Research Institute for Social Sciences
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RC4SPIRE
Head of Centre : Dr Brian Doherty
PGR Director: Dr Liz Carter
SPIRE has a lively research-oriented culture with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. RC-SPIRE, which is part of the overarching Research Institute for Social Sciences, is the organisation that supports research carried out by members of the School. RC-SPIRE members carry out empirical and theoretical research on political thought and practice and on all aspects of the international political system. It embraces a plurality of theoretical and methodological approaches in political science, international relations and philosophy. Members aim to produce research of international significance, of relevance to the advancement of knowledge for its own sake and/or for potential users.
Staff and students regularly participate in research-related events which provide important opportunities for learning, networking and collegial debate on contemporary political and philosophical issues. For example, we host an annual Royal Institute of Philosophy lecture series, a bi-annual European Consortium on Political Research environmental politics summer school, and in recent years have organised several ESRC seminar series. Almost weekly, there are guest lectures and research colloquia that are open to all members of the university and to the wider community.
Our research is largely, though not exclusively, based on research clusters of staff and students on the themes which represent the areas of strongest collaborative teamwork within SPIRE. Further information on our clusters can be accessed on the left-hand menu. Further information on postgraduate research and external engagement can also be found here.
Our research is largely, though not exclusively, based on research clusters of staff and students on the themes which represent the areas of strongest collaborative teamwork within SPIRE.
Members of The Centre for the Study of Politics, International Relations and Environment
