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Essex research, conducted between 2009 and 2012, has used cohort studies to investigate the sources of intergenerational social mobility in the UK. The results show that two variables have highly significant effects on children's social mobility patterns: the educational level of parents and the prevalence of maternal breastfeeding. The cohort analysis conducted by Professor John Ermisch and Dr Emilia Del Bono shows that there are strong intergenerational correlations in educational attainment across different cohorts of UK individuals. The findings have informed UK Government policy and influenced the work of a major US charitable foundation. Analysis conducted by a team of researchers led by Del Bono has demonstrated the cognitive and socio-emotional benefits of maternal breastfeeding, and shown that its uptake can be used to foster social mobility. These findings have been vital to UNICEF UK's Baby Friendly Initiative and have provided evidence to demonstrate its efficacy and to justify its continuation.
Research by the University of Edinburgh (1997 to 2006, but part of a continuing programme of work) on socio-economic inequalities in education and the impact of educational reform has had an impact on public policy debates, mainly in Scotland. The significance of the impact is seen in the raised profile of socio-economic inequalities in policy agendas and the extent to which it has informed the design of policy responses and influenced policy debates. It has played an important role in holding the public policy process to account, by providing the main independent evidence base on the actual and potential contribution of policy. Its reach has extended to include policy-makers and participants in public debates about education and, indirectly, pupils and students.
Professor Stephen Ball has produced a series of highly provocative analyses of English education policy and the neo-liberal education concepts and practices that have taken root in an increasing number of countries. He has also raised awareness of the growing significance of international edu-businesses and philanthropists. His work has proved valuable not only to national and global teachers' organisations but to pressure groups and think tanks seeking to protect the state education system. Teachers have also derived comfort and insight from Ball's research as it allows them to gain a better understanding of the mundane but powerful managerial and market forces that influence how they work and relate to themselves.
The role and operations of the IMF are of central importance to the efficient functioning of the world economy. Via a US$360 billion budget, its policies exert a significant effect on the well-being of billions of people worldwide.
Research at Surrey has challenged conventional thinking at the IMF and has been a key influence on changes to several of its policies involving participation in IMF programmes, their implementation, and their effects on other international capital flows. This case study focuses in particular on policy relating to IMF conditionality and lending, as well as the Fund's relationship with low income countries. It is often cited in IMF documents and has been used extensively by the IMF, central banks and aid agencies.