The annual Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Celebrating Impact Prize in an opportunity to recognise and reward researchers whose work has made a real difference to society or the economy. 

The prize is awarded to ESRC-funded social science researchers who have achieved impact through outstanding research, collaborative partnerships, engagement or knowledge exchange activities.

There are many different ways in which social science can change our society for the better, for example through contributing to the development of UK public policy; improving management practices of businesses; or helping a particular group in society.  To reflect this there are five different categories, as well as a prize for the Impact Champion - an individual who has a significant personal track record in supporting and enabling others to achieve impact.  Professor Kate Cain, Head of Lancaster's Psychology department, has been nominated for 'Outstanding Impact in Society' alongside Professor Jane Oakhill of the University of Sussex. 

Kate and Jane’s research has identified core skills that support the development of children’s reading comprehension. This has directly influenced UK national policy on the teaching of reading comprehension, professional development programmes for teachers in the UK and North America, and has motivated programmes for the teaching and improvement of reading comprehension in the UK and also in South America.  As a result of this work, teachers now have a much better understanding of the different skills required for effective reading comprehension, and have the tools and the confidence to help them teach it well.

The awards ceremony will take place at Central Hall, Westminster on the evening of 22 June 2016, where the winners will be announced.