This celebratory event toasted our past and present event holders, who showcased some of their events during the evening.
Our events related to the theme Social Sciences: Creating Purpose. Focusing on the importance of social sciences in the work of the University and ESRC researchers in building international and local communities, this year’s festival looked at creating ‘purpose’ and how it can influence our work, how we build communities and live our everyday lives.
The Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) Festival of Social Science offers a fascinating insight into some of the country's leading social science research and how it influences our social, economic and political lives - both now and in the future. The University has hosted a festival as part of the ESRC’s annual programme since 2014.
Proceedings were launched by Professor Judith Petts CBE, our Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, who provided an overview of social sciences at the University. Professor Nikolaos Tzokas, Dean of the Faculty of Business provided an insight into the impact of social sciences. We were also pleased to be supported by Anna Batson, Training and Research Manager from Plymouth Music Zone. Plymouth Music Zone is an award winning music charity that believes passionately in the power of music to reach out and help transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable children, young people and adults across Plymouth and beyond. Anna presented an overview of the charitable work conducted by Plymouth Music Zone and her role working with research partners. Anna described how Plymouth Music Zone and the University's social science researchers have collaborated on projects.
Attendees then had the opportunity to enjoy canapés, good company and displays of past and present events. This year we were joined by partner organisations who have worked with our social scientists.