First published in CommUnicate issue 318

Professor Shiran Rai, Politics and International Studies, is to lead a four year research programme, in collaboration with Birkbeck College, Sheffield and Bristol Universities on the importance of ceremony and ritual in the UK Parliament and others. The Award of £875,964 was awarded by the Leverhulme Trust.

Professor Rai said: "By comparing the Parliaments of South Africa, India and the UK we will be able to consider how distinct political cultures have evolved from the Westminster model."

"This will be the first such comparative study. We must understand the role played by ceremony and ritual so that we better understand how different groups can have a sense of belonging as well as feeling excluded through these. We hope to gain insights that will help to invigorate democratic practices and participation."