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´¡±á³§³§â€™s Social Justice research funding theme places the inequality inherent in our social, legal, educational, political and economic structures at the centre of our work. Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and principles of inclusion, to which UL is expressly committed, work within this theme explores the fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights within society. It examines systemic inequalities related to race, gender, class, disability, and other social markers, aiming to understand and challenge structures, as well as language and communication practices that perpetuate disadvantage and marginalisation. Already evident across diverse AHSS disciplines, social justice research focuses on identifying and addressing inequalities, empowering disadvantaged communities, and informing policy change. Its relevance lies in addressing persistent global and local injustices, promoting equity, and supporting inclusive development. Researchers engage with both theory and practice, and advocate for transformative change. A thematic funding focus in this area has significant potential to attract research proposals to, and funding from, European and national research bodies, government departments, and organisations focused on social inclusion and equality.

The AI and Digital Humanities research funding theme offers a transformative opportunity for our university to strengthen its position at the intersection of technology and the humanities. GenAI is reshaping the ways in which knowledge is produced, shared, and interpreted, while Digital Humanities provides innovative methods for exploring culture, history, language, and society. Together, these fields create a powerful space for transformation, enabling researchers to ask new questions and develop novel approaches to human experience in the digital age. AHSS already boasts considerable  expertise in cultural analysis, historical inquiry, applied linguistics, language education and language teacher education, legal policy and digital scholarship. By integrating GenAI and other machine learning tools with established humanities and social science methods, we can expand the scope and impact of existing research.

Crucially, this is an increasing area of importance in research, both nationally and internationally. Funding bodies and policy frameworks are prioritising interdisciplinary projects that bring together humanistic perspectives and technological innovation. By advancing an AI and Digital Humanities research funding theme, the university can position itself as a leader in this rapidly developing area, enhancing research excellence, attracting significant funding, and contributing to the global conversation on the role of technology in shaping culture and society.

The Environmental Sustainability research funding theme refers to the responsible management of natural resources to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, and it requires a careful balance between ecological, economic, educational, political, geographical, artistic, and social objectives on a global scale. While often viewed through a scientific lens, it is equally vital to the arts, humanities, and social sciences. 

Given the wide variation in standards and regulations across regions, contemporary and historical perspectives play a critical role in shaping future green concepts, strategies, and policies. Today, environmental sustainability is a key consideration across industry, academia, and grassroots initiatives, and in many countries, sustainability policies are now mandatory often due to international obligations.  It is therefore not only a strategic imperative, it also presents significant opportunities for research and funding. AHSS is uniquely positioned to contribute through its diverse disciplinary strengths, complementing those in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and enabling opportunities for interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration. These partnerships, internally within the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and with external partners and stakeholders, offer new avenues for research, innovation, and policy development. As environmental challenges grow more complex, the integrative approach fostered by AHSS will be essential in driving forward collaborative solutions that are socially informed, linguistically aware, scientifically grounded and globally relevant.

The Democratic Resilience research funding theme concerns itself with questions of pressing social and political importance: How can democratic communities protect themselves against democratic backsliding and regression? Can democratic crises be avoided, trends of autocratisation reversed, and democracy strengthened? Answering these timely and increasingly urgent questions requires robust social scientific analyses. It also demands interdisciplinary insights to better understand the causes, nature, and effects of the populist turn, the various current threats to democratic procedures and institutions, including the rule of law, the role of education, language and culture, and the role of social cohesion and shared values in sustaining democracy. A better understanding of the sources of democratic resilience requires understanding the influence and significance of electoral and party systems, political institutions, and constitutional practices, as well as language and educational practices, the media, arts and civil society.

National and international funding schemes are increasingly attuned to this area of research, which aligns to UN Sustainability Goals. AHSS researchers have existing strengths in cognate research, with investment in this area promising to promote this important and impactful work, to increase capacity in the area, and to grow relevant research funding intake.