The ESRC Festival of Social Science is an annual UK-wide celebration of the social sciences. This year, our programme of free events will be taking place from 21 October – 11 November 2024
Join us for a series of engaging and interactive events across Birmingham exploring topics from wellbeing and gaming and the phenomenon of Taylor Swift to AI and democracy and technology in care.
Wednesday 23 October, 6.30-8.00pm
The Bramall Concert Hall, University of Birmingham
Taylor Swift stands as a remarkable global icon, wielding influence across music, image, politics, and advocacy spanning almost two decades. We welcome you to join us for an evening of live music and a series of talks unravelling the extraordinary influence that Taylor Swift has had on popular culture. From exploring how her fame exposes society’s complex views on women and misogyny, revealing how her lyrics foster community and can be read as poetry, and uncovering the economic power of "Swiftonomics", this promises to be an inspiring event that will delve deep into the legacy of one of the most influential figures of our time.
Monday 21 October, 5.30-6.30pm
Online via Zoom
The use of physical force in Wales and Scotland within the home has been abolished. It is still legal in England to smack a child if it is ‘reasonable punishment’. The topic of this talk is the history of corporal punishment of children. We’ll be discussing public and political views of corporal punishment, exploring the divisory and contradictory opinions and justifications across the nineteenth- and twentieth-century. As well as the changes to corporal punishment over time and across different contexts, the talk will explore differences according to demographics. The talk will be split into three sections focused on corporal punishment within: the criminal justice system (both judicial and within institution); educational setting; and the family home.
Wednesday 23 October, 12.30-2.00pm
The Assembly Room, The Exchange, 3 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2DR
How are AI robots changing the future of care? Technology is often seen as a simple fix for issues like staff shortages and care quality, but there's more to the story. This panel event will share real-life insights from care sector experts and homecare providers, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of using digital tools in caregiving. Panelists will also consider how AI robots are changing the future of care, and what this means for society as a whole.
Thursday 24 October, 6.00-9.00pm (gaming and networking 7.30-9.00pm)
Sliced and Diced, 850 Bristol Rd, Birmingham, B29 6HW
Fancy a game? Join us for an evening of games and talks, followed by a panel session, from industry experts and academics as they explore the impact of video games on our mental health, how they serve as a form of escapism, and the societal and ethical implications of games. Attendees will gain insights into the ways games shape our understanding of reality, influence emotional health, and reflect broader societal issues – as well as have the chance to network and enjoy some video and board games!
Monday 28 October, 1.15-2.45pm
Midlands Art Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH
We’re inviting children and families to join us for an interactive workshop exploring the importance of responsible consumption and recycling. Attendees will have the chance to take part in interactive quizzes and games, group discussions, and make use of digital resources to design their own eco-sticker and slogan.
Monday 28 October, 3.15-4.15pm
Midlands Art Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH
This event will bring together families for a workshop where they can create their own digital artefact, from a family blog to a digital storybook. Families will have the opportunity to get creative together, as well as learn more about responsible digital sharing and safe use of online spaces.
Wednesday 30 October, 6.00-7.30pm
The Exchange, 3 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2DR
With a record number of people participating in democratic elections in 2024, this conversation will take a global perspective, examining how AI is influencing elections worldwide. Join expert academics for a series of talks exploring how AI is transforming news sharing – and its role in spreading – and fighting – disinformation globally.
Thursday 7 November, 5.00-7.00pm
G11, Alan Walters Building, University of Birmingham
How close are we to having our own version of Marvel’s Jarvis or Star Wars’ C-3PO? At this event, we will explore how today’s lived experiences of AI are bringing us closer to the AI companions we’ve seen throughout science fiction through talks from our academics.
Thursday 7 November, 10.00am-1.00pm
UG07, Murray Learning Centre, University of Birmingham
With easier access to the internet comes easier access to adult material. Safe and open spaces are needed for young people to explore and unpick the things that they may have intentionally and unintentionally seen. We’re bringing together academics and experts in online safety to consider the impact of pornography and what can be done to keep young people safe online through talks and an open discussion forum.
Monday 11 November, 18:00-19:15
The Great Hall, University of Birmingham
Michael Rosen will deliver the 2024 Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture.
Michael is a beloved British writer and performance poet for both children and adults. He earned his first degree from Wadham College, Oxford, followed by an MA and PhD. Currently, he is a Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he co-devised and teaches an MA in the field.
Register with code: ESRC24