2024 events
Organised by the Impact Funding Team, the ESRC Festival of Social Science has run at the University of Southampton since 2019. Each festival year has focused on a different theme and has produced a wide variety of events.
This year's theme is 'Our Digital Lives'. With last year's festival theme being 'Lifelong Wellbeing', which was chosen to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the NHS.
Our Changing Environment: Harnessing The Power Of Maps And People
Age: Young people aged 11-17 years and their teachers
Type: Participatory/Interactive
Host: The event will be hosted and promoted by Southampton Geospatial with Dr Sien van der Plank leading the workshop.
Date and Time (UK Time):23/10/2024 15:30 - 18:00
Southampton Geospatial Computing Facility, Building 44, Highfield Campus, University of Southampton, SO171BJ
Free - Please email Sarah Ryles at sarah.ryles@soton.ac.uk for more information or to sign-up your GCSE students.
Summary
The More than Maps project aims to inspire secondary school children of the power and importance of finding out more about our changing environment. We welcome you to join us in the Geography computer lab and lecture theatre to better understand local floods in Southampton and Somerset Levels. We will be using open access and free materials in our teaching. A team of geography researchers will be on hand to support the workshop and learn from attending geography teachers how we can further improve the materials to support you!
The event is free to attend, with refreshments provided.
Description
In 2014, record levels of rainfall were added to an already wet winter in one of England's lowest lying land areas: the Somerset Levels. This workshop will showcase the variety of research methods that physical and human geographers use to study flood disasters such the 2014 flooding at Somerset Levels, and reflect on flood challenges local to Southampton. The activities will be tailored to provide a GCSE level case study of the flood event, examining its cause and impacts, and the physical and social drivers of these. We will spend the first hour in the brand-new geography computer lab, with remote sensing researchers leading the students through a flood mapping exercise. The second half of the session we will move to a lecture theatre to focus on human factors, exploring who is affected by flooding and why.
Our Changing Environment: Harnessing The Power Of Maps And People
Discovering The Digital Humanities: Hands On Learning And Exploration
Age: People who are interested in the intersection of Humanities and technology whether that be how to study Humanities subjects using computational method or critique the role of technology in society.
Type: Participatory/Interactive
Host: Kirsten Schuster, Lecturer in Digital Humanities, University of Southampton and Luke Aspland, Digital Humanities Technician, University of Southampton.
Date and Time (UK Time):09/11/2024 11:00 - 15:00
Southampton Cultural Quarter
Free - Booking not required - Drop In Activity
Summary
Drop in to see examples of 3D-printed projects, podcasts, VR experiences, and data feminist analyses of AI platforms. Staff from the Southampton Digital Humanities Hub will be on hand to demonstrate the equipment, explain the research behind these projects, and answer any questions you may have.
Description
Explore the world of Digital Humanities at Southampton and discover how you can channel your interests in social justice through innovative digital tools and projects.
Discovering The Digital Humanities: Hands On Learning And Exploration
Raising Our Voices: Skills For LGBTQ+ Digital Storytelling
Age: Young people 16-25 and LGBTQ+ young people.
Type: Participatory/Interactive
Host: Lizzie Reed, Lecturer in Sociology and Olu Jenzen, Professor of Media and Digital Culture, University of Southampton.
Date and Time (UK Time):02/11/2024 12:00 - 16:00
John Hansard Gallery 142-144 Above Bar Street Southampton SO14 7DU 023 8059 8590 Travel info available on the website: www.jhg.art
Free
Summary
Join us for a dynamic and fun creative media storytelling workshop designed specifically for LGBTQ+ young people. Over 3-4 hours, with breaks for refreshments, you'll dive into exciting storytelling techniques and media projects.
Description
This hands-on workshop will introduce you to creative media storytelling using everyday materials like mobile phones and simple art supplies. You'll learn how to craft compelling stories about your experiences and passions, making the most of the tools and resources you have at hand.
