RESEARCH

The Policy Research Centre embarks upon and undertakes a number of research tasks, independently and in collaboration with national and European policy research bodies. Our research areas explore some of the pertinent and critical issues of the day, and aims to benefit policy thinking through better information provision, analysis and recommendations. We work with some of the leading practitioners and experts in areas concerning Britain’s Muslims.

Senior Researcher: Sughra Ahmed

Status: Released in September 2009

Seen and Not Heard:Voices of Young British Muslims brings together the views – the thoughts, aspirations, and frustrations – held by young British Muslims of over 15 different ethnicities, from across England, Scotland and Wales. It enables female and male voices to express, in their own words, their outlook and how they feel they are perceived, scoping topical issues such as intergenerational challenges, identity, gender, religious teachings, mosques and the media.With nearly half of Britain’s Muslims under the age of 25, the findings contained within this research provide an insight into some of the more pertinent questions asked by policy makers, statutory services and community institutions concerning a new generation positioned to make its impact on society.
Click here to read more about this report.

Media Matters: Changing the Face of Muslims in the Media Together

Senior Researcher: Samina Ali

Status: In progress - due for publication in Spring 2010

The centre’s research project Media Matters will consider how the ‘problems’ associated with Muslims and their representation and relationships with the media can be approached and overcome, by seeking to locate and make recommendations regarding collaborative initiatives and ventures. We will seek the input of a range of different media bodies, organisations and professionals, to examine the complaints and limitations process for individuals or groups, assess the interplay between media organisations and social diversity, and explore the engagement by British Muslims.

Mapping European Muslim Policy Concerns with the Open Society Institute

The Policy Research Centre is working with the Open Society Institute’s EU Monitoring and Advocacy Program on European cities. The Program works with national experts and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to compile reports aiming to encourage broader participation in the process of articulating the EU’s common democratic values and in the monitoring of compliance with human rights standards throughout the union. The Centre is delivering the Leicester based research for the report Muslims in EU cities, including running 200 interviews, a number of focus groups and interviews with city stakeholders.

Research on Smoking Cessation material for NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale

On behalf of the NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale the Centre is conducting research on educational material designed to highlight the dangers of tobacco consumption, specifically aimed at Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities.

Differences Between Violent and Non-violent Radicalisation with Demos

The Centre is working with Demos in examining violent and non-violent forms of radicalization and extremism. The project hopes to shed light on identifying the undercurrents, factors and degree of overlap in strands of thought, to enable a clearer understanding of differences and their impact on policy making. The project is sponsored by the ESRC.

Preventing Violent Extremism – Handbook for the Local Government Association

The Centre was commissioned to work with the Local Government Association in producing a guidance booklet for Local Authorities on the PVE agenda. The level of challenge from violent extremism can vary across the country and not all local authorities will have engaged with this agenda yet. This publication aims to show how local authorities can develop effective partnerships at the community level and share good practice. It can be downloaded for free from the link above.

Mapping Muslim women's organisations in Leicester, for the Leicester Partnership

We were asked by the Leicester Partnership to produce a report mapping the work that currently occurs among Muslim women in Leicester. We found nearly seventy organisations and networks and made recommendation for how engagement can be developed more fruitfully.

Radicalisation in Europe with the Change Institute

Yahya Birt, as part of a four-country consortium headed by the Change Institute in London, conducted a twelve-month research contract commissioned by the European Commission to examine the beliefs, ideologies and narratives that drive violent radicalisation. The four countries covered by the consortium included the UK, Denmark, France and Germany. Yahya Birt, working for the Policy Research Centre, led the UK Research team with Sadek Hamid, University of Chester. The report was submitted to the European Commission in December 2007.