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Staff conducting research:

In many places, peaceful protesters are met with tear gas and other so-called less lethal weapons, intended to control crowds without taking lives.

ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ researchers have investigated historical use of less lethal weapons, mapped their use, examined less lethal weapon markets and generated data on related deaths and injuries.

This research has been used byÌýpolicymakers, non-governmental organisations, journalists, human rights advocates and campaigners to shape policy, improve practice and successfully campaign against the misuse of less lethal weapons.

Staff conducting research: ,Ìý, Dr Mike Molesworth,ÌýDr Elizabeth Nixon

Metrics to measure advertising effectiveness were undervaluing the engagement potential of digital and other formats in the Transport for London (TfL) network.

In collaboration with COG and Exterion Media, Dr Jenkins and Professor Denegri-Knott led ‘The Engagement Zone’, the world’s largest study into consumers’ responses to out-of-home (OOH) advertising. The research established that, during transitional moments such as the commute between work and home, people are more likely to daydream. It also found that Underground ads were regarded as a welcome distraction and that moving images in particular attracted the most attention.

The innovative nature of the study and the research behind it secured the £2 billion contract for Exterion to manage TfL’s advertising. The findings have also underpinned the transformation of digital advertising on the TfL network, decluttering advertising space and guiding the upgrading of digital displays. This has helped to create a more attractive environment for passengers, with more relevant, personalised and enjoyable advertising.

Staff conducting research:

Digitalisation and new media technologies have acted as key drivers of market disruption and the transformational change of media firms.Ìý

Professor John Oliver’s research has explored the management of media firms,ÌýincludingÌýtheir regulation, strategy practices and performanceÌýin a digital environment.Ìý

His research into strategic digital transformation was used to inform UK communications policy decisions and regulatory measures on Sky Plc, and contributed to the policy debate that resulted in Ofcom’s new remit as the UK internet regulator.

His ideas and findings have also created financial benefits for several world class management consultancies which resulted in direct economic impacts in terms of new jobs and multi-million pound investments made by FTSE 100 firms. The reach and significance of his research has also extended outside the UK, with a number of Middle East Government agencies changing their strategy practices, operational structures and capacity-building capabilities in strategic communications.

Staff conducting research:

Over 800,000 people die by suicide worldwide every year, andÌýthe mediaÌýplay a vital role in the way that these deaths are reported.Ìý

Dr Luce's research has evaluated suicide reporting -ÌýexposingÌýpoor quality, sensationalist media coverage and its effects, including an impact on suicide rates - andÌýestablishedÌýa framework for responsible reporting.Ìý

These principles were incorporated in World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines which are used by journalists worldwide, prompting more ethical reporting.Ìý

In collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, Dr Luce released The Suicide Reporting Toolkit as a resource for journalists and journalism educators. The toolkit provides a simple and clear framework to help those communicating deaths by suicide in a sensible and responsible way.

The WHO guidelines and Suicide Reporting Toolkit have been adopted by training organisations and resource centres, including the Ethical Journalism Network (UK) and The Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma.

Staff conducting research:Ìý,

After the 2015 Nepal earthquakes, it emerged that the country’s news outlets were ill-prepared to report on such events. This was despite the fact that journalists play a vital role during disasters -Ìýfacilitating accurate public messaging, holding power to account, and aiding in the national recovery process. Dr Sreedharan and Professor Thorsen’s research identified for the first time that a lack of editorial preparedness was preventing the news media from meeting this responsibility.Ìý

ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥â€™s Aftershock Nepal study mapped the key challenges Nepali journalists faced after the 2015 earthquakes. The project explored the requirements of sustained disaster journalism, assessed the levels of news media preparedness, and suggested good practices and culturally specific recommendations to strengthen post-disaster journalism.

The scope was then expanded toÌýconsider resilience in the context of floods, landslides, and other climate-induced disasters, as well as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the news industry.Ìý

The research has had far-reaching impact on the policies and practice of a range of news organisations, as well as UNESCO and the Nepal government.Ìý

This has includedÌýa world-first dedicated disaster journalism policy at Kamana Group, a major mediaÌýhouse;Ìýenhancing news industry cooperation with national disaster management and responseÌýplanning; and strengthening the work of UNESCO on disasters and climate change.

Their work has also influenced national umbrella organisations to prioritise and support disaster journalism and strengthened national approaches to journalism education in Nepal.Ìý

Staff conducting research: ,ÌýDr Emma Pullen, ,ÌýDr Richard Scullion,ÌýDr Carrie Hodges,Ìý,

With the entry of Channel 4 as rights holder in the UK, the Paralympic Games has become an increasingly important site of disability representation. ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ researchersÌýundertook the largest ever academic project to examine the implications of the rapid commercialisation of the Paralympic Games and the increasing visibility of (selected types of) disability in the media. The project explored the broadcasting of the Paralympic games and content of Paralympic coverage as well as the wider impact on public attitudes towards disability.Ìý

The research findings haveÌýbeen used by Channel 4, Paralympics GB, and UK Sport to shape future broadcasting, policy, practice and promotion of para-sport. Drawing on the project’s extensive evidence base, these organisations have given greater emphasis to more representative and broader coverage of disabled people, types of disability, athlete voices and types of para-sport in their strategic planning, marketing and promotions, and media coverage for Tokyo 2020 and beyond.