Twenty-three research projects led by LSE experts and designed to tackle the challenges created by coronavirus have been supported by the School’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund.
In response to the virus, LSE put out a call for new social science research designed to help policy-makers respond to the crisis. Out of the 145 applications received, 23 projects were selected. Priority was given to the projects most likely to have an impact on policymaking.
The selected projects cover a wide-range of disciplines and include a tax plan to rebuild public finances, a project to tackle the spread of fake news, and research to support vulnerable communities both in the UK and around the world.
Many of the challenges created by coronavirus - from the behavioural responses to social distancing to the economic impact of the virus on individuals and businesses - will require a social science answer. The selected projects will help provide these answers and will contribute robust research designed to help shape the post COVID-19 world.
All the selected projects will be tracked and their findings will be shared in a final report.
The initiative was launched by Pro-Director for Research, Professor Simon Hix. Commenting on the projects, he said: “The volume of the response to the funding call, and the quality and diversity of the projects we have been able to support, clearly demonstrate the critical role social science research can play in addressing the economic, social, and political challenges the world now faces.”
LSE’s wider response to COVID-19 covers further social science research and expertise. These include a website, a blog, and a public lecture series, bringing together LSE researchers, world leaders and industry experts.