Festival highlights issues shaping society

The talks, exhibitions and workshops are part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science, which runs from 3 to 10 November across the UK.

Showcasing research

The events will explore topics including understanding inequalities, mental health and human bonding.

All events are free and most are open to the public.

Interactive events

An art exhibition and a lecture at the Macdonald Road Library in Leith will spotlight a study exploring the experiences of migrant children starting primary school.

Research into how and why people bond with others is the focus of an event with the Living Memory Association at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.

It will feature activities for children and families including ceilidh dances and arts and crafts.

A workshop at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh will consider how the social services can work with fathers and improve outcomes for families in child welfare cases.   

Wide-ranging programme

A study of inequality trends in Glasgow over the past 20 years – in areas such as educational attainment, crime and income levels – will be presented in an event at the Lighthouse in Glasgow.

An interactive workshop at the University exploring how statistics can be better used to understand inequalities in society is available for teachers and senior secondary pupils.

Artist Paul Michael Henry is presenting a live dance performance which will explore and reflect on the issue of men and mental health.

It will be followed by a roundtable discussion at North Edinburgh Arts Community with academics specialising in gender and mental health, and representatives from local mental health charities.

A practical two-day event for 10-18 year olds and their parents, designed to teach children and young people the value of money and entrepreneurship is taking place at the University of Edinburgh Business School.  

National festival

The ESRC Festival features more than 300 events.

• The University's programme of events
• The full programme of the Festival of Social Science

You can also join the discussion on Twitter using #esrcfestival

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