Impact and influence
Our researchers are driven by a desire to tackle real-world problems, working closely with government, business and civil society.
On the agenda
Whether it’s fostering long-term productivity and innovation in the public or private sector, understanding the potential of expertise and evidence, or navigating a path to a more sustainable trajectory, many of today’s most pressing problems require the kind of interdisciplinary research for which SPRU is widely recognised as a world leader.
With over 50 years of experience, SPRU is committed to ‘engaging for change’ and ‘research with impact’ – two key pillars of the University of Sussex 2025 Strategy. SPRU does this not only in the dissemination phase but also by involving stakeholders in the framing and whole lifecycle of research.
We pride ourselves on working closely with government departments, think tanks, media, companies, and parliamentary committees, to ensure our research benefits and enriches society, and influences policy and practice at international, national and regional levels.
SPRU ranks consistently high in the Global Go To Think Tank Index Report which is published annually by the University of Pennsylvania (USA) and is designed to identify and recognise centres of excellence across the different areas of public policy research in every region of the world. In 2019, SPRU was ranked first in the UK and third in the world of Top Science and Technology Policy Think Tanks.
See how we are helping decision-makers in policy, business and civil society transition to a more innovative, sustainable and inclusive agenda...
The CRIBs sheet for delivering meaningful change in the innovation systems of developing countries
Dr Rob Byrne tells the Impacted podcast how the CRIBs approach he helped develop is now being pursued by the World Bank and the African Union
Energy experts respond to the Prime Minister's ten point net zero plan
Members of the Science Policy Research Unit analyse plans unveiled by the Prime Minister designed to reduce UK net carbon emissions to zero by 2050
Calls for world’s most popular artificial sweetener to be banned in the UK under incoming Brexit powers
Prof Erik Millstone is calling for the UK Government and Food Standards Agency to use post-Brexit powers in the New Year to ban the use of aspartame.
SPRU Researchers invited to act as expert group on Artificial Intelligence and Digitalisation
SPRU researchers were invited by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission to act as an expert group on AI and Digitalisation.