Research project outline: Investigating the relationship between Classics and public policy
Investigating the relationship between Classics and public policy
Supervisor: Professor Arlene Holmes-Henderson, Professor of Classics Education and Public Policy, Durham University
Background
Last year, in 2024, Professor Holmes-Henderson and Laidlaw scholar Luke Sewell undertook a research project exploring how arts and humanities research influences public policymaking. The paper, now published on UPEN, received a great deal of attention and acted as an impetus for this project.
Research question
The research question for this project is twofold: how does Classics research influence public policy, and how do former classicists perceive their study of Classics in relation to their work as policy professionals?
Objective
The primary objective of this project is to produce the first draft of the first book to examine the relationship between the Classics and public policy.
Methodology
In accordance with the research question, the book will comprise two distinct sections. The first section will contain accounts from Classics academics whose research has informed or influenced public policy. These contributions, provided by those who have been successful in connecting these two fields, will constitute an impressive showcase of what has so far been achieved. The second section of the book will be a range of perspectives from former classicists, who now work for government or parliament, on what impact their study of Classics has had on their current profession.
Impact
It is the hope of Prof. Arlene and I that the contributions of the academics, in the first section of the book, will highlight the importance of the relationship between Classics and public policy in case-specific circumstances and perhaps act as an impetus for other Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology academics to engage in this sort of activity. Moreover, we hope that the contributions of policy professionals, in the second section of the book, will offer a novel insight into the relationship between Classics and public policy, highlighting transferable skills and methodological approaches to problems in the workplace, showcasing the ways in which Classics has relevance in the 21st century.
Hello, my name is Erin and I am a second year Classics student at Durham University. I am thrilled to have been accepted onto the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme as part of the 2025 cohort.
I have always been what I consider to be academically curious but what is more colloquially termed as nerdy - especially in regards to Classics (I just love learning new things!). I also have aspirations to undertake a career in humanitarian work, driven by my desire to fight for social justice and empower others to do so.
In this way, the remit of the Leadership and Research programme, to cultivate leaders whose actions are both ethical and data-driven, appeared to me to be perfectly aligned with my own interests.
I have had previous experience in the various domains of the programme: in terms of leadership, I was Head Student at my Secondary School in my final year; I completed a 5000 word EPQ research paper two years ago; and I have had some volunteering experience at a local food-bank.
However, I am both aware of and looking forward to the fact that this programme is going to really challenge me mentally, emotionally and physically when it comes to the research project, the Oxford Character Project and the LiA, respectively. I am hopeful that the programme will lead to lots of personal growth and assist, alongside my degree and other uni experiences, in equipping me with the tools I need to be the driving force behind the change I want to see in the world after graduation!
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