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SOAS Festival of Social Science 2024

Key information

Date
to
Venue
SOAS University of London

About this event

Held in over 40 universities across the UK, the Festival of Social Science (FOSS) is a nation-wide, annual celebration of social research and knowledge. As a recipient of the ERSC Impact Acceleration Award 2023, SOAS is participating in the festival for the second time. 

The theme for the 2024 festival is Our Digital Lives’. In keeping with this theme, as well as SOAS IAA’s thematic focus: 'Migration, marginalisation, displacement, and minorities', SOAS researchers will host a series of interactive workshops and activities on the 7 and 8 of November.  

These events will encourage understanding of issues such as migration, cultural heritage and identity and are catered to 13–18-year-old students that are learning English as an additional language. They are closed events, aimed at fostering inclusion and building dialogue between SOAS researchers and the local community. 

The power of video games for social justice 

How can video games help us in the fight against slavery? Usawa is a new, award-winning video game based on SOAS research that explores the complex issue of descent-based slavery in Africa. Designed and produced in Africa, the game guides players through a series of thought-provoking mini-games to build understanding of this topic. This event involves a 45-minute play test and group discussion of gaming’s potential to promote social justice in Africa and beyond. Delivered by Dr Marie Rodet 

Reclaiming your digital space: coding to better understand computers

Led by Taylor Rockhill, PhD Student and Graduate Teaching Assistant in Development Studies, this event introduces students to the world of coding and how computers ‘think’. Looking in particular at the open-source ‘R’ coding language, Rockhill will highlight how a digital commons can help us reclaim space and our identity online. Delivered by Taylor Daniel Rockhill.

When belongings return: connecting with source cultures through object storytelling

These 45-minute interactive sessions which engage young adults from various backgrounds will be exploring the role of objects as carriers of cultural memory and as tools for identity-making, representation and heritage activism. Each session begins with a short film, followed by Tboli object storytelling and handing sessions. Finally, students are invited to reflect on their own responses to in/tangible heritage. Delivered by Dr Cristina Martinez-Juan.

What is a home? 

As a Somali refugee, Suad Duale has first-hand experience of losing and rebuilding her sense of home. Now a psychologist, researcher and community activist, she has worked with a team at SOAS and QMUL to explore how this works in a modern British context, particularly for those fleeing war and displacement. This is a 1-hour workshop about the meaning of ‘Home’, aimed at children and young people who have migrated to the UK. Delivered by Dr Suad Dale

Exploring cultural memory through creativity

How can theatre and creativity help us to see history differently? This 45-minute workshop, aimed at non-native English speakers, will map out the historical narratives that shape students’ sense of self and the wider world. Together, the group will rethink accounts of the past, creating a new sense of belonging in the present and future. Delivered by Dr Eleanor Newbigin and Gulerana Mir.

Echoes from the ruins

Through this interactive event, young people will develop an understanding of those who have been forcibly displaced due to armed conflict in Nigeria’s troubled Northwest region. Delivered by Dr Folahanmi Aina.

Digital solutions making for food insecurity: can technology address food access challenges?

This interactive session invites people to explore whether or not digital tools help address food insecurity. Through a short brainstorming activity, participants will identify local challenges related to accessing food and propose digital solutions, such as apps or platforms. Designed to foster creativity and critical thinking, the session aims to guide participants to reflect critically on technological solutions for addressing food insecurity in our communities. Delivered by Dr Susanne Jaspars and Iris Lim.

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The Impact Acceleration Account

In 2023, SOAS successfully secured a major five-year investment from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) in the form of an Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) focused on increasing the societal and economic benefits of SOAS’s social science research. That success is marked through the school’s participation in the Festival of Social Sciences 2023 and 2024.

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