The ESRC Festival of Social Science returns this October-November with a vital line-up of free events that explore the most pressing issues shaping our communities and our shared future, tackling health, justice, inequality, and social change among others.
From the reformation of sustainable welfare across the UK to how communities navigate crisis, recovery, and resilience in East and Northeast Africa, and the importance of community, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods, you can find and book tickets through the Festival of Social Science Eventbrite page, and we urge you to share this and the following links with your networks.
Research Assembly
Wednesday 4 November at 12:00
Percy Centre, New King Street, Bath, BA12BN
This year's Assembly recognises that tackling inequalities is a thread that runs through almost every area of local policy, service delivery and community action. Through stalls, posters, networking and discussion, the Research Assembly will showcase a diverse range of research, projects and community initiatives and create opportunities for new partnerships between researchers, practitioners, policymakers and local communities.
Discover innovative research addressing inequalities across Bath and North East Somerset, meet potential collaborators from academia, local government and the voluntary sector, and help shape opportunities for research, evaluation, and knowledge exchange.
Reserve your spot through this link.
Minerva Lecture Series: Reimaging Wealth in Times of Crisis
Monday 2 November at 18:00
The Mission Theatre, Corn Street, Bath, BA11UF
The Minerva Lecture Series returns with a bold look at the future of welfare in times of crisis. With global instability already routine, the UK is having to reckon with what meaningful social assistance that meets the needs of its populations looks like.
This talk will bring together scholars, activists, and civil society representatives to confront the future of welfare and radical horizons for reimagining support. This will include themes covering sustainable food systems, universal basic income, housing, and care services.
The event is free but registration is essential. You can book your tickets here.
More Than Treatment: Peer Support, Livelihood, and Recovery in Rwanda
Tuesday 20 October at 18:30
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Queen Square, Bath, BA12HN
What helps people recover from mental distress and build fulfilling lives? This film explores how recovery extends beyond clinical treatment, shaped by friendship and belonging, meaningful work, and economic opportunity, through the work of OPROMAMER, a peer-led mental health organisation supporting people in Rwanda.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion exploring community-led approaches to mental health, recovery, and inclusion.
"Hunger is more dangerous than war": Stories of starvation from Sudan
Tuesday 3 November at 18:30
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Queen Square, Bath, BA12HN
This powerful film explores conflict, famine, resilience, and survival in Sudan's Nuba Mountains, where communities have endured decades of wartime famine and starvation. While the region has faced enduring hardship, the people of the mountains have shown incredible tenacity and innovation in their attempts to survive and preserve hope and dignity.
A panel discussion will follow the screening, featuring Nuba Mountains communities members Mrs Aroma Kunda, Mr Kuwa Bargil, and Mr Anwar Salem, alongside University of Bath Researcher Naomi Pendle.
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