Supporting social science research with high quality data is at the heart of what we do at the UK Data Service. That is why we are delighted that the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is celebrating the use of high quality data during its Festival of Social Science.
The 2024 festival will run from 19 October until 9 November and will feature hundreds of events at universities across the UK. With a mix of online, hybrid and in-person events for people of all ages, the schedule has something for everyone.
A celebration
The theme of this year’s festival is “our digital lives”. Events will explore the importance of digital technology to our daily lives, as well as the power of social science research to illuminate key challenges like climate change and geopolitical conflict.
The festival will showcase some of the UK’s leading social science research and how this research influences public policy, the economy and wider society. There will also be several events for children to help inspire the social scientists of the future.
Stian Westlake, ESRC Executive Chair, said:
“The ESRC Festival of Social Science offers a unique insight into UK social science research and its relevance to individuals, society and the economy. There are hundreds of free events taking place across the UK and online. We hope you enjoy the events and finding out more about social scientists’ work.”
UK Data Service resources
The UK Data Service manages the UK’s largest collection of economic, population and social research data for teaching, learning and public benefit. Our data collections can be accessed through our data catalogue, visit find data, while our Learning Hub and training and events can help you get the most from our resources.
We also offer comprehensive support for social scientists. Whether you are an experienced researcher or just getting started, you can find answers to common questions on our help pages or by contacting our friendly team.
Some events of interest at the Festival of Social Science
- Imagining Futures: Digital and Sexual Health – University of Edinburgh, 18 October
- Explainable AI: What is it and why should you care? – University of Southampton, 21 October
- Meaningful business: Driving growth and positive impact – University of York, 22 October
- Empowering Female Entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland – Ulster University, 22 October
- Social Media and Me: Exploring Young People’s Digital Worlds – University of Manchester, 23 October
- Our Changing Environment – University of Southampton, 23 October
- Healthcare Professionals Your digital future – University of Salford Manchester, 23 October
- Digital AGE: Research-Policy-Practice Seminar: Wellbeing of Older Women@Work – University of Salford Manchester, 24 October
- More than Just for Fun: Towards an ethical, Secure, and Healthy Gaming Environment – University of Glasgow, 26 October
- Eco-Explorers AI Empowered Green Adventures – University of Birmingham, 28 October
- Safety in Bradford: Voices of Women and Girls – University of York, 29 October
- ‘Elections Special’ – Law in Context – University of Sheffield, 30 October
- A safer future for cycling in London – London School of Economics and Political Science, 31 October
Useful datasets relevant to the events organised for the Festival of Social Science
- British Social Attitudes Survey
- Census
- English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
- Epidemiology of Cohort Social Media
- Kids’ Life and Times Survey
- Millennium Cohort Study
- National Child Development Study
- OECD Environment Statistics
- Understanding Society