Outstanding impact on policy in Wales

The Wales Centre for Public Policy, based at Cardiff University, has been acclaimed by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) through its annual Celebrating Impact prize scheme.

The Centre was named as one of the two finalists in the category for Outstanding Public Policy Impact at a ceremony at the Royal Society in London on 9^th July 2019. The award is in recognition of the way in which the Centre’s work enables Ministers to access and use independent evidence to inform policy decisions. The Centre was the only finalist from Wales, and was selected from an exceptionally large and competitive field of entries.

The prestigious prize, now in its seventh year, celebrates ESRC-funded teams who have achieved outstanding economic or social impact, and finalists were chosen through a rigorous process conducted by senior academics, engagement and knowledge exchange experts and research users. The event was hosted by Professor Jennifer Rubin, Executive Chair of the ESRC, with the keynote speech given by Sir Mark Walport, CEO of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The Centre’s Director, Professor Steve Martin, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the ESRC has celebrated the impact we have been able to achieve...”

Professor Jennifer Rubin said: "All our finalists have demonstrated the impact of their work and illustrated its relevance and importance to society. They are already contributing to policy debates in their specialist areas and hopefully their influence will continue for many years to come.”

Professor Damian Walford Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) at Cardiff University, said: “This most recent recognition of the significance of the work the WCPP does to ensure that national policy decisions that affect us all are grounded in expertly sourced and interpreted evidence is another reminder of the crucial role this research team, and Cardiff University, play in the social and political life of Wales. Llongyfarchiadau gwresog i’r Ganolfan – warm congratulations to the Centre.”

Dean and Head of Cardiff Business School, Professor Rachel Ashworth, said: “We are very proud of the work of the Wales Centre for Public Policy and the impact that it generates...”

“On behalf of Cardiff University, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Steve and the team on this fantastic achievement. I look forward to seeing the Centre go from strength to strength in the years to come.”