Centre

Essex Centre for Experimental Social Sciences (ExCESS)

Part of Department of Economics

Eight people with their hands held out with different styles of light bulb in the palms of their hands on an orange background.

Championing experimental research in the social sciences

ExCESS is dedicated to supporting social science researchers at the University of Essex who use cutting edge experimental methods in their work. We are here to facilitate and support experimental research undertaken in the lab or in the field.


ExCESS provides world-class research facilities and technical support, essential for researchers designing experimental studies. Our work is closely affiliated with ESSEXLab, a pioneering laboratory at the University of Essex, dedicated to social science researchers and open to all members of the University community and beyond.

ExCESS grants funding for pilot research taking place in the laboratory or in the field. We also host design workshops for researchers to present their experimental designs and receive feedback before they commence data collection. Each summer we hold an experimental workshop involving leading researchers from around the world.

Dr Dennie van Dolder
"Controlled experiments are an invaluable tool for understanding human judgment and decision-making. ExCESS is an interdisciplinary centre that brings together a vibrant community of experimental researchers from across the social sciences. Our members publish in leading academic journals, influence policy, and frequently appear in the media."
Dr Dennie Van Dolder dIRECTOR Centre for experimental social science (eXcess)
Contact us
Essex Centre of Experimental Social Science (ExCESS) University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ
ESSEXLab University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ
Telephone: 01206 873034