Running from 17 October to 7 November 2026, the Festival of Social Science 2026 will explore the theme of money, finance and the cost of living through a diverse programme of free events, workshops and discussions.

The University of Manchester is inviting the public to take part in this year’s ESRC Festival of Social Science, a nationwide celebration of research that brings academic ideas beyond the lecture theatre and into local communities.  

Designed for people of all ages and backgrounds, the Festival will examine how financial pressures shape everyday life and how social science research can help us better understand the challenges facing individuals, families and communities. From conversations about generosity and fairness to discussions on bereavement costs, education, data and financial decision-making, the programme highlights the real-world impact of social science research.  

Professor Miriam Ronzoni, Social Responsibility Lead for the School of Social Sciences, emphasised the importance of this year’s theme: “Our former Mayor and current Prime Minister told his first cabinet, ‘we need to be a cost of living government’, which is absolutely laudable. But we can only fix what we understand, and understanding how people live and why the cost of living crisis hits us hard is what the social sciences actually do.”

This year’s events include opportunities to explore how children learn about money and fairness, whether generosity can survive periods of economic uncertainty, and the hidden financial and emotional costs of bereavement.  

Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities during half-term, opportunities for professional development, or simply a chance to explore the issues shaping society today, the Festival of Social Science offers something for everyone.  

• See the full programme.