Free events are taking place across October for Swifites, gamers, families and politics enthusiasts, as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science.
Free talks, workshops and events are taking place across October for Swifites, gamers, families and politics enthusiasts, as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science.
The University of Birmingham is hosting the events exploring the social sciences in the modern world, from the phenomenon of Taylor Swift, escapism through gaming, to AI and misinformation in a year of elections.
The free events will be taking place from 21 October – 11 November as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science, an annual, UK-wide, free celebration of the social sciences.
The events cover a wide range of topics around the theme ‘Our Digital Lives’, exploring the impact digital technology has had, is having and could have on our wellbeing and everyday life.
Stand out events include The Taylor Swift Phenomenon hosted at the Bramall Concert Hall on 23 October, which will feature live music and talks to unravel the cultural, political and social impact of Taylor Swift.
24 October will see Sliced and Diced on Bristol Road open their doors for Immersive Worlds: Wellbeing and Escapism Through Gaming, an evening of board games and talks from experts on how video games shape our perception of reality, influence mental health, and offer a refuge from everyday life.
Eco-Explorers AI Empowered Green Adventures, 28 October at the MAC, invites children and families to join an interactive workshop exploring the importance of responsible consumption and recycling. Attendees will also have the chance to get creative, designing their own eco-sticker and slogan.
We are really looking forward to talking with the people of Birmingham about how the digital revolution is changing our everyday experiences of the world around us. There is something for everyone to find interesting and enjoyable, even Swifties.
2024 has been a bumper year for elections with more than 50 taking place which will see half the world’s population go to the polls. But how is AI and digital technology influencing democracy? A Year of Elections: Democracy, Disinformation, and AI, 30 October at The Exchange, will examine how AI is transforming news sharing – and its role in spreading - and fighting – disinformation in elections worldwide.
The Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture, 11 November, will be delivered by beloved author and poet Michael Rosen, who has written around 200 books, including The Sad Book, a reflection on grief, and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Rosen will deliver an inspiring and thought-provoking lecture exploring the theme of happiness in our everyday lives.
Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Social Sciences at the University of Birmingham said: “This exciting series of free events will be accessible to audiences across all age groups. It will appeal to a wide range of interests – from those concerned about social care and climate change to gaming and AI – and provides a unique opportunity to engage with our leading-edge research in the social sciences. We are really looking forward to talking with the people of Birmingham about how the digital revolution is changing our everyday experiences of the world around us. There is something for everyone to find interesting and enjoyable, even Swifties.”
Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Social Sciences
Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams is Head of the College of Social Sciences at the University of Birmingham.
