University of Stirling academics take social science festival to three Scottish cities

A scientific walk through nature. A technology taster session for older people. And seeing life through the lens of autism. These are just some of the topics covered in this year’s Festival of Social Science, organised by the University of Stirling.

Ten free public events will take place across three Scottish cities from October 19 to November 7, in a festival that aims to share social science with local communities. 

Launched last year, the Festival of Social Science has grown significantly, with University of Stirling academics this year taking their events to libraries, galleries and community centres across Stirling, Dunfermline and Edinburgh. Additionally, public events will take place on the University of Stirling campus and in nearby Dunblane.

Some of this year’s highlights include:

• Science of Steps – a creative walk through nature revealing the science behind the benefits of a short stroll. Venue: University of Stirling campus.
• After the Landslide: Where next for UK politics and policy? – a talk and panel debate hosted by Dr Coree Brown Swan and Dr Sean Kippin of the University of Stirling’s Politics department. Venue: Smith Art Gallery & Museum, Stirling.
• Autism through an autistic lens – a talk and photography exhibition which aim to bust common myths and stereotypes about autism. Venue: Stirling Central Library.
• Technology taster session for seniors. Anyone over the age of 65 can try an array of digital technologies. Venue: Braeport Centre, Dunblane
• Our Digital Bodies – exploring current and future uses of biometrics, which sees our bodies being digitised and tracked through fingerprints, smartphones, face scanning and wearable devices. Venue: Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries.
• Hidden Histories – Digital approaches to the ‘lost’ stories of Alloa - a photographic and sound-based exhibition based on an oral history project by Alloa Academy pupils that brings the town's past to life. Venue: The Alloa Hub.

A participant at last year's Festival of Social Science, organised by the University of Stirling.

The University of Stirling is world-renowned for its work in social science; it is ranked 3rd in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK for education, 1st in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK for Criminology, and in the Top 10 for Social Policy*.

The University of Stirling festival programme is supported by the Stirling Social Science Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) which promotes the social science research collaborations with partners and communities.  The event is part of the UK-wide Festival of Social Science 2024 and was made possible thanks to funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Dr Hannah Graham, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Stirling and part of the team organising the Festival, said: “We’re excited to be bringing the Festival of Social Science to communities in central Scotland for the second year. The aim of the Festival is to celebrate and explore social science and let people see for themselves how it makes a difference to their everyday lives. This year we’re focusing on interactive, participatory events and topics which will have people of all ages learning, thinking and, importantly, having fun.”

Stian Westlake, ESRC Executive Chair, said: "The ESRC Festival of Social Science offers a unique insight into UK social science research and its relevance to individuals, society and the economy. There are hundreds of free events taking place across the UK and online, including at the University of Stirling. We hope you enjoy the events and finding out more about social scientists’ work."

For a list of all events and more information visit www.stir.ac.uk/events/2024-25/esrc-festival-of-social-science-2024/

Find out more about the UK-wide 2024 Festival of Social Science at festivalofsocialscience.com