This theme encompasses a broad and inclusive definition of the social sciences focused on understanding and addressing major national and international societal problems through collaborative research not only involving the social sciences but also disciplines across the full scientific spectrum.

Insights from social science research are integral to addressing research questions relating to issues such as societal cohesion, conflict, poverty, and wellbeing, as well as issues that start from questions initiated in, for example, engineering, computing, medicine, and the natural and physical sciences.

Working collaboratively across the disciplines can generate new understandings with significant implications for knowledge creation, policy and practice. It offers a rich resource for engaging government departments, policymakers and practitioners about ways of improving social and economic outcomes for – and wellbeing of – individuals, groups and society.