Research Impact

Research in the Department of English addresses the breadth of speaking, listening, writing, reading, and communicating, in a global language of many variants and in literatures of many types. Concentrations of research include new and international writing, data and language, drama and performance, literature and science, and science fiction, with areas such as ‘Northern Voices’ and gender and sexuality cutting through traditional disciplinary boundaries.

The English Department’s rich impact and public engagement agenda is enabling diverse audiences locally, nationally and internationally to access and benefit from our research. Our commitment to raising the profile of English is also reflected in five staff members succeeding in the BBC New Generation Thinkers scheme.

Our thriving research impact portfolio is the fruit of collaboration with a wide range of cultural, educational, environmental and health partnerships. Collaborative projects include exploring the impact of reduced access to the arts during COVID lockdowns and working to increase the diversity in contemporary British poetry. We work with Liverpool cultural institutions including the Everyman & Playhouse Theatres and Tate Liverpool. The annual Liverpool Literary Festival continues to be a book-lover’s highlight, attracting respected authors from across the world.

Enriching Ecological Understanding and Enhancing Healthcare Practices

REF 2021: Enriching Ecological Understanding and Enhancing Healthcare Practices

Dr Gregory Lynall, Dr Samuel Solnick

REF 2021: Literary Reading for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Professor Josie Billington
Ledbury Poetry Festival

REF 2021: Transforming the Reception and Aesthetics of Contemporary British Poetry

By Professor Deryn Rees-Jones
Illustrating Futures

Illustrating Futures

Dr David Hering
Olaf Stapledon Centre

Olaf Stapledon Centre for Speculative Futures

Dr Will Slocombe, Dr Gregory Lynall
Empowering speakers and enhancing teaching practices

Empowering speakers and enhancing teaching practices

Dr Sofia Lampropoulou, Dr Paul Cooper
The Impact of Restricted Access to Arts & Culture The Impact of Restricted Access to Arts & Culture

The Impact of Restricted Access to Arts & Culture

This study, led by Professor Josie Billington and Dr Katia Balabanova, will assess the impact on mental health of restricted access to arts and culture in a specific city region, and track, enable and enhance the value of innovation in arts provision in mitigating associated harms.

The Impact of Restricted Access to Arts & Culture

Responding to the Covid-19 pandemic

Academic staff within the Department of English have contributed to the regional and national response to Covid-19 in various ways. Find out more about the impact that they and other colleagues from the School of the Arts have had in this unprecedented time of crisis.