Social Policy Research Network

The the Social Policy Research Network (SPRN) is designed to provide a way of connecting people from the Faculty of Education and Social Work with other academics form around the University and all those interested in social-policy development. It host seminars, coordinates research proposals and encourages the involvement of new and early-career researchers as well as research students, managers, policy analysts and practitioners.

Aims

The network aims to develop a theoretical, applied and interdisciplinary association of like-minded people that will:

  • focus on further developing existing strengths and collaborative links
  • enhance the reputation of the SPRN within the institutions and organisations of its members
  • engage with contemporary state, national and international issues
  • develop the capacity to operate as a reference point for informed submissions and comment on parliamentary and wider social debate
  • adopt an inclusive approach to new and early-career researchers, research students and all those starting out in the policy and practice arena.

Main areas of research

  • community development and participation
  • domestic and gender-related violence
  • gender and social policy
  • welfare states (national and international)
  • mental health
     

Key roles and contacts

Co-convenors
Professor Barbara Fawcett
Professor Gabrielle Meagher

Minutes secretary
Dr Ruth Phillips

SPRN seminar series
Professor Barbara Fawcett

Postgraduate researchers support
Dr Susan Goodwin

Fostering collaborative research with
and between SPRN researchers

Professor Tony Vinson

Social policy issues briefs
Professor Gabrielle Meagher
(co-reviewer Dr Lesley Laing)

SPRN-NGO research forums
Dr Susan Goodwin

Special projects
Dr Ruth Phillips

Discovery Grants application support
Associate Professor Jude Irwin