Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield 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’ 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 Sheffield programme and booking information can be found here.
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 ‘lifelong wellbeing’ the Sheffield 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 Sarah Pearson, Director of the Social and Economic Research Institute at Sheffield Hallam University said: “As 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.
“The 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.”
Professor Ruth Blakeley, Faculty Director of Research and Innovation for the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Sheffield said: “We are delighted to partner with the ESRC and Sheffield Hallam University to deliver this year’s Festival of Social Science in Sheffield. Our free events tackle some of the most pressing social, political, and economic challenging issues we face locally and globally, and introduce audiences to some of the groundbreaking research that seeks to address them.”
This year’s highlights from Sheffield Hallam academics include:
• Wellbeing, Sustainability and Community in a Time of Crisis (17 November) - South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, Leader of Sheffield City Council Tom Hunt, University of Sheffield's Professor Beth Perry and Sheffield Hallam University's Professor Chris Dayson will discuss the question: what does wellbeing, sustainability and community building look like for the city of Sheffield in a time of unprecedented challenges and societal upheaval?
• Picturing ‘Good’ Food (25 October) – A family-friendly workshop exploring the different ways people ‘think and do’ food in relation to attitudes and eating, plant-based food and food waste.
• History, Health and Happiness (25 October) - Explore the power of museum objects- and how they can make you feel good about yourself and where you live.
• Ruling Passions (7 November) – Autistic people are often recognised as having intense or focussed interests on particular topics or activities, in this talk Dr Chris Bailey will explore how complex and valuable these passions can be using words and images provided by participants.
• AWRC Wellbeing Showcase (10 November) – A showcase of research projects at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre with an in-conversation sessions with members of the local community who have been involved in these projects.
• Being Autistic and Considering Diagnostic Assessment (11 November) – A film screening and panel discussion involving Dr Luke Beardon, looking at adults’ experiences of autism diagnosis.
• 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 Sheffield.
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 Sheffield. We hope audiences enjoy the events and finding out more about social scientists’ work."
