A series of family-friendly events and activities is coming to Sheffield this month as the UK’s Festival of Social Science returns to the city. The festival aims to highlight how university research is addressing urgent societal problems.
Running from 17 to 31 October, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University are jointly presenting an interactive programme of events and exhibitions across the city centre. The festival offers opportunities for the public to explore pioneering social science research, covering topics from healthy eating on a budget to the financial lessons taught by video games.
The programme includes exhibitions, debates, interactive installations, workshops, demonstrations, and games suitable for all ages. This year's festival in Sheffield centres on themes of money, finance, and the cost of living, alongside ethical considerations in new technologies and a pub quiz exploring regional British swear words.
Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Festival of Social Science is an annual UK-wide celebration. Professor Kate Dommett, Faculty Director of Research and Innovation at the University of Sheffield, stated, “The Festival of Social Science offers a unique opportunity for members of the public to connect with our researchers and learn more about how their work directly addresses everyday issues.” She added, “I am particularly looking forward to the sessions on the cost-of-living crisis, which highlight research aimed at addressing some of our communities' biggest challenges.”
Key events include 'The 'Cost' of Food: Now and in the future' at the Moor Market (17-31 October), exploring sustainable diets. 'Play, Spend, Repeat: What video games are teaching your children about money' at the Winter Gardens (26-31 October) will examine video game monetisation and its link to gambling.
Discussions also feature 'Why Did I Buy That? The psychology of consumerism' at the Sheffield Tap (20 October, 7pm - 8:30pm), and 'Feeding Children in Hard Times: School meals, poverty and the cost of living in Britain' at The Hide (27 October, 12pm - 1:30pm).
Further events include 'The UK Swear Map Pub Quiz' at the Sheffield Tap (29 October, 7pm - 8:30pm), delving into regional slang, and 'Who Should Pay for Your Retirement? The pensions crisis and what to do about it', a panel discussion at Sheffield Town Hall (28 October, 5:45pm - 7:15pm) featuring academics and experts.
The festival is supported by funding from the ESRC, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Stian Westlake, ESRC Executive Chair, commented, “Social science helps us make sense of a rapidly changing world. It gives us the evidence and insight we need to understand how people, organisations and economies work and ESRC Festival of Social Science communications toolkit helps us tackle some of the most important challenges we face, from managing the cost of living to improving public services and strengthening communities.”
