Matt is leading a new project on trends and inequalities in the youth labour market, and writing a paper on the future of the UK's universities.

Matt’s main research interests are:

• educational reform, including vocational and higher education;
• apprenticeships and skills;
• social mobility;
• interventions for at-risk young people;
• the institutions and practices that build character.

Before coming to Demos Matt worked at the RSA heading their Social Brain project. He is the author of Changing the Subject and Steer, two reports that look at new knowledge in the behavioural sciences, and the implications of such knowledge for social policy.

Prior to working at the RSA Matt was a research fellow in philosophy at Essex University. He has a first class BA and an MA with distinction in philosophy from Essex University. Matt obtained his PhD in philosophy from McGill University in 2007, the subject of which was Kant’s theory of cognition.

Jan 31

A curriculum for life

Matt Grist reacts to today's decision to remove the GCSE equivalence of vocational qualifications.

Dec 14

The unknown effects of youth unemployment

Matt Grist looks at the changing face of youth unemployment, given today's figures.

Nov 29

The end of an era

Matt Grist lays the ground for today's Autumn Statement from Chancellor George Osborne.

Nov 25

Just the jobs

Matt Grist argues the DPM's Youth Contract is more realistic and pragmatic than the Future Jobs Fund ever was.

Oct 27

Selling apprenticeships

Matt Grist looks at new figures for apprenticeships and asks what can make them more attractive.

Oct 26

The long view of youth unemployment

Matt Grist outlines the findings and recommendations of his latest report.

Sep 28

Ed's economics of contradiction

Matt Grist finds tensions between the shadow leader and his chancellor.

Aug 12

We need a tough love government

Matt Grist says tough consequences and solid state support is the way to deal with rioters.

Aug 9

No excuses, some remedies

Matt Grist says too-long summer holidays contribute to young people's unrest.

Jul 27

Planting the Seeds of Growth

Matt Grist says cuts to National Insurance would help stem youth unemployment.

Jul 13

'Academic' vs 'Practical'

Matt Grist responds to Andy Burnham's speech to Demos on education.

Jun 29

Don't believe the hype

Matt Grist reacts to the detail of the Government's higher education White Paper.

Jun 28

A poor choice

Matt Grist argues that the HE White Paper rejects student choice where it is most needed.

May 13

Subsidy is not a dirty word

Matt Grist reacts to the Government's youth unemployment strategy.

Mar 24

Modern apprentice

Matt Grist comments on the Chancellor's commitment to more apprenticeships.

Mar 16

Heading off youth unemployment

Matt Grist reacts to the latest youth unemployment figures.

Mar 15

Serving the forgotten half

Matt Grist argues that our education system is failing those who take vocational courses.

Dec 16

Lessons in learning

Matt Grist examines the latest OECD report which shows that education in Britain is falling behind other developed nations. 

Nov 25

The character of reforms

Matt Grist examines the pre-suppositions of the proposed reforms to education.

Nov 17

Bureaucracy can be useful

Matt Grist argues that giving commissioning powers in the NHS to GPs does not mean that we should be removing decision making powers from organisations such as NICE.

Nov 9

Raise wages not benefits

Matt Grist warns that in-work benefits can depress wages.

Oct 20

Cutting Liberally

Matt Grist explains how today's spending review makes growth essential for the coalition government, if they are to retain a Liberal image.

Oct 11

Sure Start Paradox

Matt Grist examines the centralisation/localism debate.

Jul 5

The Tory Case for AV

Matt Grist argues that the Tories should rediscover their political traditions and support the campaign for the Alternnative Vote.

Jun 29

The Art of Habit

Matt Grist looks at the role habits must play in the formation of a 'Big Society'.