Dalton Square

Research that makes a difference

World-leading, collaborative and interdisciplinary

We seek to develop and sustain research that is original, significant and rigorous, while also fostering interdisciplinary, supportive research communities from which this work can grow. The Department plays a key role in interdisciplinary research collaborations at Lancaster with particular research concentrations in science and technology studies, gender and women’s studies, political economy, mobilities, media and cultural studies, political sociology, children and young people, and disability. We are home to a diverse group of interdisciplinary research centres, which bring together staff and students from across the university and across the world through their research and events.

Our research also involves sustained collaboration with research users and partners, including major international bodies (such as European Parliament and UNESCO), national government bodies (such as Equality and Human Rights Commission and Defra), city governments, local authorities, public services, political parties, major science bodies (such as Royal Society and Natural History Museum), leading corporations (including Intel and Microsoft) SMEs (especially in Chinese low carbon), art exhibitions and events and NGOs (including NSPCC, Women’s Aid, and Age UK.).

A central part of our vibrant research community is the range of coffee mornings, film screenings, public events, seminars, major international conferences and other events that are organised and hosted by staff and students. These not only provide opportunities to share ideas and support new projects, but also present opportunities for the professional development of our students and for engagement and interaction with a wide variety of public groups and organisations.

We welcome academic visitors from other institutions and we also regularly support postdoctoral and visiting fellowship applications. If you are interested in visiting us and becoming part of our vibrant research environment please contact academic staff members or centre directors directly to discuss the opportunity for them to host you in our department. Please note there is a £50 p/w bench fee for visiting academics within the university.

Through our research we engage with research communities, public discussions and contribute to social change. Our staff and students regularly contribute to important public discussions through blogs, lectures, media appearances, podcasts and social media. Visit our YouTube channel to view featured videos of our staff and research students and visit individual staff pages to explore further the range of research projects, publications, funding awards and media interaction within the department.

Recent research news is published on our news feed and you can access our research archive and view details of past events, project and publications.