Social Policy

A new analysis shows how pressure to demonstrate measurable outcomes has fundamentally reshaped academic fields in Sweden, forcing disciplines like History of Religions to abandon traditional scholarship in favor of contemporary, quantifiable research. The shift reveals a broader tension: as universities chase efficiency metrics and direct social relevance, they risk weakening foundational scholarship that builds long-term intellectual capacity.EN

A 2014 survey of people with vision impairment found that 81% use smartphones, with speech features proving essential for accessibility. The findings suggest consumer tech companies have successfully built tools that work for disabled users—but also highlight a largely untapped market for further optimization and accessible design investment.EN

A replication study confirms that targeted support programs can significantly improve academic performance for children in foster care. The findings suggest computerized memory training may help address math deficits—offering policymakers a scalable intervention model that could reduce long-term educational inequality and associated social costs.EN