Vast differences in cycling cultures have been found in UK cities; for some cycling is a traditional transport accessible to all while for others it is a new edgy, urban subculture according to recent findings from a research project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

The first findings from the world’s largest study of households are now published. With data on our working lives, relationships, health, finances and neighbourhoods the Understanding Society publication gives an early taste of the social landscape of the UK as the country fell into the deepest recession for 60 years.

The renewable energy sector needs to use a wider range of business models in order to ensure a fairer distribution of power plants across the UK, according to research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

The winner of the 2010 Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Knowledge Transfer Partnership prize for the Best Application of Social or Management Science has saved the Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) an estimated £350,000. The winning project aimed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Trust's transport systems.

Seventy-five per cent of the world's heather moorlands are in the UK. However, pollution, overgrazing and wild fires have damaged large areas. Several organisations in the Peak District National Park are trying to restore and conserve the moorland habitat.