Research
The Birkbeck Centre for British Political Life is a significant venue for politics research at Birkbeck. The Centre's research on political representation, transparency and Freedom of Information legislation contributed to Birkbeck Politics' 100% 'internationally excellent' and 'world-leading' impact rating in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
Learn more about the Centre's research themes and outputs below. Please also refer to our list of publications for an up-to-date list.
Political leaders and representation
Our research examines the role and impact of political leaders, including gender and political representation. Explore recent work:
- Comparing the gendered heroic leadership of Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May in British politics by Ben Worthy and Laura Richards-Gray
- The prospects of takeover PMs by Ben Worthy.
Data, digital politics, transparency and lobbying
Our work investigates the impact of digitalisation on political processes. Explore recent publications:
- AI in public service by Laszlo Horvath
- Reforming lobbying by Ben Worthy.
Politics of expertise and science advice
How does technical and science expertise shape political decisions? Explore recent work:
- On minimum wage commissions by Deborah Mabbett
- UK clean air zones by Laszlo Horvath and Deborah Mabbett.
Media and democracy
Centre staff are involved with Birkbeck's Media and Democracy Working Group. See also: Impacts of campaign fact-checking by Laszlo Horvath.
Food, politics and society
Focusing on the interplay between food systems and sociopolitical dynamics within the framework of interdisciplinary social science. Centre staff are involved with the Food and Work Network. See also: The Everyday Economy and the Right to Food by Alex Colas and Jason Edwards.