The Festival of Social Science (FoSS) is an annual celebration of research and knowledge about humans and society that has been running since 2002! It runs every Autumn (usually across October and November). It is an opportunity for anyone to explore topics relating to social science – from health and wellbeing to crime, equality, education and identity – through events run by researchers from UK universities. Attendance to all FoSS events is free, and most are open to everyone, though some are aimed at specific groups.

The festival is led and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which supports research and training in social science subjects.

Applications for FoSS 2025 will open in May 2025 and project funds of up to £500 will be considered.

To join in with The University of Manchester offering, or to find out more information please contact Carly.Fletcher@manchester.ac.uk 

Below are three recent examples of University of Manchester led events: