The University of Manchester will again partner with the Economic and Social Research Council, the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University on the ESRC Manchester Festival of Social Science in 2019.

The aim of the Festival is to showcase Manchester social science research to a broad non-academic audience. Last year we hosted an eclectic blend of activities designed to celebrate the social sciences, including discussions and debates, exhibitions, film screenings, walkabouts, family fun days, schools visits, workshops, and lots more.

The call for applications to host events is now open. The Festival will run from 2-9 November and will involve academics working alongside community and cultural partners to create engaging and inspiring research-led events. The Manchester Festival will provide an insight into the many ways in which social science research contributes to social, economic and political life across the city, region and beyond.

Any researcher can apply to hold their event, new or existing, under the Festival banner. In addition, applications can be made for up to £1,000 sponsorship from the University of Manchester to hold an event as part of the Festival. Events must include social science and must engage with groups outside of academia (e.g. young people, third sector organisations, the general public, business, or local government and policy makers).

Applications for interdisciplinary events, and applications that seek to bring together two or more Festival partners, are strongly encouraged. We particularly welcome applications from early career researchers, including PhD students. PhD student applicants must name as a co-applicant on the application form a member of staff who has agreed to provide advice and assistance where necessary, and to take formal responsibility for the event (including managing the finances, any health and safety requirements, etc.). The co-applicant may, but need not, be your supervisor. 

• Inspiration and ideas for the kind of event you might run

Please note, applications should not be made to the ESRC, but rather via the University of Manchester. The application deadline is 4pm on Friday 17 May.

• Application form and guidance notes

Please address any queries to Clare Canning, Knowledge Exchange and Impact Officer (clare.canning@manchester.ac.uk) — or, before 29 April, to Carly Chadwick (carly.chadwick@manchester.ac.uk).

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