From School Food Memories to AI in Social Care: Explore the Festival of Social Science 2023 in Sheffield

The UK’s Festival of Social Science returns to Sheffield this autumn to delve into the ideas that shape our everyday lives through the pioneering work of the city’s world-leading social scientists.

The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University will present a diverse and interactive program of thought-provoking events, taking visitors on a journey through memories of school dinners to the exploration of artificial intelligence-powered robots’ future role in caregiving.

There’s something for all ages and interests at the free festival, including talks, debates, performances, exhibitions, films, quizzes, and more. The full Sheffield programme and booking information can be found here.

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Festival of Social Science is an annual celebration of the social sciences running from 21 October to 17 November, with events delivered by 42 partner institutions across the UK.

As well as exploring the festival’s theme of ‘lifelong wellbeing’ the Sheffield programme showcases work aiming to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges of our time, from climate change to the freedom of the press.

Professor Ruth Blakeley, Faculty Director of Research and Innovation for the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Sheffield, said: “We are delighted to partner with the ESRC and Sheffield Hallam University to deliver this year’s Festival of Social Science in Sheffield. Our free events tackle some of the most pressing social, political, and economic issues we face locally and globally, and introduce audiences to some of the groundbreaking research that seeks to address them.”

Professor Sarah Pearson, Professor of Social Research at the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research and Director of the Social and Economic Research Institute at Sheffield Hallam University, said:  “As a University we are committed to research and knowledge creation that transforms lives. The ESRC Festival of Social Science is an important way of sharing our research with the public, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to an exciting and engaging programme of events.

“The festival is a continuation of our shared commitment to delivering high quality social sciences research which addresses the cultural, economic, social, environmental and health challenges facing society today.”

This year’s Sheffield highlights include:

• Wellbeing, Sustainability and Community in a Time of Crisis (17 November) – South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, Leader of Sheffield City Council Tom Hunt, University of Sheffield’s Professor Beth Perry and Sheffield Hallam University’s Professor Chris Dayson will discuss the question: what does wellbeing, sustainability and community building look like for the city of Sheffield in a time of unprecedented challenges and societal upheaval?

• You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It (9 November) – This interactive event highlights how small changes to food preparation can improve diet, health and overall life chances.

• Making Connections (24 October) – An interactive family makerspace at Weston Park Museum exploring connections through creative crafting, coding and textiles. A chance to work with local artists to make, create and connect.

• AI, Sensors and Robots: What is next for social care in the UK? (7 November) – In this live podcast recording, experts with lived experiences from the care and research sectors will explore some of the opportunities and challenges associated with increased digitalisation of social care.

• School Food Histories (21 October) – Spam fritters, corned beef hash, jam sponge with pink custard…the list goes on. This event is a chance to find out about the history of school meals, share memories and even taste some classic school dinner foods.

• Intergenerational Living: Bringing Generations Together (16 November) – An event exploring the possibility of creating an exciting intergenerational living initiative between older people and students in Sheffield.

The programme is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2023 and was made possible thanks to funding from the ESRC, which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

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, including at the University of Sheffield. We hope audiences enjoy the events and finding out more about social scientists’ work.”