Research and consultancy

Our research covers a wide range of expertise through the four disciplines that make up Social Sciences at City. The departments focus on:

• Economics
• International Politics
• Psychology
• Sociology

We endeavour to engage business and charitable organisations through practical application of our research.

Our huge experience is recognised by national and international clients and many of our academics are asked by professional organisations in their field to join as active members or set up offshoot sections, examples of which are: advisor to the economics network, H.E.A; director of Health Economics Education; member of Euro-islam group and Muslims in Britain Research network; advisor to the World Bank inspection panel.
 
We work closely with our clients from the initial contact through to delivery of the results. We have delivered research and consultancy projects nationally and internationally, with our clients including the EC, DoH, GLA and Ofgem, Home Office, various major political parties, BBC, NHS and Local Health Authorities.

Pioneering and world-renowned research

The School hosts a number of pioneering research projects that influence both national and international policy.

The European Social Survey was awarded the 2005 Descartes Prize, Europe's top annual collaborative science award. This was the first time the coveted prize had been awarded to the social sciences and was therefore a major accolade for City University's Centre for Comparative Social Surveys, where the project is based.

The Descartes Prize-winning Centre for Comparative Social Surveys leads the large European network of researchers engaged in the European Social Survey (ESS) - a project designed to improve measuring and interpreting trends in attitudes and beliefs. In light of this Roger Jowell was awarded a Knighthood in the New Year's Honours List in recognition of his scholarly work for the National Centre for Social Research and the Centre for Comparative Social Surveys.

The City Health Economics Centre (CHEC), led by Professor David Parkin, was awarded a City University research prize for "the outstanding enhancement of City University's reputation and both national and international impact of pioneering research on the use of cost effectiveness thresholds in public decision-making".

We can assist you in a variety of ways: whether you are looking for specific expertise, wishing to commission research or consultancy (to help for a specific problem or to put together a broader view with the potential for new and innovative ideas), we can work with you from preparing the initial concept through to the final delivery.

CASE Studentships and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)

We are also available to take part in Government-funded schemes, such as CASE studentships and KTPs (Knowledge Transfer Partnerships).

Both schemes offer different ways for your business or organisation to access our world-class academic expertise as well as having access to young and dynamic graduates and students who are able to bring to your organisation the latest methods and concepts thereby helping you to bring changes to your business.

The schemes are funded differently:

• CASE Studentships and in particular for social sciences. The cost to you the company varies according to the Research Council to which the application is made.
• ESRC CASE studentships are allocated through open competition. Calls for proposals are advertised in the CASE Studentships pay for a doctoral student to work on research project relevant to your organisation, supported by both a company and an academic supervisor. They work exclusively on a major research project that is relevant and beneficial to your organisation, for up to four years. The PhD student is placed in your organisation for part of the time (a minimum of three months) and is supported by both a company and an academic supervisor. Your organisation thus benefits from significant academic input and access to the university's resources and facilities. Research issues are important to us and we will work with you to use this knowledge to frame project proposals. ESRC CASE studentships are allocated through open competition. Calls for proposals are advertised on the Research Council's website and either the company or we can apply.

For an ESRC CASE studentship: The standard company minimum contribution is £4,000 per annum (correct for 2008).

For more details see the CASE Studentships information on the ESRC website

Over a number of years we have had many CASE awards but some of the more recent ones were with the following:

•   Camden Primary Care Trust
•   UN Environment and Development UK Committee
•   International Planned Parenthood Federation
•   ONS
•   NHS Executive.

We have one currently running with the Home Office.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)

KTPs are a UK-wide programme enabling businesses and organisations to access knowledge and skills that reside within academic institutions in order to improve their competitiveness and productivity.

Part funded by various Government organisations, KTPs place a recent graduate into an organisation for 1-3 years to work on a project that has been identified as a high priority for the organisation. During this time, the graduate is supported by an academic, bringing valuable experience and help to the project. The aim of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership is to help a business to develop and grow by accessing the wealth of knowledge and expertise in the UK's universities, colleges and research organisations.

This is a grant-supported project to stimulate collaboration and innovation through the transfer of technology or expertise from the university to support the strategic development of a company.

It is a low cost way for a company to take on an excellent graduate and get all the added back up of university facilities and expertise, while paying only 33% (Small or medium sized employer - turnover under £50m Euro SME) or 50% of the total cost (larger size). For this you get a graduate (placed within your organisation) who is working towards a PhD and half day a week of an academic supervisor.

The benefits to you the business are a 66% government grant aid towards a project worth up to more than £130k over 2 years. Potential to increase profitability and for company growth. The graduate works full-time in the company for 1 to 3 years and you get support from a university academic with real experience in the the area they choose.

The suggested programme must aim to improve a company's profitability/competitiveness which cannot be carried out with existing resources. The Company needs to be financially sound and not Government funded (except education and health).

If you feel that you wish to embark on a KTP programme visit the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships site which has many examples of prejcts and all the information you need. Then contact us and with the help from a KTP advisor will help to put the project together and help with completion of the forms.
                                    

Current awards

One way to reach these goals is by producing research of high standards which attracts funding from public and private sources. Our success rate at securing funds for research is on the increase.

Our main sponsors include the European Union, UK Research Councils, Charities and Trusts, Governmental departments, professional bodies/associations.
                                                                

Enquiries

For all research enquiries, business, commissioned research, consultancy and KTPs please contact Andrea Tinson either by phone +44 (0)20 7040 8501 or email andrea.tinson.1@city.ac.uk