Purpose

The Social Sciences at Imperial Task and Finish Group (SSTFG) was established by the Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise) to undertake a strategic exploration of Social Sciences at Imperial. The Group assessed the University’s current activities in this domain and provided recommendations to inform future opportunities, with a particular focus on enhancing visibility, transdisciplinary competence, impact, and collaboration. The Group's recommendations were delivered to the University Research and Enterprise Board (UREB) to support decisions on how Social Sciences should be positioned, communicated, and structured across the University in alignment with the Imperial Strategy: Science for humanity.

Objectives

The SSTFG was asked to:

  • Examine the strategic importance of Social Sciences in supporting interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research at Imperial, enhancing the University’s profile and competitiveness, and opening up new areas for knowledge discovery.
  • Map and evaluate the current landscape of Social Sciences activities at Imperial, identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities for growth, integration, and external partnerships. Mapping included existing research, teaching, outreach initiatives, and their contributions to interdisciplinary efforts and the University’s strategic priorities.
  • Develop strategic recommendations for enhancing the visibility, impact, and coherence of Social Sciences at Imperial, including proposals for structural and governance models if appropriate.

Scope

The SSTFG conducted a comprehensive review of Social Sciences at Imperial, incorporating research, teaching, and outreach activities across academic departments with a focus on the contribution (and potential contribution) towards interdisciplinary research collaboration. The Group examined relevant interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary initiatives, identifying gaps and opportunities in offerings. This work included benchmarking against peer institutions, stakeholder engagement with faculty, students, and external partners, and evaluated current approaches to communication and external partnerships. 

The scope also included assessing how Social Sciences were presented and perceived within the University and externally. The Group developed strategies to enhance cohesion, visibility, and impact, ensuring that Social Sciences at Imperial reflected the institution’s commitment to interdisciplinary excellence.

Deliverables

The SSTFG produced a final report in October 2025 detailing its findings and recommendations. The report included a comprehensive mapping of current Social Sciences activities at Imperial, an analysis of gaps, threats, risks and opportunities, and strategic proposals for positioning and structuring Social Sciences research within the University. It also outlined any improved governance and communication strategies to enhance cohesion and visibility. The report provided actionable recommendations to strengthen interdisciplinary engagement, improve external partnerships, and enhance the impact of Social Sciences at Imperial.

Membership

The SSTFG was chaired by a senior academic leader appointed by the Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise). Its membership included representatives from a diverse range of academic disciplines and professional services. These included Social Sciences experts, Imperial faculty with relevant inter- and/or transdisciplinary experience, and representatives from central administration.

The SSTFG included the following members:

  • Jem Woods (Chair), Director of the Centre for Environmental Policy
  • Peter Todd, Dean of Imperial College Business School
  • Graham Cooke, Vice-Dean (Research), Faculty of Medicine
  • Markus Perkmann, Vice-Dean (Research & Faculty), Business School
  • Mike Tennant, Vice-Dean (Education), Faculty of Natural Science
  • Mirabelle Muûls, Co-Director, School of Convergence Science in Sustainability
  • Marisa Miraldo, Co-Director, School of Convergence Science in Health and Technology
  • Julie McCann, Co-Director, School of Convergence Science in Space, Security and Telecoms
  • David Nabarro (in memoriam)*, Co-Director, Institute of Global Health Innovation
  • Arnab Majumdar, Deputy Director (Research in Practice) of LISS DTP
  • Benjamin Barratt, Professor in Environmental Exposures and Public Health, School of Public Health
  • Stephen Brett, Professor of Critical Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer
  • Pelin Demirel, Reader in Innovation and Sustainability, Dyson School of Engineering
  • Stephen Webster, Senior Lecturer in Science Communication
  • Diana Varaden, Lecturer in Environmental Social Science and Health, School of Public Health
  • Francesco Leofante, Research Fellow, Department of Computing
  • Emina Hogas, Deputy President (Education), Student Union
  • Lara Breckon, Office of the Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise)

*Sir David Nabarro was an active and valued member of the SSTFG before his passing in July 2025. His contributions are gratefully acknowledged.

The Working Group was supported by Lara Breckon, Operations and Projects Officer to the Vice-Provost (Research & Enterprise).

Timeline

The Task and Finish Group operated from February 2025, with meetings every month, concluding with recommendations made to UREB in October 2025.

Governance and Reporting

The Working Group reported to UREB, providing interim updates. Approval for final recommendations was given via UREB as the reporting sub-committee of UMB.

For any questions related to the SSTFG, please contact Jem Woods (jeremy.woods@imperial.ac.uk) and/or Lara Breckon (l.breckon@imperial.ac.uk).