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Why AI will never replace human judgement and expertise

In this third blog discussing AI use in social research, we argue that the final step in achieving repeatable quality is, and always will be, the application of human expertise, experience and judgement to evaluate that quality.

You can’t automate what you don’t understand: why mastering processes is still essential to getting the most out of AI

If you’ve used the latest AI tools, you know how powerful they’ve become. But used without discernment, AI just accelerates poor outputs – which brings us to the problem of workslop.

Principles in practice: trauma-informed approaches

We explore how trauma‑informed research prioritises wellbeing, safety and inclusion through designing studies that avoid harm and support underrepresented voices.

Human first: how we decide what AI should (and shouldn’t) do in social research

As AI rapidly expands what’s possible, we share our reflections on what should be automated and what should be team-led task to embrace efficiency and protect quality.

Our 60th year in review: milestones, impact and what’s next

We take a look back and reflect on the highlights from 2025 and our 60th anniversary.

Project showcase: Exploring the impact of a transformative accommodation and support service

As part of our 60th anniversary celebrations, we’re looking back at some of the meaningful work we’ve delivered over the past six decades. In this sixth and final project showcase, we discuss our evaluation of a support and accommodation service.

Principles in practice: co-design and co-production with lived experience

We look at how co-design and co-production with those with lived experience is used to bring about more informed approaches and findings.

The UK’s growth puzzle: regulation vs innovation

Directors Matt Barnes and Alistair Keuchel unpack the UK’s growth challenge, using insight from some of our research.

Rethinking work: Why IFF is trialling a four-day week

At IFF, people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why, this summer, in line with our value of being human first, we began trialling a four-day working week – exploring what the future of work might look like in practice.

Project showcase: 14 years of mapping the UK skills landscape through the Employer Skills Survey

As part of our 60th anniversary celebrations, we’re looking back at some of the meaningful work we’ve delivered. In this fifth project showcase, we explore the Employer Skills Survey, and the insight it provides on the UK labour market.

Principles in practice: safeguarding and ethical rigour

We examine what safeguarding and ethical rigour really means in practice; looking at how our researchers protect identities and data, minimise harm, and navigate sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.

Why are we still talking about Clearing?

As Clearing advertising takes a significant amount of undergraduate advertising budget, it prompted me to think about how it’s always worth revisiting how to maximise awareness, understanding, and recall in your target audiences.

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