Social Sciences Sector

The Social Sciences sector examines the structures, relationships, and dynamics that shape human society. It encompasses disciplines such as sociology, social policy, economics, political science, education, international relations, and human geography. Research in this sector seeks to understand social phenomena and inform public policy, with a strong emphasis on real-world impact through collaboration with government, industry, and civil society.

Wales has notable strengths in this field, underpinned by its devolved governance, which creates a distinctive environment for policy-relevant research. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is a globally recognised example of legislation shaped by academic insight, particularly in the areas of sustainability and public policy. Welsh universities work closely with government departments on priorities such as poverty reduction, rural development, education reform, and community resilience.

Institutions such as Cardiff University’s School of Social Sciences, Swansea University’s Centre for Innovative Ageing, and Aberystwyth University’s Department of International Politics lead in both theoretical and applied research. Collaborative infrastructure such as WISERD and strategic investment from Sêr Cymru and HEFCW have strengthened research capacity, enabling Welsh social scientists to contribute meaningfully to UKRI and Horizon Europe initiatives. This positions Wales as a dynamic hub for socially impactful, interdisciplinary research with both national relevance and international reach.

Collaboration between industry, academia and the Welsh Government work together to make things happen. We have the right business support and the agility to make decisions quickly. Here are just some of the sector strengths across our academia.

The Sociology and Science and Technology Studies Pathway is a partnership between Cardiff University, Bangor University and Swansea University. The pathway is connected to key research institutes, centres and groups based across Welsh Institutions.

The Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD) an interdisciplinary, social science research institute between  Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, South Wales and Swansea.

• School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University
• School of History, Law and Social Sciences, Bangor University 

• Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE), Cardiff University
• Universities’ Police Science Institute (UPSI), Cardiff University
•  Crime & Security Research Institute (CSRI), Cardiff University
• Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research & Data (WISERD),Cardiff University
• Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University 
• Centre for Psychological Research and Intervention (CPRI) Cardiff Metropolitan University 

• Global Drug Policy Observatory (GDPO), Swansea University
• Centre for Social Change, Centre for Applied Microeconomics, Swansea University 
• Centre for Research in Macro-economics & Macro-finance (CReMMF), Swansea University
• Global Security, Rights & Development (GSRD), Swansea University 

• International Centre for Policing and Security, University of South Wales
• Facility of Business and Creative Industries, University of South Wales 
• Centre for Criminology, University of South Wales  
• Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of South Wales
• Hydra Research and Innovation Centre, University of South Wales
• Centre for Social Justice and Wellbeing in Education, University of South Wales

• Tourism and event Management, University of Wales Trinity Saint Davids 
• Social Research Unit (UWTSD), University of Wales Trinity Saint Davids 

• Public Policy Engagement, Wrexham University 
• Facility of Arts, Science and Technology, Wrexham University

• Mr Jonathan Fry, Business and Management School, Aberystwyth University 
• Dr Yvonne Ehrstein, Sociology, Aberystwyth University

• Professor Andrew McStay, School of History, Law and Social Sciences, Bangor University

• Steven Osborne, Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University
• Professor Yingli Wang, Logistics and Operations and pro dean research impact and innovation, Cardiff University 

• Robert Lloyd Griffiths OBE, ICAEW (Institute of Charted Accountants in England and Wales)
• Gavin Price, Sports Diplomacy MD, Sport and Health Sciences, Sports Diplomacy 

• Melinda Mulcahy, The World Curiosity Organization and Curious You

• Dr Denis Dennehy, School of Business and Management, Swansea University 

• Deborah Jenkins, Tourism, University of Wales Trinity St David's
• Jacqui Jones, Tourism and Events Management, University of Wales Trinity St Davids

• Cheryl Allsop, Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of South Wales 
• Hannah Coombs, Crime, Security and Justice, University of South Wales 
• Sofia Christidi, Business and Creative Industries, University of South Wales 
• Professor Christian Kaunert, International Centre of Policing and Security, University of South Wales
• Claire Parmenter, Policing and Security, University of South Wales
• Dr Andrew Thompson, Business and Creative Industries, University of South Wales 

• Dr Gareth Carr, Built Environment, Facility of Arts, Science and Technology, Wrexham University 
• Nina Ruddle, Public Policy Engagement, Wrexham University

• Dr Yvonne Ehrstein, Sociology, Aberystwyth University

If you are a trade or specialist association or professional society. If you work for a not-for-profit or charitable concern.  If you lead a commercial business or specific industry group. Or if you work in an academic setting alongside international colleagues, we would love to hear from you.

You can email, telephone us or complete our online enquiry form on our ambassador Wales homepage. 

Email: ambassadors@meetinwales.co.uk

Telephone: +44 02921 661018