The call for event proposals is now open for the Economic and Social Research Council’s Festival of Social Science 2019.

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.

This year represents the 17^th ESRC Festival of Social Science.  Taking place from Saturday 2 – Saturday 9 November 2019, the festival is back in Bournemouth for the eighth year running.

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

How to apply

Bournemouth University is an official festival partner and will run a minimum of 10 events as part of the festival.  Applicants should apply directly to BU’s Public Engagement team, NOT via the ESRC.  

Please download the application form here.

Before completing the application form, please ensure you’ve read through the applicant guidelines available on the ESRC website.

The call closes on Friday 24 May. Please send your completed application form to publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk.

If you’d like to discuss your event idea, please contact BU’s Engagement Officer Adam Morris who can support you to design your event.

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?

BU’s Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team can support you with designing your event, including identifying your audience and thinking about your outcomes.  We will support successful applicants with booking venues and catering, arranging speaker travel and accommodation, and purchasing any materials for the event.  We will advertise your event as part of the Festival through the BU website and social media channels, and we will set up an Eventbrite link for registrations. We will also produce and circulate printed marketing materials to encourage attendance. We will be present on the day to support event set-up, registration and to ensure the event runs smoothly.

The ESRC will advertise your event on their website and social media, and in their printed programme which contains all events across the UK. They will also provide banners and materials for your event to brand it as part of the Festival.