Research Impact
At Bath Spa, we aim to produce and disseminate research that inspires change beyond academia.
Our researchers are actively engaged in producing innovative work that shapes our understandings of the past and contributes important insights into the modern world.
By working closely with policymakers, museums, heritage bodies, educators and media organisations, we aim to use our research knowledge and expertise to make a difference to the world outside academia.
Examples of public engagement
Public lectures and workshops
- Professor Iftikhar Malik is a prolific speaker who has presented his research at numerous venues across the globe, from the British Museum, Southbank Centre and Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London to prestigious educational institutions in Pakistan, Finland, Greece and Uzbekistan.
- Dr Olivette Otele has presented her research at a variety of public events organised by, for example, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal African Society and the International Slavery Museum.
Our researchers also discuss their findings at regular public lectures in central Bath.
Media appearances
- A regular commentator for the international media, Professor Iftikhar Malik often provides analysis of British, European and global affairs on the BBC World Service, France 24 and Dunya News networks.
- Dr Sarah Hackett has shared her expertise on immigration and Muslim communities in Europe on BBC television and has acted as a consultant for The Economist and BBC Radio Four.
- Dr Olivette Otele has appeared on numerous media outlets in recent years to discuss the West Country slave trade (BBC One), the experiences of black academics (BBC Radio Four), Islamic radicalisation (France24) and Britishness after Brexit (TRT World).
- Professor Alan Marshall has acted as an historical adviser for BBC News, BBC Wales, the History Channel and Channel Four.
Advising policymakers
- Professor Iftikhar Malik has advised diplomats and policymakers on Muslim radicalisation and often participates as a subject expert in special briefing workshops organised by the Foreign Commonwealth Office.
Writing for blogs, websites and online magazines
Our researchers have written articles for The Conversation, the Muslim Institute and openDemocracy, and have been interviewed by History Today, and Folha de S.Paulo.
They have also contributed to and helped to develop websites for the Cromwell Association, the Changing Feel of Smithfield project and the SLAFNET European project.
Organising conferences and exhibitions
- August 2018: Dr Sarah Morton organised 'Heritage Matters', a one-day conference that aimed to bring together academics, students and experts in the heritage sector to discuss marketing and promotion in the heritage sector and to explore best practice approaches to student placements.
- June 2018: Dr David Coast organised a two-day conference and public roundtable discussion that explored the notion of the "voice of the people" and examined the relationship between the uses of history and political engagement.
- April 2018: Dr Olivette Otele convened a three-day conference hosted by the University of Mauritius titled 'Between Slavery and Post-slavery Citizenship, Dependence, and Abolitionism in African and Indian Ocean Societies'.
- October 2017: Dr Olivette Otele co-organised 'Historians Against Slavery', a two-day conference that deepened dialogue and collaboration between scholars, teachers, activists and community representatives, and helped to build coalitions for antislavery scholarship and activism.
Community activities
- Dr Olivette Otele is a consultant for the South Wales Racial Equality Council and has advised the Newport and District Refugee Group and the Pillgwenlly Local Partnership Board.
- Dr Cassie Newland is involved in organising the 'Big Dig' in Midsomer Norton, during which families and residents conduct an archaeological dig in a bid to discover medieval Midsomer Norton.