Queen’s University welcomes applications for events to take place from 18 October - 8 November 2025.

Deadline is 12 noon on Monday 2 June 2025. There will be an Introduction to the Festival of Social Science session on 8th May at 12 noon, held online.  If you are interested in attending the session, please email esrciaa@qub.ac.uk 

The UK-wide Festival aims to open up social science research to new audiences by showing how this research has an influence on our everyday lives. 

All event types are welcome – talks, exhibitions, quizzes, performances, craft activities, debates, pop-up stalls… Events can be live or hybrid. Events based on new research and involving Early Career Researchers are particularly welcome.

We welcome applications that are based on research that relate to ESRC's disciplines of social science and the theme for this year's Festival is Our Working Lives (please note that proposals aren’t limited to fitting the festival theme).

Successful applicants will be awarded up to £750 for their event. 

To apply, simply complete the online form. For further information see the submission guidelines below, or contact Lynne Gault at esrciaa@qub.ac.uk

You should also read the ESRC Event Leader Pack and ESRC Event Leader Job Description. FAQs are also available. 

Submission Guidelines 

All event proposals must meet the following criteria:

• be aimed at a non-academic audience (especially public and youth audiences)
• be held during the ESRC Festival of Social Science
• fit with the aims and objectives of the Festival as above
• feature social science (with involvement of a social scientist)
• be free to attend.

What costs are eligible?

You can apply for a maximum of £750 to contribute to the cost of running your event. Eligible costs include:

• Materials and material production (e.g. filming, editing, animation, design etc.)
• Platform costs
• Venue hire 
• If considering refreshments, please speak to the team first
• If you have other costs, please contact Lynne on esrciaa@qub.ac.uk to discuss.
  
  

What costs are not eligible?

• Salaried staff costs
• Costs for speakers’ fees
• Payments to staff
• Payments or prizes to attendees
• Alcohol and substantial food and beverage offerings. Tea/coffee are allowed. 
• Travel costs for speakers (travel costs for attendees who may not otherwise be able to attend are eligible, e.g. bus hire for schools) 
• Merchandise 

Can I apply to run an event with a collaborator/partner?
Yes. You should include details of any committed collaborators/partners in your application.

I am not an ESRC-funded researcher, can I still apply for funding?
Yes. Previous ESRC funding is not required. Your event will need to include social science research and at least one social science researcher.