The SOCIAL Impact Laboratory brings together an interdisciplinary and global team of researchers focused on applying social psychological, sociological, linguistic, and behavioural science theories and methods to improve the lives of individuals in organisations, communities, and societies. Our researchers share an interest in using social dynamics insights to inform understandings of how to create positive change and social impact in 21st Century social contexts. Our work is organised around several central themes:
- Society
- Organisations
- Community
- Identity
- Lifestyle
Our research harnesses insights on social process and behavioural dynamics to reduce inequalities and create meaningful positive change in political, health, community, organisational, and cultural contexts. Our published works include research exploring a diverse set of topics including community and health interventions; climate-related public behaviour; organisational dynamics and sustainability; citizenship and civic engagement; public health communications and disease prevention; social cohesion and migration; poverty and stigma; and cross-cultural dynamics and cultural adaptation; yet each project has social impact at its core.
Our members are located in multiple departments in the School of Social Sciences, including the Department of Psychology, Edinburgh Business School, and the Department of Languages & Intercultural Studies. Lab members have been trained and recognised by leading accrediting bodies and are engaged in a wide range of public, private, and community and voluntary sector external partner relationships. Our members have a range of skills and expertise including advanced quantitative research methods; advanced qualitative research methods; public engagement and knowledge exchange in diverse contexts; knowledge transformation, participatory methods, and impact generation; leadership, development, and research supervision; and income generation, funding acquisition, and project management. Our diverse approaches and skillsets provide a rich environment for learning, collaboration, and innovation.
Lab Aims and Objectives:
Our lab was developed in 2025 with a series of core aims and objectives.
- To provide a well-resourced and skilled community for the development of research projects in our targeted areas using social psychological theories and perspectives.
- To provide training and developmental support for our researchers at all stages of the academic career (PGR, ECR, MCR and advanced career researchers)
- To build an internationally recognised collective research profile to foster collaboration, research, and income generation opportunities.
- To create a network of research partners connecting academics, community members, and organisational partners (third, public, and private sector) to drive knowledge transformation and impact generation.
We hope to provide a welcoming space for researchers of all career stages and we welcome PhD supervision and collaboration enquiries