Lead Researchers: Dr. Gemma Burgess and Prof. Riikka Hofmann
Departments: Land Economy, Education
Themes: Social, Cultural, and Economic Transformations
The project builds upon research conducted in support of the SHSS Research Framework at the University of Cambridge. It investigates how the concept of 'transformation' is understood within the social sciences, responding to its increasing prominence in scholarship and policy, particularly regarding major societal challenges like climate change. While transformation discourse effectively communicates ambition, it often lacks conceptual clarity and definition, hindering its use as a driver of interdisciplinary research. This project seeks a fuller engagement with the concept of transformation, pluralisation, and politicisation of transformation discourse, and closer collaboration with key stakeholders outside academia.
We aim to expand on previous work with a focus on embedding and disseminating initial outputs on the theme of 'transformation'. We are developing a network of academics - particularly early career researchers - interested in this topic, and translate knowledge gained into grant applications and publications. The project will enhance expertise and capacity across the school for policy-focused research and accessing relevant funding sources.
Project Benefits:
The project contributes to the development of a community of academics across the department while advancing the understanding and application of transformation within social science research. It supports interdisciplinary collaboration on key policy challenges and fosters engagement with real-world policy issues. The network of engaged researchers within the School of the Humanities and the Social Sciences is well-positioned to drive this agenda forward.
