Research and innovation
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Our research
Our research is organized around four challenge-led themes, highlighting how our research relates to key societal issues and concerns.
We are committed to our research having a positive societal impact and value engagement and knowledge exchange with partners from industry, government, the public sector and civil society.
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Research themes
Our research is organized around four challenge-led themes, highlighting how our research relates to key societal issues and concerns. The themes span traditional sub-fields of media, communication, and cultural studies while also making possible inter-disciplinary connections, enabling new research collaborations and emergent outcomes.
Each intersecting theme is explored through various theoretical perspectives, modalities, and methods, including creative practice and practice-led research. As well as advancing academic knowledge in these areas, we are committed to our research having a positive societal impact and value engagement and knowledge exchange with partners from industry, government, the public sector and civil society.
Working in partnership
The School of Media and Communication collaborates with internal and external partners to inform regional, national, and international policy through collaborations with industry, regulators and policymakers, such as the BBC, Ofcom, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, and the European Commission. Our researchers work with communities and industry partners to interrogate the challenges they are facing through dialogue, participation, public engagement and creative practice. Find out more.
Research projects
Our research projects explore the past, present and future of media and communication using archives, new technologies and global partnerships.
Avoid intentional screen time for under-twos
Using screens during the first 1001 days of life can lead to developmental…
Monday 29 June 2026
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What could an Andy Burnham premiership mean for the future of press reform?
Writing for Byline Times, Dr Adrian Quinn at the School of Media and…
Friday 26 June 2026
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AHC researcher launches community-led art exhibition exploring climate change debates
All exhibition events are completely free, require no booking, and are open…
Thursday 25 June 2026
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Watch: Professor David Hesmondhalgh and Professor Anamik Saha in conversation on the Cultural Industries
A conversation marking the fifth edition of Professor Hesmondhalgh’s The…
Wednesday 3 June 2026
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