About PSI

The Policy Studies Institute (PSI) is a leading British think tank and research institute with a long history of shaping public policy. Founded in 1931 as Political and Economic Planning, PSI became the Policy Studies Institute in 1978 following its merger with the Centre for Studies in Social Policy (established 1972). Since 1998, PSI has been an independent subsidiary of the University of Westminster and formally integrated with the university in 2009. It is currently based within the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of Westminster.

PSI prioritizes sustainable development, with a particular focus on the environment, policy, and practice, led by key figures such as Katherine Saunt and Harry Pincus. Its research covers a wide range of themes including energy and climate change, resource use and the circular economy, mobility and transport, the role of communities and businesses in building a sustainable future, cities and innovation, public attitudes and behavior, and the evaluation of policies and research.

Operating from its Central London base, PSI collaborates with an international network of researchers and centers working on environmental and sustainable development policy and coordinates the Sustainable Development Research Network (SDRN).

PSI remains politically neutral, with no ties to political parties, commercial interests, or pressure groups. Its funding comes from diverse sources, including UK government departments, research and higher education councils, the European Commission, charitable foundations, and private sector partners.

Over the years, PSI has been home to many influential researchers, including Mayer Hillman, Paul Ekins, and Tariq Modood, who have contributed to advancing policy research and innovation.

The Policy Studies Institute (PSI) is a leading British think tank and research institute with a long history of shaping public policy. Founded in 1931 as Political and Economic Planning, PSI became the Policy Studies Institute in 1978 following its merger with the Centre for Studies in Social Policy (established 1972). Since 1998, PSI has been an independent subsidiary of the University of Westminster and formally integrated with the university in 2009. It is currently based within the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of Westminster.

Mission statement:

PSI’s mission is to advance knowledge and drive positive change through independent, rigorous research that informs sustainable development, improves public policy, and fosters innovation for the benefit of society.

PSI prioritizes sustainable development, with a particular focus on the environment, policy, and practice, led by key figures such as Katherine Saunt and Harry Pincus. Its research covers a wide range of themes including energy and climate change, resource use and the circular economy, mobility and transport, the role of communities and businesses in building a sustainable future, cities and innovation, public attitudes and behavior, and the evaluation of policies and research.

Operating from its Central London base, PSI collaborates with an international network of researchers and centers working on environmental and sustainable development policy and coordinates the Sustainable Development Research Network (SDRN).

PSI remains politically neutral, with no ties to political parties, commercial interests, or pressure groups. Its funding comes from diverse sources, including UK government departments, research and higher education councils, the European Commission, charitable foundations, and private sector partners.

Over the years, PSI has been home to many influential researchers, including Mayer Hillman, Paul Ekins, and Tariq Modood, who have contributed to advancing policy research and innovation.