Browse all the articles published on the Research Matters blog, with the most recent articles appearing at the top.
Content notice: This blog contains details on domestic violence and abuse, which some readers may find distressing. International Women’s Day 2026 8 March marked International
Childhood obesity is rising globally but the UK shows a different pattern Globally, rates of childhood overweight and obesity have increased sharply since 1990. Over
Last December marked Universal Human Rights Month, with International Human Rights Day celebrated on 10 December. This date marks the day when the Universal Declaration
People in Northern Ireland can now expect to live into their late seventies and early eighties, yet only to around age 60 in good health.
What are intergovernmental relations? In the UK, intergovernmental relations describe the engagement between the UK Government and devolved governments in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Content notice: This blog article contains references to online harassment, abuse and violence targeting women and girls that some readers may find distressing. High-profile cases
Introduction Last month, the Irish Government announced new allocations to the Shared Island fund. The Shared Island funding initiative is not a single programme but
The Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill (‘the Bill’) is currently being considered by the Assembly. This blog
Carers Rights Day, observed on 20 November, is intended to raise awareness about the rights of the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers and the support
The Northern Ireland Assembly is currently progressing with the Committee Stage of the Sign Language Bill (Northern Ireland) 2025. Technology has been positioned as one
1 October marked the United Nations International Day of Older People. The intention of the day is to raise awareness of the challenges faced by
Having been granted Royal Assent on 21 July 2025, the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 moved from debate into law, opening a new phase
Context In September 2025 the Council of the European Union published a Decision to seek to add the new EU regulation on forced labour to
The 2025 Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) was the first undertaken by a Labour Government since 2007, and was delivered amidst significant global challenges. In her
As part of Men’s Health Awareness Month, this video takes a look at men’s health in Northern Ireland. If you’re not able to access the
The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) PhD Policy Internships Scheme offers UKRI-funded doctoral students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in policy and law-making environments
The interactive map highlights the locations (spatial areas) in each of the 18 constituencies where the impact of proposed changes to PIP are likely to be most pronounced.
This blog article provides an overview of educational underachievement in Northern Ireland. It defines underachievement, examines the attainment gap between pupils entitled to free school
The European Commission (the Commission) has proposed extending two ‘adequacy’ decisions that facilitate the free flow of personal data between the EU and the UK.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming career guidance and is reshaping how students, professionals and employers navigate an increasingly complex job market. In Northern Ireland, this
“A changing world” and “a generational challenge” – that is how the Chancellor described the global political and economic landscape when delivering her Spring Statement
It seems ages since the Chancellor delivered her Spring Statement on 26 March 2025. And now the Chancellor has significantly more factors to address in
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) provides an indication of the economic health of a country, but examining happiness can give a clearer picture of the experiences
Sign Language (Northern Ireland) Bill 2025 A Sign Language Bill was introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 10 February 2025. This blog post provides
This blog article is part of a series from the Assembly Research and Information Service to mark International Women’s Day 2025. In Northern Ireland, new
As part of a series of blog posts from the Assembly Research and Information Service to mark International Women’s Day 2025, we have put together
This blog article is part of a series from the Assembly Research and Information Service to mark International Women’s Day 2025. On average, men earn
This blog article focuses on legal aid available for criminal matters, highlighting ongoing challenges like industrial action by criminal barristers in the Crown Court. It
On 11 February 2025, the European Commission (the Commission) will present its Work Programme (CWP) for the year ahead during the European Parliament’s plenary session.
Legislative background International agreements In the past three decades, governments around the world have set out to decarbonise electricity and heat generation, industrial processes, and
