RAND Europe Research

Explore our current and recently completed research projects, or visit a research topic or method to learn more about a specific area of research.

Latest Research

Exploring the opportunities and challenges of research engagement with China
22 Jun 2022

An independent and evidence-based study into UK academics' research engagement with China explored how and why UK academics engage with China on joint research activities with the goal of better understanding how UK research organisations manage any resulting risks.
Human security and the 2022 NATO Strategic Concept
15 Jun 2022

RAND Europe brought together over forty experts from across military, government, academia, think tanks, and civil society for a seminar to explore the concept of human security and its applications at NATO now and in the future.
Analysis of non-profit models of cannabis regulation
06 Jun 2022

The Swiss Federal Office for Public Health has commissioned RAND researchers to provide an overview of non-commercial regulation models for cannabis.
The impact of respiratory syncytial virus on the NHS, society and economy in the UK
31 May 2022

Researchers estimate the total economic impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to be around £80 million each year, based on a rapid evidence assessment to model the disease's wider societal and economic burden in the UK.
Assessing labour market and skills demand via horizon scanning and future scenarios
31 May 2022

A horizon scan of the UK labour market identified key drivers and emerging trends, and created scenarios of what the labour market could look like in the future. Researchers found that education and training systems need to teach broad concepts and foundation skills and that digital skills are critical to the future of most jobs.
Occupational safety and health: understanding decision making and the role of evidence
23 May 2022

Occupational accidents, illness, and fatalities are a major cause for concern in high- and low-income countries. Researchers are conducting a study to better understand how evidence is used, or not used, when taking decisions related to health and safety.
Understanding the evidence on the impacts of COVID-19 on work-related musculoskeletal disorders
17 May 2022

Changes to working practices and environments due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected exposure to known work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) risk factors. Researchers aim to understand this changing world of work, the effect on WRMSDs and post-pandemic considerations for WRMSDs.
How the Dutch approached Brexit
17 May 2022

Britain's departure from the EU, or Brexit, has had a considerable impact for the Netherlands. Researchers are conducting an independent evaluation of the Dutch government's response to Brexit.
New insights into the medical use of cannabis
17 May 2022

Researchers are examining the latest developments and available evidence concerning the medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids for the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
Truth Decay in Europe
17 May 2022

Using the framework of RAND's original 2018 Truth Decay study, which focused on the United States, researchers uncovered evidence for the trends, drivers and consequences of Truth Decay in Europe. As the phenomenon is less pervasive than in the US, however, they also suggest actions to slow its growth.
Evaluation of the Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST)
10 May 2022

The Department for Education's two-year pilot APST aims to reduce serious youth violence and improve pupil outcome among students in alternative provision settings. Researchers are conducting a process evaluation of the project over the course of the pilot.
Exploring ways to regulate and build trust in AI
25 Apr 2022

Researchers brought together evidence on the use of labelling initiatives, codes of conduct and other voluntary, self-regulatory mechanisms for the ethical and safe development of artificial intelligence systems.
Understanding the lived experience of non-UK veterans
15 Apr 2022

To help the UK Office for Veterans’ Affairs develop policies that support former Service personnel who come from outside of the UK, researchers are interviewing members of the community to understand their needs and experiences.
The impact of predictive genetic tests on the insurance industry
08 Apr 2022

Researchers developed a framework for evaluating the potential effects of predictive genetic tests on the UK insurance industry. The framework provides a transparent approach for evaluating whether a specific condition for which a test is available could impact the insurance industry and understanding the key factors that influence this.
The indirect economic and societal burden of seasonal influenza on the UK
29 Mar 2022

In 2019, absenteeism and presenteeism cost the UK economy almost £92 billion because of ill-health, but the economic burden specific to seasonal influenza is not well understood. Researchers are exploring the indirect economic and societal burden of seasonal influenza, including its effects on the UK healthcare system.
The socioeconomic impact of poor indoor climate on health and life satisfaction
22 Mar 2022

Poor indoor climate can result in a higher risk of health and wellbeing disorders, especially in children, the elderly and those with existing health conditions. Exposure of Europeans to damp, mould, and insufficient daylight in residential buildings could cost €53 billion over the next 30 years.
Reviewing the evidence in key areas for the UK Department of Work and Pensions
21 Mar 2022

To inform policy and practice for DWP and other policymakers, researchers are conducting evidence reviews on effective contracting of employment and health services, digitalising welfare services, understanding state pension age systems, understanding household formation and preventing living-together fraud, and understanding the effectiveness of interventions to promote in-work progression.
Understanding the impact of peer-assisted learning strategies
16 Mar 2022

RAND Europe evaluated the impacts of peer-assisted learning strategies (PALS) in England. The evaluation sought to understand the impact of PALS on reading attainment but the assessment was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The evidence on measures to prevent and mitigate terrorism attacks using vehicles
08 Mar 2022

Researchers identified legal, practical and technological challenges to preventing vehicular terrorism and offered an assessment of future threats and vulnerabilities.
Diagnosis, treatment and management of central diabetes insipidus
07 Mar 2022

RAND Europe was commissioned by Ferring Pharmaceuticals to look at care pathways for patients with CDI. The research focused on identifying the factors that influence the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with CDI, as well as areas to consider that may improve the quality of care that patients receive, and patient outcomes.
Future uses of space out to 2050
02 Mar 2022

To support the UK's National Space Strategy and ensure that it is more ‘future proof’, researchers recommend the UK work more closely with allies, foster innovation, and more.
Perspectives on factors most affecting quality of life in Greater Cambridge
01 Mar 2022

Results of a survey and interviews of community stakeholders in the Greater Cambridge area found the factors that most affect quality of life in the region include personal relationships, public transport, and a sense of community.
The economic value to the UK of speaking other languages
21 Feb 2022

Languages play a significant role in international trade, and not sharing a common language acts as a non-tariff trade barrier. Investing in Arabic, French, Mandarin or Spanish languages education in the UK will most likely return more than the investment cost, even under conservative assumptions.
Realising the ambitions of the UK’s Defence Space Strategy
17 Feb 2022

Researchers examined the factors influencing the implementation of the Defence Space Strategy to 2030 as well as the unique attributes of the UK space enterprise—including its strengths and weaknesses. They include a decision support tool to help decision makers navigate capability management choices along the 'own-collaborate-access' framework articulated in the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy.
Evaluating the progress and impacts of the COG-UK consortium
15 Feb 2022

An evaluation of the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium finds that it has made a significant and valuable contribution to the UK's public health genomics landscape, but its legacy will depend on decision makers' abilities to maintain momentum, ensure adequate governance, and other factors.