Economic and Social Research Council's massive celebration of social science returns for 2018

20 Sep 2018 09:57 AM

The UK's biggest celebration of social science returns this November as the Economic and Social Research Council’s Festival of Social Science will highlight the impact of social science research on people's lives, with more than 300 free events across the country.

The Festival, now in its sixteenth year, will run from 3-10 November and involve public debates, conferences, workshops, film screenings and virtual exhibitions. These events allow social scientists to engage with the public and increase awareness of the contributions the social sciences make to wellbeing and the economy of the UK.

Festival events taking place across the UK will demonstrate how social science research has an impact on business, the public sector and civil society. Social science contributes to the competitiveness of the UK in the world, the effectiveness of public services, and the quality of people's lives.

The researcher-led events will engage with everyone from school children to policymakers. In 2017, events were held in 57 towns and cities with involvement from 1,348 social science researchers and a total attendance of 37,400 people. 

Professor Jennifer Rubin, ESRC Executive Chair, said: "The Festival of Social Science is one of the largest co-ordinated endeavours undertaken by a science community and demonstrates ESRC's commitment to public engagement. We know social scientists and economists value the opportunity to talk with the public to make an impact with their work. These events should inspire young people to pursue a career in social sciences and raise awareness about the impact made to wider society."

Events during the Festival provide insight into research dealing with a wide variety of themes. A small snapshot of these include:

Since its launch in 2003, thousands of Festival events have been organised and they have attracted more than a million people. A full list of events for the Festival will be available in late September.

Notes for editors

  1. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government.
  2. The ESRC is the UK's largest funder of research on the social and economic questions facing us today. It supports the development and training of the UK's future social scientists and also funds major studies that provide the infrastructure for research. ESRC-funded research informs policymakers and practitioners and helps make businesses, voluntary bodies and other organisations more effective.
  3. UK Research and Innovation is a new body which works in partnership with universities, research organisations, businesses, charities, and government to create the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish. We aim to maximise the contribution of each of our component parts, working individually and collectively. We work with our many partners to benefit everyone through knowledge, talent and ideas.
  4. Operating across the whole of the UK with a combined budget of more than £6 billion, UK Research and Innovation brings together the seven research councils, Innovate UK and a new organisation, Research England.

ESRC Press Office

James Dixon

Media Manager
Email: james.dixon@esrc.ukri.org
Telephone: 01793 413122
Twitter: @JamesDixonMedia