The Institute exists to address the biggest challenges now facing societies in the UK and globally. We want to tackle all forms of inequality, create more sustainabke cities and communities, improve health and wellbeiing, support education, promote peace and justice, protect the climate and natural ecosystems.
Our researchers being diverse expertise, experience and perspectives to these challenges, yet all share a strong commitment to inclusivity and social justice, seeking to confront unfair power structures through close public and community engagement.
Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Our research directly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key examples from our Research Centres include:
No Poverty (SDG1)
Work in the Centre for Communities and Social Justice on migration and access to justice in the London Boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich, Tower Hamlets and Newham, highlighting how refugees from war and poverty often lack recourse to public funds, supports No Poverty (SDG1).
Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG3)
Work undertaken in the Centre for Research in Language and Heritage to raise awareness and improvement for the assessment needs - including a groundbreaking Manifesto for Language Needs, an Early Day Motion brought to the British Parliament in late 2023, which supports Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG3).
Gender Equality (SDG5)
The 'Safe Working Practices in Theatre' project, launched by the Centre for Creative Futures in the wake of the #MeToo movement and focusing on making creative professions safer and more accessible for participants and audiences, which contributes to Gender Equality (SDG5).
Reduced Inequalities (SDG10)
Critiques of the contemporary experimental music scene at the Centre for Sound and Image, have engaged with marginalised communities in the project, Exploring Cultural Diversity in Experimental Sound. Key outputs include a book, a vinyl LP and digital download compiling the work of Black and South Asian practitioners, which supports Reduced Inequalities (SDG10).
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11)
The work of the Centre for Spatial and Digital Ecologies creates sustainable environments that can foster new design cultures, architectural forms and future climates, which supports Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11).
Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12)
Research at the Centre for Transformative and Global Justice on the global electronics supply chains has led to public procurement professionals and policymakers at national and international levels to address their human rights' impact, supporting Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12).
