Summary of the impact

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at highest risk of acquiring HIV in the UK and an estimated one-quarter of HIV-infected MSM have not been diagnosed. The Gay Men's Sexual Health (GMSH) Survey, conducted by University of Glasgow researchers, has provided robust evidence of sexual behaviours as well as prevention and testing activities of MSM in Scotland since 1996. These findings have shaped health policies in Scotland, the UK and Europe and have been used by health practitioners in the conduct of successful NHS sexual health campaigns in Scotland. The campaigns have been credited with increased testing rates and increased awareness of HIV risks demonstrating the effectiveness of direct promotion of sexual health awareness within the gay community.

Summary of the impact

The National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal) have made major contributions to sexual health policy in Britain, and are widely regarded as among the most reliable sources of scientific data in the field, not replicated with such frequency, detail or sample size in a single country anywhere in the world. Since 2008 they have influenced (amongst other things) HIV services, HPV vaccination policy, the national chlamydia screening programme, teenage pregnancy strategy and health education campaigns for young people and gay men. Our data are widely used in the NHS and third sector. We have disseminated the results of our research through public engagement activities including extensive media work, podcasts, and science festivals.

Summary of the impact

Tucker's ethnographic research on the social worlds inhabited by township `Men who have Sex with Men' (MSM), and his quantitative analysis of the associations between social and psycho- social conditions and risky sexual practices for such men, led to the development of the innovative Ukwazana HIV prevention programme — the first of its kind in Africa. Ukwazana, meaning `getting to know each other' in isiXhosa, is based across the central townships of Cape Town, and is unique in fostering partnerships with marginalised township MSM, engaging them collaboratively in HIV prevention initiatives. Based on Tucker's research findings, it is the first scheme to recognise, and tackle, social and psychosocial factors such as homophobia, depression and loss of self- esteem, which often result in risky sexual practices and related illnesses among MSM. This new approach was timely since, despite numerous previous HIV prevention campaigns aimed at township MSM, HIV prevalence for this group was three times the national average.

Summary of the impact

Public and political discussion identifies monogamy as serving a litmus test of relationships - where cheating is deemed a violation of relationship expectations. Anderson has opened up this restrictive discourse in several countries and especially in on-line communities. Through his book, The Monogamy Gap and its extremely wide-ranging dissemination, Anderson has extended the range of public discourse and called into question the idea that cheating must cause damage. Reactions to this work range from the angrily dismissive to those that welcome such research as liberating. The intensity of this debate has significantly impacted perceptions of monogamy, its desirability and social function.

Summary of the impact

(a) contributing to public debate on the various issues relating to pornography;

(b) advising policy makers about pornography, its forms, meanings and consumption;

(c) raising awareness and understanding of pornography among practicing youth, and sexual health, professionals through the organization of various public events;

(d) advising members of the legal profession in relation to pending prosecutions of materials seized under the Obscene Publications Act and provisions within the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act;

(e) informing Defence actions in relation to those prosecutions;

(f) giving expert evidence to the Crown Court in three prosecutions and informing the decisions of the Jury.

Summary of the impact

Jessica Ringrose's research on young people, social media and sexuality has helped raise awareness nationally and internationally about the implications of new media for young people's relationships, self-image and physical and emotional well-being and safety. Studying digital-age phenomena such as `sexting' and `slut-shaming', Ringrose has attracted substantial but overwhelmingly sensitive press coverage and sparked serious public discussion on difficult issues. She has influenced national and third sector guidelines on sex and relationship education and on internet controls and her work has underpinned resources for schools. She has advised on a series of government reports and inspired a very influential speech by Diane Abbott MP on the sexualisation of society.

Summary of the impact

Research at Coventry University has produced innovative approaches to addressing sexual health and wellbeing issues, sexual health promotion and sex education. The research has resulted in:-

• Impact on health and wellbeing (UK), an increase in self-reported use of sexual health services (supported by an increase in STI screening rates in some services) and increases in chlamydia screening and detection rates (with the programme now being rolled out nationally). Beneficiaries include young people, parents, GPs, Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council.
• Impact on society, culture and creativity through public understanding and public debate (International), with more than 150,000 visitors from over 20 countries accessing the sexual health resources, 30% of visitors returning to the website and an average of 6000 visits per month to the site, one year after launch. These resources benefit young people (primarily 13-25 age group).
• Impact on practitioners and services (International), with training courses and tools facilitating the adoption of best practice, with resources benefitting health practitioners and teachers and being used as evidence of harmful cultural practices in the Asylum Appeal Court.

Summary of the impact

Gregory Woods has located gay literature throughout the mainstream canon, broadened the canon of gay literature, and demonstrated in creative practice the potential depth and complexity of gay literature. His work has exerted a significant impact on gay creative/critical practitioners, on teachers, arts administrators, booksellers, etc., as well as on the general reader, gay or not. Evidence shows that he has both interpreted and created cultural capital that enriches and expands the lives, imaginations and sensibilities of individuals and groups, particularly those disadvantaged or marginalised because of their sexuality. He has also significantly informed and influenced the content of education beyond his host university.

Summary of the impact

Research undertaken by Professor Simon Szreter on sexual attitudes and behaviour between 1918 and 1963 was published as a co-authored monograph by Cambridge University Press. The book attracted significant policy and media attention, including features on popular Radio 4 programmes and in the national broadsheet and tabloid daily press. It was also long-listed for a major national literary prize. The success of the book and views expressed by the journalists in their reviews indicate that the book's novel findings and challenging interpretations have had an important influence in changing widely-held stereotyped attitudes towards older generations and their sex lives.

Summary of the impact

Research in the area of meeting patients' information needs to improve health outcomes is concerned with improving the effectiveness of information in support of improving people's health in a range of areas, demonstrating the following impact:

• The development of user responsive health information and enhanced use of digital media by healthcare providers;
• Increased patient involvement in their health care leading to better health outcomes;
• The development of evidence informed policy and strategy focused on patients' information needs.