ESRC Festival of Social Science
The 24th annual ESRC Festival of Social Science returns with the core theme of Money, Finance and the Cost of Living, bringing together academics, special guests and the public to explore how economic factors shape our everyday life. All events are free and open to everyone, with activities led by University of Birmingham academics across the city. See the details of this year's programme below.
Forty Years of Handsworth Songs: film screening and Q&A panel
22 October, 18:30–20:30
Register for this eventA screening and panel discussion marking the 40th anniversary of the multi-awarding winning documentary feature film Handsworth Songs.
The Cost of Living in the Midlands: What works, what matters, what next?
28 October, 17:00–19:30
Register for this eventHosted by Aston University, Dr Annum Rafique from City-REDI joins a panel of leading social scientists from the Midlands Innovation university partnership to share the latest research on the impacts of the cost of living challenge.
Cost of Living and the Criminalisation of Poverty
28 October, 18:00-19:30
Register for this eventJoin Professor Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay, Dr Debjani Dasgupta and a panel of experts to explore the links between poverty, financial hardship and the criminal justice system through interactive discussions, real-world scenarios and expert insights.
The Assetocracy: Wealth, Power, and Elitism in the House of Lords
29 October, 19:30 - 21:00
Register for this eventJoin Dr Huw Macartney and a panel of experts to explore themes from The Assetocracy, examining wealth, inequality, political power and the future of democracy in Britain.
Down the AI Rabbit Hole
31 October, 09:30–13:30
Register for this eventPlay an interactive game and discover how AI is shaping everyday financial decisions, from budgeting and mortgages to fraud prevention and pensions.
What Next? Moving on From Education – Money, Work and Belonging
3 November, 16:30-18:00
Register for this eventJoin young people, academics from the Centre on Household Assets and Savings Management (CHASM) and industry experts to explore money, work, belonging and economic independence in a cost-of-living crisis.
Cost of Living in a Medieval Society: An Interactive Roleplaying Workshop
4 November, 18:00–20:00
Register for this eventStep into medieval England and navigate the Great Famine of 1315 in an interactive role-playing workshop exploring inequality, crisis and decision-making.
Find out more about the ESRC Festival of Social Science
To find out more about the festival, and events hosted by other institutions across the country, please visit the ESRC website.
Find out more about the festival