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Elleke Boehmer's archival research into early Indian migration (1870-1950) has enhanced public understanding of the cultural impact of migration, challenging common assumptions of its historical impact in Britain and assisting better-informed public discourse. Her work demonstrates that the effects of one of the major immigration flows to Britain were on balance more constructive than threatening, increasing and improving cultural interaction rather than reinforcing or exacerbating colonial divides. Disseminated through a Government Forum, travelling exhibitions, film and installation, radio broadcasts, and public lectures, her research has improved the evidence base for civil servants, policy makers and cultural commentators interested in the impact of immigration on identity formation.
This case study concerns research around public injecting and risks and has been led by Prof Coomber in partnership with Drug and Alcohol Action Teams (DAATs) in Plymouth, Barking and Dagenham, and Southend. The exploration and analysis of public injecting activity has impacted upon the policy and practice of all three DAATs. The research has led to the improved management of an environmental risk and hazard, impacted upon the planning of drug support services, and led to a change in strategy amongst drug agencies in the three locations.
Research by Hall on transport planning and polycentric development has influenced spatial planning policies in the UK, USA and China. His fundamental thesis, following Colin Clark's axiom, has been that transport investment alters accessibility and thus development potential for regions, cities and neighbourhoods. As policy advisor, he secured implementation of High Speed One, the proposed High Speed Two and the Orbirail Overground line in London, and the promotion of the strategic planning of London and its wider region on a polycentric basis. These schemes have benefited millions of passenger users, enhanced investment in rail networks and led to economic revival and growth.
Shakespeare is at the heart of British culture, and the ways in which we stage his plays help define our understanding of ourselves. Tony Howard's research has highlighted the central role of outstanding Black and Asian actors in shaping and enriching our relationship with those plays. By uncovering the history of these performers in The Robeson Project and Multi-Cultural Shakespeare in Britain, the research describes how Shakespeare has mediated between BME cultures and concepts of national identity and inclusion. It has restored the contribution of Black and Asian actors to the history of British theatre and re-connected contemporary Black and Asian actors with their artistic and cultural heritage. It has stimulated tourism through exhibitions and festivals, and inspired new forms of artistic expression.
The social enterprise Mapping for Change (MfC) was established to make use of participatory mapping knowledge and software created through research at UCL. Since 2009, MfC has secured more than 20 contracts worth in excess of £435,000, and has delivered over 30 projects in many communities, directly engaging more than 5,000 people and reaching far more online and indirectly. Its projects have increased community engagement in the local environment, led to new environmental monitoring by local authorities and stimulated policy debate about noise and air pollution.
Language and communication disorders affect about 7% of children in countries where assessments are undertaken such as the UK and USA. Difficulties with language and communication severely limit children's social participation, school attainment and life chances, with repercussions for their families and wider society. Research at City University London has had major impacts on clinical and educational policy and practice and the support available to children of all ages with language and communication needs. For example:
It has led to a validated tool for school-based professionals working with deaf children to identify, monitor and evaluate the needs of those with poor language skills.
This case study comprises a set of qualitative and quantitative analyses of contemporary right-wing extremism in Britain. This research has been extended beyond academia to non-academic beneficiaries in Britain and continental Europe. The research has informed public debate amongst civil society (as indicated by take-up in NGO reports and the media). It has informed policy development (as evidenced by participation in Government advisory processes and through expert advice to Government). The research has also responded to personal and professional development needs of young people. Impact has derived from the quality of the underpinning research and from a variety of external engagement and knowledge transfer activities.
Research led by Susheila Nasta challenges the dominant perception that multicultural Britain is a post-Second World War phenomenon, and demonstrates that the early histories of South Asians in Britain are relevant to contemporary issues of British Asian and global citizenship. Built on partnerships with national and international collaborators, this research has reached and influenced large numbers of people through two major touring exhibitions (one in the UK, one in India), extensive online and broadcast dissemination, and direct engagement with policy-makers. In the process, this research has had a major impact in transforming public awareness of this integral element of Britain's past.