Advancing society through evidence, insight, and policy innovation

Policy makers play a significant role in shaping society. At Liverpool, our researchers work alongside them to inform decisions, drive impact, and create positive change.

Some of this work is supported by the University’s Policy Support Fund (PSF) - funded through Research England’s Quality-Related (QR) research funding, helping to turn evidence into action – strengthening regional and national policymaking and delivering real benefits for communities.

The spotlights below showcase just some of the ways Liverpool’s research is influencing policy through partnerships with local communities, civil society, governments, and international organisations.

Safer Politics project

The DigiPol: The Centre for Digital Politics, Media and Democracy, in cooperation with the Local Government Association and the Jo Cox Foundation, launched its new ‘Safer Politics’ project, an essential online resource featuring practical safety toolkits and training modules for political parties and their communications teams.

The abuse of elected representatives poses a threat to our democracy. We’re pleased to be a partner for the Safer Politics Toolkits as part of our work to address this abuse and foster more respectful politics.

Will Fletcher, Interim CEO, Jo Cox Foundation.

Showcasing AI innovation in Parliament

The University presented pioneering AI research in science and law at a Parliamentary showcase hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The event, attended by partners including Unilever, highlighted how Liverpool researchers are helping to shape national dialogue on the ethical and societal dimensions of AI.

Read more about the AI innovation showcase.

Shaping policy for health equity

Liverpool’s Health Inequalities Policy Research Group (HIP-R) unites experts across the University to examine how social and economic policies shape population health. Their research informs fairer, more effective policymaking locally, nationally, and globally.

The group plays key roles in initiatives such as the NIHR School for Public Health Research, Public Policy Research Unit, PHIRST, UKRI Groundswell Consortium, and NIHR ARC North West Coast, and is a WHO Collaborating Centre on Health Equity.

HIP-R works closely with partners including Liverpool City Council, Cheshire and Merseyside ICB, Health Equity North, and the Northern Health Science Alliance.

Tackling child health inequalities

HIP-R Co-lead Professor David Taylor-Robinson helps shape national debate through Child of the North, a flagship programme, funded by PSF, uniting researchers and policymakers to address regional inequalities in children’s health and life chances.

Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place

The Heseltine Institute brings together researchers, policymakers, and business leaders to provide evidence-driven insights for regional and national development. Its work supports policy-making and civic leadership, helping to create stronger, more sustainable communities.

Wellbeing benefits of blue space: Realising the potential in Liverpool City Region

This PSF-funded project explores how access to blue spaces - like docks, lakes, and coastlines – supports wellbeing and helps shape policies for healthier, more sustainable communities.

Read more about the Wellbeing benefits of blue spaces project.