The ESRC Festival of Social Science takes place each autumn, inviting social sciences researchers to share their work, and engage new audiences with topics that play an important role in shaping their lives. You can find out more about past events at the University of Exeter via our recent blog: Highlights from the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025.
This year’s festival addresses prescient issues through its theme ‘Money, Finance and the Cost of Living’, and will explore these through a varied programme ranging from workshops and journalling, to walking tours. This October and November, the University will play host to six separate projects, each sharing new insights into how social sciences research can shape how we think about, and thrive within, our communities.
Truro 2035: A Guided Tour – 21st October-5th November
What is the future of our historic cities against a landscape of changing costs, climate, and community connections? Peter Lefort, of the University’s Green Futures Network, will be offering a tour of Truro alongside academic and storyteller, Dr Matt Veller. At dates across October and November, attendees can visit sites from the city’s past, while reflecting on its future. To find out more, and book onto a tour, visit Truro 2035: A Guided Tour | Events | Festival of Social Science.
How to Depend on Ourselves and Each Other: Foraging, Fermenting, and Working Together with What We Have – 24th October
Attendees can build their skills in activities such as foraging and fermenting, while exploring the value of connection and community in a time of food and environmental insecurity. Organised by researcher Yudi Wu, the event draws together wide-reaching expertise, bringing people together for walking workshops, activities, and talks in the centre of Exeter. More information, including details of how to book your place, can be found at How to Depend on Ourselves and Each Other: Foraging, Fermenting, and Working Together with What We Have | Events | Festival of Social Science.
Exe-pression: An Evening of Written and Spoken Reflection – 1st November
Drawing on the contemplative quality of these dark autumnal evenings, Exe-pression creates a space for attendees to reflect together through journalling and a speaking circle. Take the prompts given and use the evening to express yourself creatively, in a supportive environment led by researcher, Dr Caitlin Kight, from the School of Education. You can book onto the workshop, or simply find out more, at Exe-pression: an evening of written and spoken reflection | Events | Festival of Social Science.
Data for Impact: Using Evidence to Build More Resilient and Responsible Businesses – 4th November
Hosted by B Local Cornwall, with contributions from the University of Exeter Business School, community members, and business leaders, this session provides businesses with an opportunity to explore their sustainable futures, sharing their thoughts on the future of sustainable business in Cornwall. Anyone with an interest in sustainable business is welcome to attend, and can find out more and book via Data for Impact: Using Evidence to Build More Resilient and Responsible Businesses | Events | Festival of Social Science.
Unravelling the Cost of EU Compliance – for Fashion Brands and Retailers – 5th November
How much do clothes really cost? And what does this mean for fashion businesses? In this session led by Dr Vinayak Sharma from the University’s Business School, attendees will hear from the perspective of brands, retailers, and researchers about circular economy principles, and the changes to help the industry adapt to changing regulations. Those with an interest in this topic, and its particular relevance to south west businesses, can find out more at Unravelling the Cost of EU Compliance – for Fashion Brands and Retailers | Events | Festival of Social Science.
Food Insecurity & Wellbeing: Collage and Visual Arts Workshop – 6th November
The final event in the University’s ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026 programme is a workshop from Dr Akansha Naraindas, using creative approaches to address societal issues. Photography and collage-making will provide participants with an outlet to explore questions around food insecurity, and our relationships with food and our bodies, all against the landscape of the cost-of-living crisis. Those interested can learn more, and book their free space, via Food Insecurity & Wellbeing: Collage and Visual Arts Workshop | Events | Festival of Social Science.
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We look forward to seeing these events take shape, and bring social sciences research to the south west this autumn. We’ll be sharing further updates via our LinkedIn page, and be sure to keep an eye on the ESRC FOSS website for more information.
