BU Research Blog

The Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) Festival of Social Science returns for 2016 and BU will again be hosting events as a partner institution.  This means students and staff from BU who wish to run events will be invited to submit their applications for event directly to us, rather than going through the national competitive process.  Applications will be judged by an internal panel who will decide which events will run, and additionally the amount of funding they will be awarded.

What is the ESRC Festival of Social Science?

The festival is an annual event, this year running from 5 – 12 November, that celebrates social science and provides an insight into some of the country’s leading research and how that impacts our social, economic and political lives.  Events can be almost anything, just a few examples from previous years have included: public debates, lectures, exhibitions (both physical and virtual), film screenings and interactive workshops.

Find out more here and take a look at national past events here

What information should I be aware of whilst developing the concept for my event and completing my application?

The ESRC’s website provides a wealth of information for potential event organisers.  In particular you should read the applicant guidelines before submitting your application as we will only accept events that abide by these conditions.  Especially important to note are the restrictions on funding as this year the maximum amount that can be awarded to events is £,1000. This is lower than previous years and is not a specific restriction based on BU, but a condition for all applications.

Additionally the information contained in this Event Organisers Guide may also be of interest to you.

How do I apply to run my event?

In order to apply to run your event, please download our application form from the I-drive – I:\R&KEO\Public\ESRC Festival of Social Science Applications and return it to FestivalofSocialScience@bournemouth.ac.uk before 4pm Friday 20 May. If you do not have access to the I-drive (for example if you’re working off site) then please email us to request a copy of the form.

Further information:

To discuss your event idea and how to maximise engagement with your research feel free to email me – Naomi Kay, Public Engagement Officer.