The UK’s biggest celebration of social science research returns this October for its 23rd year. The aim of the festival is to show how social science is key to understanding the world around us.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Festival of Social Science is an annual celebration of the social sciences.
This year the festival is being held from 18 October to 8 November 2025 and features hundreds of free events across the UK for both children and adults, run by 41 universities and research institutes.
In Northern Ireland, Queen’s and Ulster University have come together to curate and create an entertaining and informative programme of 18 talks, workshops and exhibitions. This diverse programme highlights the breadth and quality of social science research conducted by academics and researchers across the many social science disciplines at both universities.
A number of Festival events explore how our jobs, and our working lives, are evolving. With rapid advances in technology, the workplace has transformed dramatically over the past 100 years. But one thing remains constant: people want access to good jobs that are safe, healthy and provide a decent standard of living. Join us as we explore what the future of work could look like and how we can shape it together.
There are also events on a huge range of other topics, including health and wellbeing, the environment, crime and justice, and equality.
Stian Westlake, ESRC Executive Chair, said:
The ESRC Festival of Social Science showcases how the research we fund helps bring about positive change across society, the economy, and individual lives. With hundreds of free events across the UK and online, we hope you enjoy exploring the vital work of the UK’s world-class social scientists.
For further details and to register for an event in NI, please visit: https://ESRCFestivalNI-2025.eventbrite.com All events are free to attend.
QPol is the ‘front door’ for public policy engagement at Queen’s University Belfast, supporting academics and policymakers in sharing evidence-based research and ideas on the major social, cultural and economic challenges facing society regionally, nationally and beyond. Website: qpol.qub.ac.uk Email: [email protected]
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