The 2026 Festival of Social Science will take place from Saturday 17 October to Saturday 7 November 2026, with the national theme Money, Finance and the Cost of Living*.
As part of our ESRC Impact Acceleration Account, the University is proud to be a partner and contributor to the festival. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the breadth, quality and impact of our social science research to public audiences across the UK.
Find out how you can take part—and how the Public Engagement Unit can support you running an activity this autumn.
*Please note events do not need to align with the theme to be included.
Ways to get involved
Following the success of our previous Festival programme, the Public Engagement Unit and Festival Steering Group are now planning our contribution to the 2026 Festival.
The festival relies on the creativity and expertise of our research community, and there are several ways to take part, depending on your interests and availability. Please register your interest by 5pm on Thursday 18 June.
Digital engagement: Reddit Q&A
Reach a global audience without leaving your desk by taking part in an “I’m a Social Scientist – Ask Me Anything” event on Reddit.
You’ll spend around an hour on a day of your choosing answering questions from Reddit users about your research. The Public Engagement Unit will provide guidance and support. Please submit an EOI or book an advice slot with the Public Engagement Team
Research Assembly
This year’s Research Assembly will bring together University researchers, local decision-makers and community partners to explore how research can help address inequalities in our region. If you are working with (or would like to work with) public or community partners on inequality-related research, we would love you to share your work.
Venue and date TBC. Please submit an EOI or book an advice slot with the Public Engagement Team
Propose your own event
Have an idea for a public engagement activity or event during the festival period? We can support you with planning, delivery, marketing—and offer a small amount of funding. Please submit an EOI or book an advice slot with the Public Engagement Team
About the Festival
The Festival of Social Science, run by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), has been celebrating social science research across the UK since 2002. Each autumn, researchers engage public audiences through events and activities that highlight the value of social science in everyday life.
Interested?
Please complete the Expression of Interest form by 5pm on Thursday 18 June, and we’ll be in touch.
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