Goal 16: Research

The University’s research activities play a key role in our approach to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Here’s a wider showcase of our work addressing Goal 16.

Report uncovers ‘Institutional Racism’ in the Justice System

‘Racial Bias and The Bench’ is a report written by experts from our University and barrister Keir Monteith KC which has raised urgent questions about racial attitudes and practices in the justice system in England and Wales. The report is a response to the five-year strategy launched by Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett of Maldon to enhance equality and diversity in the judiciary and finds that it does not consider the issue of racism or even mention ‘racial bias’. Findings from the report conclude that 95% of respondents said racial bias plays some role in the processes or outcomes of the justice system, while 29% said it played a more ‘fundamental role.’

Boys to Men Project

Professor David Gadd from our University’s School of Social Sciences receives the ‘Finalist’ award for the prestigious Celebrating Impact Prize of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Dave’s research project ‘From Boys to Men’ explores why some boys become domestic abuse perpetrators and what more can be done to prevent it. The ground-breaking research findings led to a number of significant interventions at a local and national level. The findings also contributed to Greater Manchester’s Combined Authority’s (GMCA) 10-year strategy to tackle gender-based violence, and the toolkit generated by the project has influenced school-based preventative strategies as well as being rolled out in Malta, France and Spain.

University Academics Develop a Framework for Conducting ‘Mediated Dialogue’

Academics from the University have worked with practitioners from the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation to develop a framework and toolkit for conducting ‘mediated dialogue’ with groups in conflict. The framework and toolkit is used in community safety and neighbourhood team roles, restorative youth or community practices by social services and youth offending teams for a broader range of groups experiencing escalating conflict or as an opportunity to repair relationships.