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Events

Festival of Social Science 2026

17 October – 17 November 2026

The University of Leicester will host a variety of free public events, offering a first-hand experience and thought-provoking discussions on the world of social science. The events form part of a national programme of activities, organised by the Economics and Social Research Council (ESRC), to celebrate the impact and relevance of economics and social science in everyday life.

About this event

The ESRC Festival of Social Science (FoSS) 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 the festival is being held from 17 October to 7 November 2026 and features exciting and creative events across the UK.

The festival consists of a mix of virtual and face-to-face events, held across the UK, which will allow everyone to take part in, and hear about social science research at the festival's many engaging events.

As part of the FoSS the University of Leicester are holding a range of free events across the city, led by our academics, which will address some of the most vital issues facing society today from health and wellbeing to exploring the challenges faced by small businesses, along with films and discussions including exploring childhood, family and health on screen with a screening of ‘Hereditary’.

To find out more about events taking place in Leicester, and across the UK, please visit the links below or alternatively contact [email protected] or follow us on X at @LeicesterSocSci.

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