Raising Our Voices: Skills For LGBTQ+ Digital Storytelling
Improving Private Renting In Southampton
Age: Private tenants and landlords in the city
Type: Discussion/Debate
Host: Helen Carr Professor of Property and Social Justice at the Law School at Southampton, and Dr Mark Jordan a lecturer in the law school
Date and Time (UK Time):09/11/2024 11:00 - 15:00
Southampton Cultural Quarter - TBC
Free - Booking not required - Drop In Activity
Summary
Join us to hear from experts and key stakeholders about ways to improve private renting conditions and affordability in our city. After their insights, we'll open the floor for an engaging debate where you can share your views and contribute to finding solutions.
Description
This event will explore housing conditions, enforcement and affordability in the city's private rented sector. It will review current efforts by the council to address these issues and discuss potential improvements to enhance housing standards and affordability.
Improving Private Renting In Southampton
Find Your Tranquil Routes: Tranquillity Mapping For Urban Greenspace Access And Healthier Journeys In Southampton
Age: All adults and families who use active modes of transport to move around the city.
Type: Discussion/Debate
Host: Dr. Efstathios Margaritis (GIS Analyst in GeoData Institute)
Date and Time (UK Time):09/11/2024 11:00 - 15:00
Southampton Culture Quarter -TBC
Free - Booking not required - Drop In Activity
Summary
A 15-minute talk followed by an interaction with the public to highlight potential dynamic routes based on origin and destination points defined by the audience.
Description
The aim is to help the attendees to find out alternative routes to reach their destination, which might not be the fastest, however they offer other comparative advantages related to the proximity to green spaces and a more supportive acoustic environment to enhance users' well-being
Find Your Tranquil Routes: Tranquillity Mapping For Urban Greenspace Access And Healthier Journeys In Southampton
Social Media And Politics: Research In Democracy In The Digital Age
Age: Anyone interested in research in democratic politics and social media, but the event organisers will prioritise BAME Women.
Type: Discussion/Debate
Host: Event leaders: Shepuya Famwang, Teaching Fellow, Digital Media, University of Southampton) and Wonuola Okonnu (Lecturer, Politics, Bournemouth University)
Date and Time (UK Time):01/11/2024 10:30 - 15:30
Business and Intellectual Property Centre Southampton, Central Library, Civic Centre, Southampton SO14 7LW
Free
Summary
10:00-10:30 - Set-up and Arrival of participants
10:30-10:40 - Introductions
10:40-11:40 - First presentation on research in democratic politics in the digital age, and the significance of social media and digital media in the most recent UK electoral campaigns.
11:40-12:10 - Lunch
12:10-13:10 - Second presentation on research in social media and democratic politics with emphasis on the forms of participatory politics such as social movements.
13:10-13:20 - Comfort Break
13:20-13:40 - Introduction to content analysis
14:40-15:10 - Workshop on content analysis - a research method.
15:10-15:20 - Questions and closing remarks
Description
This event will explore how social media can be a powerful tool for democracy. We will consider two core themes in research in social media and democratic politics in the digital age - electoral campaigns and participatory politics. The event will also introduce beginner friendly content analysis - a research method in the social sciences. By attending, you'll discover the significance of social media to democracy and how research in the social sciences allows identifies the way social media has been harnessed for democracy.
Social Media And Politics: Research In Democracy In The Digital Age
Make Your Place: Innovating For Sustainable Futures
Age: This event is for people of all ages who are interested in sustainability, the future of work and organisations, and their local communities. We especially welcome inventors, creators, people who have good ideas, and people who want to make their place a better place.
Type: Participatory/Interactive
Host: Sian Campbell, Senior Enterprise Fellow, University of Southampton.
