Leicester explores ‘our working lives’ as Festival of Social Science returns
Leicester will become a hub of discovery and dialogue this month as the Festival of Social Science returns for 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.
This year’s festival theme, ‘Money, Finance and the Cost of Living’, will explore the ways that financial pressures and decisions affect our daily lives, sparking conversation and debate while offering practical ideas, information, and support for attendees.
Local events this year include:
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African and Caribbean Healthy Eating and Active Living (Saturday 17 October)
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Eat Well, Live Well: A community Health, Wellbeing and Research Priorities Event (Saturday 17 October)
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Smart Spending and Savings: Growing Financially Confident and Brewing Better Research (Thursday 22 October)
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Exploring Connections to Nature and the Cost of Living (Thursday 29 October)
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It’s Spooked Film Screening: Hereditary (16) (Thursday 29 October)
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Business Resilience and Responsible Growth Forum (Thursday 5 November)
Nationally, the Festival of Social Science will run from Saturday 17 October to Saturday 7 November.
Stian Westlake, ESRC Executive Chair, said: " Social science helps us make sense of a rapidly changing world. It gives us the evidence and insight we need to understand how people, organisations and economies work and helps us tackle some of the most important challenges we face, from managing the cost of living to improving public services and strengthening communities.
The Festival of Social Science is a chance for people across the UK to see this research in action. Through events, discussions and hands-on activities, visitors can explore new ideas, meet researchers and discover how social science contributes to better decisions and better outcomes. This year’s theme of money, finance and the cost of living speaks to issues affecting households across the country, while the festival also shines a light on topics ranging from health and education to artificial intelligence and climate change.
As a public funder of research, ESRC invests in the generation of knowledge that can improve lives, support economic growth and help the UK respond to emerging opportunities and challenges. The festival highlights the extraordinary breadth of social science research taking place across the UK and demonstrates the value of connecting that research with the people and communities it serves.
I encourage everyone to explore the programme and take part. Whether you are curious about how the economy works, interested in the future of technology, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on the world around you, the festival is an opportunity to engage with the ideas and evidence that will help shape our future."