New research–policy collaboration on care leavers and higher education

Professor James Robson and Dr Yushan Xie have been awarded Engagement Fellowship funding to develop a knowledge-exchange project in partnership with the Government’s Department for Education.

Supported by the Social Sciences Division and funded by the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF), the fellowship will support collaborative research into the effectiveness of provider-led interventions that improve care leavers’ access to, participation in and achievement in higher education, as well as their transition to work.

Dr Yushan Xie, Research Officer at Oxford University’s Centre on Skills, Knowledge, and Organisational Performance (SKOPE), said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Department for Education to co-develop research that improves care leavers’ access and participation in HE and supports their transition to work.

“This collaboration will strengthen the research–policy exchange and help address persistent challenges around equity, justice and inclusion in higher education.”

The project brings together academic expertise and policy insight to co-develop research that is directly relevant to policy and practice, strengthening research–policy exchange and addressing persistent challenges for care-experienced young people in higher education.

Visit project page for more information.

Read about the other successful projects on the Social Sciences Division’s website.