- The free festival will showcase 91直播鈥檚 world-leading social scientists and their work on tackling some of the greatest problems facing society
- Running from 21 October - 17 November, the interactive festival includes talks, debates, performances, exhibitions, films, and more.
- Events include a pub quiz about water, a beat the robots challenge and explorations into our relationship with food
The UK鈥檚 Festival of Social Science returns to 91直播 this autumn to delve into the ideas that shape our everyday lives through the pioneering work of the city鈥檚 world-leading social scientists.
91直播 and 91直播 Hallam University will present a diverse and interactive program of thought-provoking events, taking visitors on a journey through memories of school dinners to the exploration of artificial intelligence-powered robots鈥 future role in caregiving.
There's something for all ages and interests at the free festival, including talks, debates, performances, exhibitions, films, quizzes, and more. The full 91直播 programme and booking information can be found .
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Festival of Social Science is an annual celebration of the social sciences running from 21 October to 17 November, with events delivered by 42 partner institutions across the UK.
As well as exploring the festival's theme of 鈥榣ifelong wellbeing鈥 the 91直播 programme showcases work aiming to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges of our time, from climate change to the freedom of the press.
Professor Ruth Blakeley, Faculty Director of Research and Innovation for the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of 91直播, said: 鈥淲e are delighted to partner with the ESRC and 91直播 Hallam University to deliver this year鈥檚 Festival of Social Science in 91直播. Our free events tackle some of the most pressing social, political, and economic issues we face locally and globally, and introduce audiences to some of the groundbreaking research that seeks to address them.鈥
Professor Sarah Pearson, Professor of Social Research at the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research and Director of the Social and Economic Research Institute at 91直播 Hallam University, said: 鈥淎s a University we are committed to research and knowledge creation that transforms lives. The ESRC Festival of Social Science is an important way of sharing our research with the public, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to an exciting and engaging programme of events.
鈥淭he festival is a continuation of our shared commitment to delivering high quality social sciences research which addresses the cultural, economic, social, environmental and health challenges facing society today.鈥
This year鈥檚 91直播 highlights include:
- Wellbeing, Sustainability and Community in a Time of Crisis (17 November) - South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, Leader of 91直播 City Council Tom Hunt, University of 91直播's Professor Beth Perry and 91直播 Hallam University's Professor Chris Dayson will discuss the question: what does wellbeing, sustainability and community building look like for the city of 91直播 in a time of unprecedented challenges and societal upheaval?
- You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It (9 November) - This interactive event highlights how small changes to food preparation can improve diet, health and overall life chances.
- Making Connections (24 October) - An interactive family makerspace at Weston Park Museum exploring connections through creative crafting, coding and textiles. A chance to work with local artists to make, create and connect.
- AI, Sensors and Robots: What is next for social care in the UK? (7 November) - In this live podcast recording, experts with lived experiences from the care and research sectors will explore some of the opportunities and challenges associated with increased digitalisation of social care.
- School Food Histories (21 October) - Spam fritters, corned beef hash, jam sponge with pink custard鈥he list goes on. This event is a chance to find out about the history of school meals, share memories and even taste some classic school dinner foods.
- Intergenerational Living: Bringing Generations Together (16 November) - An event exploring the possibility of creating an exciting intergenerational living initiative between older people and students in 91直播.
The programme is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2023 and was made possible thanks to funding from the ESRC, which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Stian Westlake, ESRC Executive Chair, said: "The ESRC Festival of Social Science offers a unique insight into UK social science research and its relevance to individuals, society and the economy. There are hundreds of free events taking place across the UK and online, including at the University of 91直播. We hope audiences enjoy the events and finding out more about social scientists鈥 work."
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