School of Social and Political Science

Research

Tackling some of the biggest challenges facing society

SPS researchers are tackling some of the biggest challenges facing society today, working to understand a world that’s changing more rapidly than ever. Our experts are exploring how technology, politics and social structures are transforming each other and transforming our lives.

Social scientists are needed to help make sense of and improve the world around us. At SPS all research and teaching is seamlessly connected to produce the talent and creativity needed to influence the changes our societies need.

Our research and education are diverse but connected by a commitment to achieving societal benefits, and to understanding and addressing social inequalities.

Our graduates have taken up posts in all continents, using the skills and knowledge they’ve gained to create a better world.

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Research projects

Research projects

Working on society's biggest issues.
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Cross-school collaborations

Our School has a wide range of active research groups uniting academic and student skills.
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Knowledge Exchange and Impact

Our research tackles some of society's biggest challenges, and we work with policy-makers, businesses, charities and the wider public to help transform and improve lives.

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Postdoctoral research

Our School is highly active in national and international research networks as well as being involved in knowledge transfer activities.
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Academic visitors

We welcome a wide range of academic visitors each year. Please make sure you keep up to date with Covid-19 information related to any potential visit.

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Our research centres

Find out more about the incredible depth and breadth of research conducted by colleagues in our research centres.
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Our research ethics

SPS attaches great importance to research ethics, and is developing extensive procedures for supporting staff and ensuring proper ethical review and accountability.
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University of Edinburgh Research Explorer

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, ranked 4th in the UK for research power. See how SPS contribute.

Inaugural Lectures

In these lectures newly appointed or promoted professors introduce their work, and themselves, to the University community.

Find out more