Impact
The Thomas Ashton Institute’s research has a positive impact on societies, business and individuals nationally and internationally.
We aim to deliver research, learning and regulatory insights that widen the global conversation to enable a better working world. From health to engineering, wellbeing to social change and inequalities, resilience and digitalisation we aim to address the greatest challenges across the risk and regulatory landscape. We are committed to improving the health, safety and wellbeing of the workplace and its workforce.
We are at the centre of research looking at safer infrastructures, health at work, digitalisation and resilience as well as the impact of social change and inequalities on the workplace. Through the institute we bring together our resources and a multidisciplinary skill set in a coordinated way to undertake high quality research across the risk and regulatory landscape to help policymakers, regulators, businesses and communities benefit from our research.
Examples of our impact can be found below:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, research focused on understanding public perceptions of risk associated with using public transport and identifying effective mitigation strategies. By conducting extensive surveys and interviews, we gathered valuable insights into the concerns and behaviours of commuters.
Our findings informed policy recommendations and practical measures to enhance safety, such as improved ventilation, mandatory mask-wearing, and increased cleaning protocols. These measures helped restore public confidence in using public transport, contributing to safer and more resilient urban mobility systems.
Our research on Building Information Modelling (BIM) has significantly improved safety in the construction industry. By integrating BIM into construction practices, we have enabled better planning, visualisation, and management of construction projects.
This approach has led to a reduction in on-site accidents and enhanced overall safety. Our work has been instrumental in promoting the adoption of BIM across the industry.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have transformed how safety regulators engage with high-risk industries, such as nuclear energy. By examining the nuanced roles regulators play—not just as enforcers, but also as partners and advisors—the team revealed how trust, transparency, and collaboration can significantly enhance safety culture. Their findings are now influencing regulatory practices, helping authorities move beyond compliance to foster deeper, more constructive relationships with the organisations they oversee.