachan, Chichele Professor of the History of War (since 2002), has made a major contribution to these debates and has helped to shape military policy making in the UK and the USA.

Submitting Institution

University of Oxford

Unit of Assessment

History

Summary Impact Type

Societal

Research Subject Area(s)

Studies In Human Society: Political Science
History and Archaeology: Historical Studies

Challenges for and Assessment of British and EU Policies in the Mediterranean Neighbourhood (Relating to 'Arab Spring' and Syria Crisis in particular)

Summary of the impact

(1) European Commission officials and humanitarian aid agency representatives based their discussion of European Union (EU) and humanitarian policy options in Syria and their ultimate recommendations to United Nations officials in Geneva on the findings of a policy options paper prepared by Professor Rosemary Hollis of City University London. In addition, senior UK military planners incorporated Hollis's findings in contingency planning in April 2012 and April 2013 following her invited participation in brainstorming sessions.

(2) Hollis's research findings expanded UK-Turkish dialogue and contributed to the success of a key forum (Tatlidil, Istanbul, October 2012) aimed at deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.

(3) The 2013 Foreign Policy Report of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) on the `Balance of Competences' between the UK and the EU was substantiated with evidence from her research.

(4) Her research informed and shaped media coverage and civil society debate about Arab uprisings during the period 2009-2012.

Submitting Institution

City University, London

Unit of Assessment

Politics and International Studies

Summary Impact Type

Political

Research Subject Area(s)

Studies In Human Society: Political Science

Political History, Public Policy and the Olympic Legacy

Summary of the impact

This case study demonstrates the impact generated through research into twentieth-century political and social history on public discourse and policy-making in the UK. The case study focuses on the work of Professor Kevin Jefferys, whose high profile research into twentieth-century political leaders, UK politics and its linkage with public policy, has informed Government and stakeholders of the 2012 Olympics in decision-making processes relating to its post-2012 legacy, through his invitation by History and Policy at King's College, University of London to present his research to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Sport England, and 10 Downing Street.

Submitting Institution

Plymouth University

Unit of Assessment

History

Summary Impact Type

Societal

Research Subject Area(s)

Studies In Human Society: Policy and Administration
History and Archaeology: Historical Studies

Modern Church History Informing Civic-Religious Culture and Public Commemoration

Summary of the impact

Dr Chandler's publications have been extensively used and discussed nationally and internationally by Church leaders, politicians, journalists, public intellectuals, clergy and laity. They provide informed historical context for discussion of contemporary religion and offer a site for new associations and interactions. They have also impacted on the public commemoration of historical figures who have achieved an international reputation for the religious and moral significance of their life and work. Chandler is Reader in History at the University of Chichester where his position is co-funded by the Chapter of Chichester Cathedral to support his directorship of the George Bell Institute. His research focusses on the importance of national and international politics in the modern British churches, Anglo-German Church relations and ecumenical dialogues more generally.

Submitting Institution

University of Chichester

Unit of Assessment

History

Summary Impact Type

Cultural

Research Subject Area(s)

Language, Communication and Culture: Cultural Studies
History and Archaeology: Historical Studies
Philosophy and Religious Studies: Religion and Religious Studies

Uncovering Evidence of Torture and Abuse during the Mau Mau Emergency in Colonial Kenya

Summary of the impact

The Mau Mau Emergency at the end of empire in Kenya saw atrocities on all sides and extensive torture under the British administration. Professor Anderson's historical research, uncovering much of this story for the first time, contributed vital evidence to a High Court case in which victims of colonial torture won recognition, a formal apology, and damages from the British government. This research has prompted widespread public debate over both historical and contemporary controversies in Kenya and the UK.

Submitting Institution

University of Oxford

Unit of Assessment

Area Studies

Summary Impact Type

Political

Research Subject Area(s)

Law and Legal Studies: Law
History and Archaeology: Historical Studies

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