At ARU, researchers work with communities, charities, public authorities and policymakers to investigate both the causes and consequences of poverty and disadvantage, with a strong emphasis on translating evidence into fairer policy and practice.
Across disciplines, our research explores how poverty shapes people's opportunities and resilience, and how more inclusive systems can improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
Understanding how poverty increases vulnerability to climate change
Poverty and climate change are closely interconnected, with environmental shocks often having the greatest impact on those with the fewest resources to respond. Research led by Dr Xin Sheng has demonstrated that lower-income households in the UK are disproportionately exposed to the impacts of climate change and less able to recover from climate-related disruptions. The research showed that climate shocks can deepen existing wealth inequalities over time, creating a cycle in which environmental risks reinforce social and economic disadvantage. By highlighting the unequal distribution of climate vulnerability, this work is informing debates on climate justice and helping policymakers develop more equitable approaches to climate adaptation and resilience.
Improving support for women experiencing multiple disadvantage
Women involved in prostitution often experience overlapping forms of poverty, exclusion and vulnerability. Research led by Dr Melanie Boyce, with support from Dr Anna Dadswell, worked in partnership with a London-based charity supporting women with complex needs. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the project explored the role of outreach services in helping women access support, improve safety and overcome barriers created by poverty and social exclusion. The findings provide evidence for frontline organisations and policymakers on how outreach approaches can better support women facing multiple forms of disadvantage and help create pathways out of poverty.
Supporting Roma families' access to public services
Roma communities continue to face significant social and economic inequalities across Europe, including barriers to accessing public services. Researchers at ARU, led by Dr Melanie Boyce, worked with Lancaster University and the charity Law for Life to explore the experiences of Roma families engaging with Children's Services in England. Supported through ARU's Safe and Inclusive Communities research theme and co-funded by the Tudor Trust, the project identified barriers to participation and access while amplifying the voices of Roma families themselves. The research is helping improve understanding among practitioners and service providers, contributing to more inclusive support systems for communities at risk of social exclusion and poverty.
Researching solutions to poverty, exclusion and inequality
ARU's Centre for Social Justice, Communities and Participation (SJCP) works with local authorities, public sector organisations and community partners to address the structural causes of poverty and social exclusion. Through partnerships with organisations including Essex County Council and Medway Council, researchers are helping tackle challenges linked to vulnerability, marginalisation and unequal access to opportunities. This work supports evidence-based policymaking and strengthens local responses to poverty through collaborative research, community engagement and knowledge exchange.
Influencing policy on inequality and social justice
ARU researchers are contributing to international efforts to understand and reduce inequality. The University's Centre for Inclusive Societies and Economics has produced influential research on workplace discrimination, economic inequality and social justice, informing discussions within organisations including the European Union, OECD and World Bank. Alongside this, ARU's Safe and Inclusive Communities research theme supports work on minority rights, participation and social inclusion, helping ensure that the experiences of marginalised groups are represented in policy and practice. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how ARU's research contributes to tackling the root causes of poverty and creating fairer, more inclusive societies.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.