Sheffield’s Festival of Social Science to help us explore new perspectives on the future

The free week-long national festival - run by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) - takes place between November 7-15 and showcases the contribution that social science research makes to addressing societal challenges.

As with previous years, researchers at the University of Sheffield will deliver one of the largest programmes of events. From the experiences of carers and the cared-for, to the NHS after Brexit and exploring how architecture and design can protect against infectious disease. The fully digital exhibitions, workshops, talks and film screenings at this year’s festival offer an opportunity to dive deeper into these challenges and learn from other communities.

The University of Sheffield has invested in a bespoke online digital platform to enable ease of access for a broad, global audience. Many of the events will remain accessible beyond the week of the Festival to allow the public to interact with them at their own pace.

Professor Craig Watkins, Vice President and Head of the Faculty of Social Science at the university, said: “At a time when people are unable to gather to debate and discuss the major challenges facing society, I am delighted that the festival will still be able to share new perspectives on a range of important topics with a wide online audience. I am sure that, as with the more traditional live events in previous years, this year’s festival will prove to be thought provoking and will, at times, offer an inspirational reminder of our ability to adapt to new challenges and solve wicked problems.”

Highlights from Sheffield at this year’s ESRC Festival of Social Science include a digital exhibition of creative works submitted by the public to illustrate their experiences of being a carer or someone that receives care and an online interactive event and audio-animated website to discover the ways we use devices to self-monitor our health. Visit understandingsociety.sheffield.ac.uk/2020/

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fie lder, editor.