Welcome to the Social Issues Research Centre

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 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!