Date and Time (UK Time):26/10/2024 10:00 - 15:00
09/11/2024 11:00 - 16:00
The Donkey Sanctuary, Isle of Wight, Lower Winstone Farm, Ventnor PO38 3AA
Free - Booking not required - Drop In Activity
Summary
Five-hour drop-in activity where participants can envision the future of the Isle of Wight or Southampton (depending on location). You'll brainstorm ideas for products, services, and initiatives that support the local sustainability and economy, then bring these concepts to life by building them in LEGO. Your creations will be placed on a large 2m x 1.4m map, allowing you to explore future possibilities for work, careers, sectors, and businesses. This interactive event encourages creative thinking and offers a hands-on way to engage with the future of your community.
Description
The challenge invites young people to reimagine their town or city and explore how they can actively contribute to its future. Through this creative process, you'll brainstorm innovative ideas for products, services, and initiatives that could transform your community into a better place. Along the way, you'll discover exciting opportunities that might be available to you!
Make Your Place: Innovating For Sustainable Futures
Oh Honey! A Work-in-Progress Puppetry Performance About Infertility
Age: Wide range of people, including LGBTQ+ individuals seeking parenthood.
Type: Participatory/Interactive,Other
Host: Chi Ying Lam, Lecturer of Community Music and Social Justice, University of Southampton
Date and Time (UK Time):07/11/2024 12:00 - 16:00
09/11/2024 10:30 - 16:30
John Hansard Gallery, 142, 144 Above Bar St, Southampton SO14 7DU (https://jhg.art/visit/)
Free - Booking not required - Drop In Activity
Summary
A work-in-progress installation of elements from "Oh, Honey," a puppetry performance about bees and infertility. The piece will last 20 minutes, followed by unstructured group drawing activities where attendees can express and share their reflections on the performance. You are welcome to come and go as you like during this time.
Description
Infertility affects 1 in 6 adults globally, and in the UK, 1 in 4 cases have unknown causes. This issue impacts a wide range of people, including LGBTQ+ individuals seeking parenthood. This work-in-progress installation is part of a larger project aimed at raising awareness of this significant yet often overlooked issue, acknowledging the emotional toll infertility can take, such as feelings of sadness, isolation, and frustration.
By blending art with personal stories, we aim to create a space for discussion and expression, helping those affected by infertility feel less alone. Join us as we explore how art can illuminate the challenges of infertility, offering both understanding and community support.
Performance Times: 12:00, 14:30 and 16:00
Additionally hosting a display as part of University of Southampton's Hands-on Humanities Day on 09/11/2024.
Oh Honey! A Work-in-Progress Puppetry Performance About Infertility
Explainable AI: What Is It And Why Should You Care?
Age: This event will be of particular interest to those interested in understanding explainable AI and those interested in the law and ethics of AI.
Type: Participatory/Interactive
Host: Michael Da Silva is an Associate Professor and Napoleon Xanthoulis is a Lecturer in the University of Southampton School of Law. Dr. Xanthoulis is a Co-Director of the Law and Technology Centre. Dr. Da Silva is on the Academic Advisory Board of the Web Science Institute. They jointly teach the AI Governance Module in the School of Law's LLM Programme.
Date and Time (UK Time):21/10/2024 19:00 - 20:30
Room 135/2063, Sir James Matthews Building, 157-187 Above Bar St, Southampton SO14 7NN
Free
Summary
A salon-style discussion on 'explainable AI,' featuring insights from a multidisciplinary panel of experts: a computer scientist, a philosopher, and a lawyer, all specializing in aspects of explainable AI. Moderated by a member of the Law and Technology Centre, the first 20-25 minutes will cover the fundamentals of explainable AI, its significance, and governance issues. The remaining 45-55 minutes will be dedicated to engaging with the audience through comments and questions.
Description
In this engaging session, you'll get a clear introduction to explainable AI - how it works, the types of tools available, and their limitations - and why it matters. The facilitated discussion with a computer scientist, a philosopher, and a legal scholar will demystify the black box problem and assess whether explainable AI can resolve related issues. You'll leave with a better understanding of how explainable AI impacts everyday decisions and an opportunity to ask experts your questions. This session is a great chance to explore the future of AI and its practical implications for your life.
