Essex takes on tough questions for ESRC Festival of Social Science

How can asylum seekers contribute to society? How much do we really know about the UK’s super rich? How can we improve language learning in our primary schools? How can we connect our communities more effectively? How do we police driverless cars? What does Brexit really mean for the UK?

The University of Essex is making sure next week is packed with events in Essex and London taking on these big issues at the heart of UK society as part of the national ESRC Festival of Social Science 2019 from 2-9 November.

From film screenings, exhibitions and workshops, to debates and hands-on experiences, these events showcase cutting-edge research from the University of Essex – one of the UK’s leading universities for the social sciences.

Join the biggest celebration of social science this year, meet innovative speakers from the University of Essex and listen to some of the brightest ideas shaping our world today.

Professor John Preston, Deputy Dean of Research for the Faculty of Social Sciences at Essex, said: “Our research at Essex is all about asking daring questions and offering powerful insights into the complex challenges our society faces. This is the biggest programme of events we’ve ever organised for the Festival and we’re looking forward to people coming along to find out more about the issues impacting on their everyday lives.”

All of the events are free, open to the public and suitable for all ages and walks of life. If you're looking for inspiring experiences to inform and entertain, this is your chance to meet the experts and join the debate.

Programme

Full details of events are available at: www.essex.ac.uk/event-series/festival-of-social-science

Colchester events

Wednesday 6 November - Surveillance and security in the digital age

Dr Katerina Hadjimatheou hosts debate at Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester

Wednesday 6 November - Brexit live!

Essex academics debate the big issues surrounding Brexit at Firstsite, Colchester

Wednesday 6 November - Fake news versus reality

Interactive teaching session at Colchester Academy, Colchester

Wednesday 6 November - Who cares?

Dr Bethany Morgan Brett hosts specialist panel at University of Essex, Colchester Campus

Wednesday 6 November - Time budgets and exhaustive economic accounts

Professor Jonathan Gershuny gives Institute for Social and Economic Research Anniversary Seminar at the University of Essex, Colchester Campus

Southend events

Wednesday 6 November - Connected communities: Building resilience in communities near you

Dr Gina Yannitell Reinhardt leads seminar at the University of Essex, Southend Campus

Wednesday 6 November - Evaluating the impact of public services

An event by Dr Gina Yannitell Reinhardt leads workshop at the University of Essex, Southend Campus

Friday 8 and Saturday 9 of November - Autism and the world of work

Dr Caleb Kwong hosts exhibition at the University of Essex, Southend Campus

Saturday 9 November - Language and the future

Dr Kyle Jerro leads a series of talks at Firstsite, Colchester

London events

Monday 4 November - People seeking asylum and voluntary sector workplaces

Dr Zibiah Loakthar hosts panel discussion at Voluntary Action Islington, London

Tuesday 5 November - Inequality and the very rich: What do we know?

Professor Mike Brewer is part of panel at Broadway House, London

Friday 8 November - Ecotopias: Imagining ecological communities

Dr Rhiannon Firth hosts panel discussion at Resource for London, Holloway Road

Friday 8 November - Driverless vehicles in fatal accidents: Who's to blame?

Dr Kakia Chatsiou hosts public discussion at Senate House Library, London

Saturday 9 November - Primary languages policy in England

Professor Florence Myles and Bernadette Holmes MBE are organising this event alongside fellow members of the Research in Primary Languages (RiPL) Network.on at The Institute of Education, University College London.