ESRC Festival of Social Science returns to Manchester

We are delighted to once again be a part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science. From 1 – 21 November, we will be showcasing some of the spectacular research conducted across the social sciences here at The University of Manchester.

The ESRC Festival of Social Science is an annual celebration of the social sciences and a key element of ESRC’s commitment to promote awareness of UK social science research to new audiences.

The theme of this year’s Festival is ‘exploring society together’ and for 2021 we have a special focus on climate change and the environment and many of our events will be looking at the various ways social science can help our planet to survive and thrive and the vital roles we all play.

From big ideas to the most detailed observations, social science affects us all every day – at work, in school, when raising children, within our communities, from the personal and local, to the national and global level. The ESRC Festival of Social Science offers a fascinating insight into some of the country's leading social science research and how it influences our social, economic and political lives – both now and in the future.

Professor Alison Park, interim ESRC Executive Chair, said:

"The ESRC Festival of Social Science is one of the largest coordinated endeavours undertaken by an economics and social science community and is indicative of ESRC's commitment to public engagement.

“This year the Festival will run throughout November and there will be a mixture of digital and face to face events, with a focus on the environment to mark the UK’s hosting of COP26.

“The Festival is a valuable way of showing how economic and social research helps us to better understand people, businesses, institutions, communities and wider social phenomena, and informs decisions that can affect millions of lives. We hope the events raise awareness about how research can improve outcomes across society, inspiring some young people to pursue a career in research, and others to draw on research to understand people and the world around us."

Professor Dimitris Papadimitriou, Director of Social Responsibility in the School of Social Sciences said:

“The ESRC Festival of Social Sciences is an important event in our School’s calendar. This year we are delighted that we have put together such an excellent and diverse programme. The Festival allows us to showcase some of our most innovative research and connect our staff with the wider community to discuss some of the key challenges facing our society in these challenging times” 

2021 will be the 19th Festival of Social Science, and it marks eight years of the Festival in Manchester. There will be a mix of virtual and face-to-face events, held across the city, which will allow everyone to take part in and hear about our research at the festival's many engaging events.

For more information about events in Manchester, take a look at our Festival website.

For more information about the ESRC Festival of Social Science, please visit https://festivalofsocialscience.com/.