Recent

Recession Generation

Psychological impact & the lessons of recession

Recession Generation

There can be very few people in Britain who are unaware that we have been living in times of recession…It is clear that people — even those unaffected directly — are worried, especially about their future financial security. But are there some positive lessons to be learnt? more

Life in the UK today

The role and citizen impact of Public Service Broadcasting

As a complement to the extensive work contributed by other players on the rapid advances in technology and consumer behaviour, the work is designed to review and present the available data on broader social trends which may impact on PSB in the future…more

Football passions

Passion, emotion and the 'beautiful game'

The Football Passions report summarises extensive sociological research across 18 countries in Europe. The objectives of the study were to capture the emotions of being a football fan and to compare the feelings, expressions and behaviour of fans associated with support of their football teams…more.

Carpe Diem

Opportunity-taking in 21st century Britain.

A high level of optimism prevails in the country, even in difficult times. It is tempered, of course, by a degree caution at times – what we called ‘situational’ optimism — and our sense of optimism is focused primarily on our families, our personal relationships and our social life…more

Welcome

SIRC is an independent, not-for-profit organisation based in Oxford, UK. We conduct research on a wide range of social topics and combine robust qualitative and quantitative methods with innovative analysis and thinking. We also conduct continuous monitoring of social and cultural trends. You will find most of our recent reports and articles in the Publications and Articles sections.

SIRC undertakes commissioned projects and conducts on-going research for European and UK government bodies, major companies, trade associations, etc. Some of our clients are listed here.

The Centre has recently completed a European Commission FP6 project in collaboration with the Amsterdam School of Communication (ASCoR). We have developed the original SIRC Guidelines on Science and Health Communication (in association with the Royal Institution and Royal Society) to give them a truly European provenance after detailed consultation with key actors and stake holders across the EU. The new Guidelines for Scientists on Communicating with the Media can be found in the MESSENGER section of the website. Additional reports and materials from the project are also available here.

We also focus on issues and topics simply because we find them important and interesting — and because we can. What we produce is regularly covered in the popular media. You can see some examples here

In the box below you will find some random examples of various SIRC reports. For a fuller list click on the Publications or Articles buttons on the navigation bar.

The SIRC team combines wide experience in research and publishing with youthful flair and imagination. SIRC’s role is also to initiate debate and to challenge preconceived notions that have somehow managed to replace rational thinking. We hope that you enjoy your visit and welcome your feedback, or argument!