The centres include a Centre for Net Positive Health and Climate Solutions, which will focus on mitigating the effects of, and finding solutions to, the health impacts of the climate crisis, and which is based at the University of Exeter.

The other three investments – totalling £23m – follow on from the work of previous centres, including the ESRC Centre for Lifecourse Health Equity (Equalise), which will research people’s lives over many years to understand how to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities.

The third centre – the ESRC Centre for Digital Futures at work (Digit) – will examine how digital technologies are changing work, and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers and governments.

The final centre, called the ESRC Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE III), is focused on improving UK policymaking by integrating knowledge of history, behavioural science, economics, medical sciences and culture.

ESRC executive chair Stian Westlake said: “By supporting these centres, ESRC ensures long-term investment in crucial areas while giving researchers the freedom to explore and innovate.

“Three of these investments build on the work of centres that consistently delivered top-quality research that has positively influenced policy and improved lives. The wholly new centre will expand ESRC’s research portfolio even further, helping us understand the health effects of climate change.”