BU Research Blog

Internal support and funding available for your public engagement event/activity. Not just for social scientists/ ESRC funding recipients.

The call for event proposals is open for the Economic and Social Research Council’s Festival of Social Science 2021.

The call closes on Friday 11 June 2021.

At the time of running this call for proposals, it is not known for certain that in-person events will be possible or practical at the time of the festival in November. As a result, you may propose either;

• An event/activity that is will be held online/remotely, or can otherwise be delivered within measures restricting events.

OR

• An in-person event or activity, with an online/remote backup plan.

About the ESRC Festival of Social Science

When

For the first time, the Festival will run for the whole month of November 2021.

What

The festival offers a fascinating insight into some of the country’s leading social science research and how it influences our social, economic and political lives – both now and in the future. The website for the 2020 Festival shows the breadth and variety of activities that are possible.

This year represents the 19^th ESRC Festival of Social Science.  Taking place over the whole month of November 2021, the festival is back at Bournemouth University for the tenth year running.

The celebration of the social sciences takes place across the UK – via public debates, conferences, workshops, interactive seminars, film screenings, exhibitions and much more.

Events can target a variety of non-academic audiences including young people, the public, third sector, business or government.

The festival provides an excellent opportunity for BU researchers to try their hand at public engagement with research.  Support for events is provided by BU’s Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team and funding of up to £1,000 is available to deliver your event.

Environment/ COP26 Theme

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) takes place in November 2021. The ESRC are particularly keen to see participating institutions hold events that combine social science with an environmental theme. In particular;

• inspiring action – what can be done to improve our environment and reduce climate change
• individual or local changes that can make a difference with respect to climate change
• relatable stories about individuals and climate change from around the world

Although encouraged, adhering to the environment/ COP26 theme is not mandatory for your proposal. Other social science themes are still welcome

How to apply

Bournemouth University is an official festival partner and will run several events as part of the festival.  Applicants should apply directly to BU’s Public Engagement team, NOT to the ESRC.

1. Download and read the applicant guidelines

2. Download and complete the application form

3. Submit your form by email to publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

The call closes on midnight Friday 11 June 2021.

If you would like to discuss your event idea, please contact the Public Engagement Team, who can support you to design your event.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to BU researchers based in the UK, and may involve any outside partners. Applicants need not be social science researchers, but the planned event/activity must feature BU social science research.

What’s involved in organising a festival event?

• Deciding on the intended outcomes and audience for your event
• Designing the format of your event
• Investigating an appropriate venue for your event that will be appropriate to your audience
• Identifying and inviting your attendees
• Advertising your event via your networks, website and social media channels
• Setting up and delivering your event on the day
• Using your social media channels to create discussion at and around your event
• Evaluating your event to see if you achieved your intended outcomes
• Celebrating your event successes – perhaps with a BU research blog post

What support is available?

The Public Engagement Team can advise and support you on all aspects of your event – from proposal stage through to delivery. We can help you with identifying and addressing your audience, planning a successful event, marketing to the right people and maximising impact. We can advise on online engagement, including choosing a platform, measuring impact online, and finding an audience. For in-person events we can advise on venues, travel, catering, registration. We can also support your event on the day – online or in-person.

The ESRC will advertise your event on their website and social media. They will also provide banners and materials for your event, if possible, to brand it as part of the Festival

Find out more

Read the Applicant Guidelines for more detail and conditions. Contact publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk with any questions.