Take part in ‘Society from your Sofa' thanks to Lancaster University's part in national festival

The event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2020 (FoSS) funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation.

The national festival is an annual celebration of the social sciences and a key element of ESRC’s commitment to promote awareness of UK social science research to new audiences.

This year, with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, it will be a digital-first event, to be held from November 7 to 15 and will feature exciting and creative events run by 34 partners.

A host of exciting events have been organised by Lancaster University including:

*Coming live from Lancaster University on November 8 (2pm to 4pm) Dr Robert E. Gutsche Jr will explore the world of fake news and why we sometimes believe it.

*Dr Lisa Morriss’s ‘Marking Motherhood’ sessions on November 7 and 14 (2pm to 3pm) will examine the tattoos of mothers living apart from their children and what they mean.

*On November 14 (7pm to 9.30pm) Dr Nicola Harding from Lancaster University Law School and the makers of a Channel 4 TV programme present a unique opportunity to hear from four amazing speakers about their relationship with crime and how they use these experiences to create change today.

*A ‘Crafternoon’ presented by Professor Rebecca Whittle’s on November 13 (noon to 2pm) is all about the intersection of craft and sustainability. It's for anyone who makes, mends or cares about the environment.

For the full Lancaster University lineup, go online here

The events shaping our world, from Brexit and coronavirus, to geopolitical tensions and civic protests, reveal how social science is more important than ever to understanding the world.

From big ideas to the most detailed observations, social science affects us all everyday – at work, in school, when raising children, within our communities, from the personal and local, to the national and global level.

The ESRC Festival of Social Science 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.

Discover how it shapes public policy and contributes to making the economy more competitive, as well as giving people a better understanding of 21st-century society.

Prof Jennifer Rubin, the ESRC Executive Chair, said: ““Many economic and social researchers value the opportunity to share how their work helps us to better understand people, businesses, institutions, communities and wider social phenomena, and to inform decisions that can affect millions of lives.

“We hope these events raise awareness about how research can improve outcomes across society, inspiring some young people to pursue a career in research, and others to draw on research to understand people and the world around us."

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement at Lancaster University, Prof Dame Sue Black, said: “The Festival of Social Science offers an inspiring opportunity to surf society from the comfort and safety of our sofa. If you haven't experienced the festival before, now is a perfect chance to think about what really matters in our world and how we safeguard it for the future.”

2020 will be the 18th Festival of Social Science. Predominantly virtual events, held across the UK, will allow everyone, from school children to politicians, to take part in and hear about social science research at the festival's many engaging events. For more information go onlinehere