Our Research: Driving Innovation for Social Impact

As one of the few dedicated social work research centres in England, CSWIR at the University of Sussex is at the forefront of innovative research and practice to achieve tangible social impact. We do this through a supportive and boundary-testing intellectual community to drive methodological advancements and forward-thinking approaches.

Understanding Social Problems in a Changing World

CSWIR pioneers research that recognises the complexity of modern life, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised populations, and highlights the essential role of social work in promoting positive health and social outcomes within this context. Our work addresses social problems stemming from inequality and exclusion, developing and testing approaches and interventions to foster inclusion and wellbeing. We explore individual, family and community trauma and violence, designing interventions to reduce their impact on people and systems. Critically, we examine how trauma-informed principles can be implemented at a system-wide level, addressing the intersection of trauma and social inequalities to foster healing and resilience within groups and communities. This includes research into how systemic trauma, societal trauma, and emerging challenges like the impact of rapid evolving technologies affect individuals and communities.

Relevant Colleagues: 

Professor Janet Boddy (Child, Youth and Family Studies)

Dr Tam Cane (Social Work and Social Care)

Dr Henglien (Lisa) Chen (Social Work and Social Care)

Dr Jeri Damman (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Lisa Holmes (Applied Social Science)

Dr Nathalie Huegler (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Kristine Langhoff (Social Work and Social Care)

Dr Rachel Larkin (Social Work and Social Care) https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p87382-rachel-larkin

Professor Michelle Lefevre (Social Work and Social Care)

Dr Reima Ana Maglajlic (Social Work and Social Care)

Dr May Nasrawy (Social Work and Social Care) https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p343257-may-nasrawy

Dr David Orr (Social Work and Social Care)

Dr Jeongeun Park (Education)

Professor Gillian Ruch (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Charles Watters (Social Work and Social Care)

Relationship-Based Social Justice

CSWIR recognises social work as a distinctive mode of collaborative and participatory, relationship-based social action, prioritising research that fosters meaningful relationships and dialogue, empowers marginalized communities, and drives social justice. Our research develops and evaluates social work relevant approaches and interventions that promote equity and empower marginalized groups. We recognise the critical role of community-led initiatives in creating lasting social change and utilise community-based participatory action research to centre lived experiences and address systemic inequalities. Our relationship-based social action extends to our connection with the natural world, reflecting our commitment to strengthening the social work response to climate change and environmental degradation, particularly for vulnerable populations, and advocating for environmental justice and equitable solutions.

Relevant Colleagues:

Dr Tam Cane (Social Work and Social Care)

Dr Henglien (Lisa) Chen (Social Work and Social Care)

Dr Jeri Damman (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Kristine Langhoff (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Michelle Lefevre (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Gillian Ruch (Social Work and Social Care)

Collaboration in Social Work Innovation

CSWIR recognizes that the future of social work innovation to address complex social problems requires collaboration across disciplines. We foster transdisciplinary research that brings together expertise from fields such as design, technology, education and health. This approach enables us to develop innovative solutions, including person-centred social interventions through design thinking and technology-based solutions to pressing social issues. By exploring the potential for social work-informed and ethically responsible technology to address social changes, we aim to create socially just, sustainable, and impactful change.

Relevant Colleagues:

Dr Liam Berriman (Childhood and Youth Studies)

Dr Henglien (Lisa) Chen (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Louise Gazeley (Education)

Professor Lisa Holmes (Applied Social Science)

Dr David Orr (Social Work and Social Care)

Dr Jeongeun Park (Education)

Anna Ridgewell (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Elaine Sharland (Social Work and Social Care)  

Methodological Innovation & Decolonizing Research

CSWIR is committed to advancing the rigor and relevance of social work research through methodological innovation guided by social work practice expertise. We employ diverse approaches, including creative, evaluation and mixed-methods, while prioritizing participatory research and co-creation of knowledge with vulnerable and marginalised groups. Furthermore, we actively challenge colonial legacies within social work research and practice, developing and implementing culturally responsive methodologies that centre marginalized voices. Our commitment to decolonising social work knowledge ensures that research is ethically sound and contributes to social justice, particularly as we explore new frontiers in research, such as the ethical implications of AI and digital technologies.

Relevant Colleagues:

Dr Henglien (Lisa) Chen (Social Work and Social Care)

Dr Jeri Damman (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Lisa Holmes (Applied Social Science)

Professor Kristine Langhoff (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Michelle Lefevre (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Gillian Ruch (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Elaine Sharland (Social Work and Social Care)

Professor Rachel Thomson (Childhood and Youth Studies)

Partnerships

CSWIR research is national and global in scope and we have partnered with other universities and research organisations nationally and internationally. There are too many to list here, but you can read about partners on specific research projects on the CSWIR Research Highlights page.

Funders

Research conducted by CSWIR members has been funded by various organisations, including: