ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026

Explore how social science research impacts on our community
ESRC banner 2026

ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026

Explore how social science research impacts on our community
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The Festival of Social Science is a yearly celebration of research that helps us understand people, communities and society. Now in its 25th year, the festival gives everyone the chance to explore topics such as health and wellbeing, crime, equality, education and identity through engaging events led by researchers from universities across the UK. 
All events are free to attend. Most are open to everyone, while some are designed for particular audiences or age groups. This year, more than 300 events will take place across the UK, organised by 41 universities. 
Running from 17 October to 7 November, the programme includes a mix of online, in-person and hybrid events, such as talks, performances, exhibitions, interactive activities and panel discussions.
The festival explores the world of social science, from how society has shaped our local areas to behaviours that help fight climate change. This year a number of our events will focus on Money, finance and the cost of living, offering tools and ideas to improve daily life.
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Our Festival of Social Science 2026 events

 

About the ESRC Festival of Social Science

The ESRC Festival of Social Science is an annual celebration of research and knowledge about humans and society. It’s an opportunity for anyone to explore topics relating to social science – from health and wellbeing to crime, equality, education and identity – through events run by researchers from UK universities. There’s no cost to attend, and most are open to everyone, though some are aimed at specific groups.
WHAT IS SOCIAL SCIENCE?
The term social science covers a broad range of subjects relating to society, communities and people, including economics, psychology, sociology, management and business studies, law, economic and social history, politics and human geography, among others.
The events shaping our world – from Brexit and the pandemic to geopolitical tensions and civic protests – reveal how social science is more key to understanding the world than ever. 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. Our broad range of subjects are working to help our understanding of these complex areas.
FESTIVAL AIMS
  • To encourage, support and create opportunities for social science researchers to engage with non-academic audiences
  • To promote and increase awareness of the social sciences and ESRC-funded research
  • To promote and increase awareness of the contribution social science makes to the wellbeing and the economy of society in the UK
  • To enable the public to engage with social science research
  • To engage with teachers and young people and to raise their awareness of the social sciences
JOIN US AT AN EVENT
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. Discover how it shapes public policy and contributes to making the economy more competitive, as well as giving people a better understanding of 21st-century society.
You may be surprised at just how relevant the festival's events are to society today. Social science research makes a difference. Discover how it shapes public policy and contributes to making the economy more competitive, as well as giving people a better understanding of 21st century society.
Everyone – from schoolchildren to politicians – can take part in and hear about social science research in the festival's many engaging events.
Visit the ESRC Festival of Social Science website for more information about the festival.

About the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

The ESRC is the UK's largest organisation for funding research on economic and social issues and supports independent, high quality research which has an impact on business, the public sector and civil society. 
At any one time ESRC supports over 4,000 researchers and postgraduate students in academic institutions and independent research institutes. 
Visit the ESRC’s website to learn more about the insights they are providing.
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Event photography and video

Please be aware that some of the University of Plymouth's public events (both online and offline) may be attended by University staff, photographers and videographers, for capturing content to be used in University online and offline marketing and promotional materials, for example webpages, brochures or leaflets. If you, or a member of your group, do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please let a member of staff know.