ESRC Festival of Social Science returns for 2022!

by | May 24, 2022 | Events, Funding Opportunities, Uncategorised | 0 comments

Once again the University of Manchester will be participating in the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences (FoSS)! 

The 2022 Festival will run Saturday 22nd October – Sunday 13th November 2022 with events running throughout the festival period.

As in previous years, we will partner with Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford to form the Greater Manchester Festival Hub, although event organisers are welcome to partner with any suitable organisation.

What is FoSS?

The aim of FoSS is to showcase Manchester’s social science research to a broad non-academic audience, and this year the theme of the Festival is: My Local Area. However, if you have a brilliant idea for an event that is not linked to the theme that is absolutely fine. The ESRC have only asked that 25% of our total festival offering be dedicated to the theme, so there is plenty of scope for a diverse range of topics.

Why I love FoSS:

As the organiser of the Festival for UoM, the most exciting thing for me is the opportunity it offers to showcase the amazing Social Science research that is happening at the University of Manchester to a wider community because our researchers work tirelessly to create real world impact and are at the forefront of critical social change; but we don’t always have the time and space available to share the work we are passionate about. Luckily, since 2021 FoSS has become a hybrid model festival, with events allowed to be hosted in-person, online, or a blend of the two. This has offered event leaders the opportunity to breakdown physical/geographical boundaries like never before. 

Who can apply?

Any researcher can apply to hold their event under the Festival banner, including PhD students. Applications can be made for up to £1000 sponsorship from the University of Manchester per event. As always with FoSS, our funding decisions will prioritise engagement with groups outside of academia (e.g. children, young people, third sector organisations, the general public. Businesses, local government and policy makers will also be considered). The ESRC has expressed a particular interest in supporting events that engage children and young people for 2022. 

For inspiration and ideas for the kind of event you might run, you can find out about the 2021 events via a short video: www.esrcmanchesterfest.ac.uk

Event leader guidelines and the FoSS22 application form be found at https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/social-sciences/research/esrc-festival/ from 24th May 2022.

If you have any queries, please do let me know: hannah.clark@manchester.ac.uk 

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