What is it?
It is coordinated and supported centrally by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for most of the UK however Aberdeen is one of six festival hubs, giving us more autonomy with the programme and the inclusion of both supported, and self-funded, events.
Who can present?
The festival is open to anyone to submit an activity proposal but submissions must offer insight into social science, including research, its impact, relevance and how it influences society, economics and policy. Researchers in areas of the social sciences, including postgraduate and early career researchers, and particularly encouraged to explore the festival, as a pathway to their engagement, dissemination or impact plans associated with research projects.
Where does the festival take place?
Events can take place anywhere and usually the locations are chosen as part of the activity design and as part of the submission process. The University can host local events on campus or with partners or in a public setting and are happy to offer advice and support. The public facing page for previous festivals can be found here.
Is it for me, and how to I take part?
If you are researching in areas of the social sciences and interested in engaging with a public audience then the festival is something to consider. As outlined above, the Public Engagement with Research Unit has collaborated with the ESRC to make Aberdeen a regional hub for the festival moving forward. We will coordinate event submissions, whether requesting support or not.
We have a modest budget to help support events however we ask applicants to demonstrate a level of matched funding, and expect those applications that have funding already secured within ESRC or other grants, to contribute funding to their activity proposals.
Apply to run an event at the festival!
Please contact peru@abdn.ac.uk if you would like to participate.