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Festival of Social Science

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Festival of Social Science
NameFestival of Social Science
GenrePublic engagement
FrequencyAnnual
CountryUnited Kingdom

Festival of Social Science The Festival of Social Science is a UK-based annual public engagement initiative that showcases research from social science disciplines, bridging academic institutions such as London School of Economics and University of Oxford with civic organisations like British Library and Nesta. It brings together researchers associated with bodies such as the Economic and Social Research Council and the Arts and Humanities Research Council alongside partners including British Academy, Wellcome Trust, and local authorities like Greater London Authority and Manchester City Council to present events in venues such as the British Museum and Manchester Central. The Festival often coincides with national outreach programmes linked to institutions like Royal Society and House of Commons and attracts participants from organisations including University College London, University of Cambridge, and University of Edinburgh.

Overview

The Festival of Social Science offers interdisciplinary programming that highlights work by academics from London School of Economics, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, and University of Manchester while partnering with cultural organisations such as Tate Modern, National Theatre, British Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum. Events have been hosted in civic spaces administered by Greater London Authority, Manchester City Council, Birmingham City Council, Glasgow City Council, and Cardiff Council and promoted through networks including BBC Radio 4, BBC Newsnight, The Guardian, The Times, and The Independent. Programming frequently involves collaborations with funders and intermediaries like Economic and Social Research Council, British Academy, Wellcome Trust, Nesta, and Arts and Humanities Research Council.

History

The Festival traces origins to initiatives funded by bodies including Economic and Social Research Council, British Academy, Wellcome Trust, Arts and Humanities Research Council, and pilot projects at institutions such as University of Manchester and University of Glasgow. Early editions drew on partnerships with media organisations like BBC Radio 4 and venues such as British Museum and Tate Modern, and featured contributors connected to research centres at London School of Economics, University College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and University of Edinburgh. Over time the Festival expanded through networks involving Nesta, Royal Society, House of Commons', Manchester Metropolitan University, King's College London, and local authorities including Greater London Authority and Leeds City Council.

Organisation and Funding

Organisation is typically led by research councils such as Economic and Social Research Council in partnership with academic hosts including University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University College London, and University of Birmingham plus cultural partners like British Museum and Tate Modern. Funding streams have included grants from Economic and Social Research Council, British Academy, Wellcome Trust, and support from institutions such as Nesta, Arts and Humanities Research Council, Royal Society, and local government bodies like Manchester City Council and Greater London Authority. Administrative oversight and delivery have involved infrastructure at universities including London School of Economics, King's College London, University of Leeds, University of Sheffield, and University of Southampton and collaboration with intermediaries such as British Library and National Archives.

Programme and Events

Programme elements have ranged from public lectures and panel discussions hosted by University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University College London, London School of Economics, and University of Manchester to interactive workshops at Science Museum, British Museum, Tate Modern, National Theatre, and civic hubs like Manchester Central. Events have featured speakers or contributors associated with organisations such as Economic and Social Research Council, British Academy, Wellcome Trust, Nesta, and media partners like BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service, The Guardian, The Times, and Financial Times. Formats include exhibitions, seminars, film screenings, and debates linked to institutions like Royal Society, House of Commons, Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, UK Parliament, and learned societies such as Royal Anthropological Institute and Royal Geographical Society.

Impact and Evaluation

Impact assessments have been undertaken using frameworks developed by funders like Economic and Social Research Council and evaluators affiliated with universities such as University of Manchester, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, London School of Economics, and University College London and monitored in conjunction with partners including British Academy and Wellcome Trust. Reported outcomes include increased public attendance recorded at venues like British Museum and Science Museum, media reach via outlets such as BBC Newsnight, BBC Radio 4, The Guardian, The Times, and policy engagement with offices like House of Commons and Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. External evaluations have cited collaborative case studies involving Nesta, Royal Society, Arts and Humanities Research Council, Manchester City Council, and regional universities including University of Leeds and University of Sheffield.

Participation and Contributors

Contributors have included academics from London School of Economics, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, King's College London, and University of Glasgow alongside practitioners from Nesta, British Library, British Museum, Tate Modern, National Theatre, Wellcome Trust, and British Academy. Civil society participants have included representatives from Citizens Advice, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Oxfam, Shelter (charity), and local authorities such as Greater London Authority and Manchester City Council, while media collaborations have involved BBC Radio 4, BBC Newsnight, The Guardian, The Times, and Financial Times.

Media Coverage and Public Engagement

Media coverage has been extensive, with features and broadcasts on BBC Radio 4, BBC Newsnight, BBC World Service, The Guardian, The Times, Financial Times, and regional outlets linked to Manchester Evening News and Liverpool Echo, and promotion through university channels at University of Manchester, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, and University College London. Public engagement strategies have drawn on models and partners including Nesta, Wellcome Trust, Economic and Social Research Council, British Academy, and institutions such as British Museum and Science Museum to extend reach into communities served by Greater London Authority, Manchester City Council, Birmingham City Council, Glasgow City Council, and Cardiff Council.

Category:Science festivals