Social science research plays an important role in our society. We believe that by raising public awareness of the social sciences and encouraging their involvement in both social and science-related research this will translate into real benefits for society and individuals.

Our aims are:

• to continue to initiate and embed public dialogue in our strategic objectives and processes
• to support and enable ESRC researchers and investments to engage with the public
• to engage with teachers, young people and education stakeholders to help equip young people in the UK with the skills to become informed citizens, and to make them aware of careers in social science. 

To achieve these aims we offer different levels of support which offer opportunities for the public, young people and social science researchers to engage.

Supporting researchers

• ESRC Impact Toolkit
  The toolkit includes information on developing an impact strategy, promoting knowledge exchange, public engagement and communicating effectively with key stakeholders.
• ESRC Festival of Social Science
  This is the chance for ESRC researchers to bring their work to the public. The festival takes place once a year over one week with free events across the UK.
• ESRC Knowledge Exchange support
  This scheme provides the opportunity to apply for funding for knowledge exchange and public engagement activties at any stage of the research lifecycle, and is aimed at maximising the impact of social science research outside academia.
  
• ESRC research syntheses 
  We have commissioned a series of literature reviews covering a variety of issues within science and society including widening participation and public attitudes to environmental change.
• RCUK Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research (external website)
  The concordat outlines the expectations and responsibilities of research funders with respect to public engagement, to help embed public engagement in universities and research institutes.
• National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (external website)
  Established in 2008 as part of the £9.2 million Beacons for Public Engagement initiative, the centre aims to support universities to engage with the public and understand how to reward their researchers for this work.
• RCUK Public Engagement with Research Catalysts (external website)
  These eight universities will act as a catalyst for culture change within their institution to help them embed public engagement with research within their policies, procedures and practices. A detailed list is available on the RCUK website.
  
• Developing Dialogue - Learned Societies in the Social Sciences: Developing Knowledge Transfer and Public Engagement (PDF, 804Kb)
  The ESRC and the Academy of Social Sciences report (from 2008) on the knowledge transfer and public engagement activities undertaken by social science learned societies, and recommendations on how to enhance these activities.
• RCUK opportunities (external website)
  RCUK offers public engagement opportunities for researchers which are outlined on their website.

Reaching young people

• Social Science for Schools (external website)
  A website and blog aimed at A-level teachers and students. Offering resources covering topics such as crime, body image and elections, the website aims to help bring contemporary social science research into the classroom.
• Anthropology into schools (external website) 
  The Royal Anthropological Institute, funded by the ESRC, has developed an A-level in Anthropology and is also working to inform teachers and students about anthropology in general and how it can fit into many aspects of the curriculum. Their website Discover Anthropology offers resources and links for those interested in furthering their understanding of this area.
• Debating Matters (external website) 
  We are the social science champion in this UK-wide schools debate competition.
• RCUK opportunities (external website)
  RCUK offers offers opportunities for schools and young people to join up with researchers. Visit their site for more information.

Reaching the public

• ESRC Festival of Social Science
  The Festival takes place once a year over one week with free events for all across the UK. Festival events offer a wealth of information about the role social sciences plays in all our lives and with events targeting schools and young people, to those with a general interest in social science we are confident these is something for everyone.
• Society Now
  We publish our magazine, Society Now, three times a year, bringing you the latest and most topical social science.
• Britain in... 
  Britain in... is published annually. The magazine showcases the diversity of ESRC-funded research around the state of the nation. It is a mixture of academic opinion pieces alongside informed journalistic writing, offering a concise analysis of research and topical issues concerning Britain today.
• ESRC investments
  Many of the ESRC's investments hold their own events and activities for the public to attend. To find out more search the ESRC website.
• Community engagement and mobilisation: critique of a public dialogue day
  An evaluation of the dialogue day held as part of this joint ESRC/AHRC Connected Communities funding call.