Aspect Learning Report 2020

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28th October 2020

The Aspect Learning Report provides an overview of the key insights and learnings from across the network over the last twelve months.

Despite the unprecedented challenges resulting from COVID-19, we are humbled by the significant amount of work that has been progressed within the Aspect programme – our members and projects have innovated and shown admirable drive and ambition, and ensured that Aspect’s important work has continued as effectively as possible.

We hope you find this report to be both insightful and uplifting.

Key report sections include:

  • Early learnings from collaborative projects
  • An update on the LSE Commercialisation Service
  • An update on Zinc
  • Progress in terms of building engagement
  • How the challenges facing social sciences commercialisation have been addressed
  • Practical considerations relating to the sustainability of the Aspect Network

We are now at the midway point of the programme, and we’re delighted to report that our ambitious activities are progressing well, including:

16 funded projects that are well underway, which aim to test and pilot new approaches to maximising the commercial and business opportunities from social sciences research

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Commercialisation Service is now well established, and – as a social science only offering – it is proving to be a valuable platform for developing and testing new models of commercialisation

Zinc continues its programme of activities, which has supported 150 founders and engaged social scientists in 65% of the currently active ventures


Explore more Resources View all

Should we spend more time talking about methods?

This blog by the Methods for Change team, illustrated by Jack Brougham, asks if we should spend more time talking about the methods we use as researchers. Drawing on a recent paper, we suggest that researchers need to articulate why methods matter in creating change to global challenges. We share three creative techniques that we have experimented with across the Methods for Change project that can encourage playful, reflective conversation about methods and their role in galvanising change.

Collaborative Zine Making Method

This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Collaborative Zine Making Method used by Professor Sarah Marie Hall from the University of Manchester and developed in collaboration with Inspire Women Oldham. The zine was also created in collaboration with Inspire Women Oldham.

Oral Histories of Sensory Memories

This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Oral Histories of Sensory Memories method used by Associate Professor Roisin Higgins from Maynooth University, Republic of Ireland. The poster was created in collaboration with Maddy Vian, Maddy Vian Illustrations.

Pop-up Stall Method

This ‘How-To’ Guide outlines the Pop-up Stall method used by Dr Robert Meckin and Dr Andrew Balmer from the University of Manchester. The poster was created in collaboration with Maddy Vian, Maddy Vian Illustrations.