Eight new research projects will examine the effects of the recent conflict involving US, Iran, Israel and the wider region, including disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, on households, businesses, and the wider economy. The new studies will generate timely and rigorous evidence on its fiscal, economic, and social consequences, and help inform effective and proportionate policy responses.
The research is supported through a dedicated rapid-response funding call established by the Nuffield Foundation to better understand the challenges of the conflict and associated energy market volatility and supply chain disruption on living standards, businesses, public finances and economic resilience, as well as options to reduce their negative impacts. The funded projects bring together researchers from leading universities and policy organisations, including the University of Glasgow, Imperial College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science, Aston University, the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the Resolution Foundation, and Policy in Practice.
Together, they will provide evidence to help decision-makers understand and respond to the effects of the conflict by:
- Assessing impacts on household finances, living standards, and economic hardship
- Tracing how disruption to global energy and supply chains is contributing to inflation, energy costs, and food prices
- Identifying which households are most vulnerable to rising costs, and whether support is reaching the people who need it
- Evaluating the effectiveness of existing policy responses and potential interventions
- Exploring how people are using artificial intelligence tools to navigate economic uncertainty and make financial decisions
Access to timely, high-quality evidence is particularly vital when policymakers are responding to fast-moving, unpredictable global events with far-reaching consequences at home. Together these eight new projects will strengthen our understanding of how the current crisis is affecting living costs, economic security, and the public finances, helping to inform decision-making and build resilience for the future.Alex Beer, Assistant Director of Strategy
Findings from all the projects are expected to be published in early 2027.
