Social Science and the Public: Between Opposition and Accommodation

Dates:	2 November 2016
Times:	17:00 - 19:00
What is it:	Symposium
Organiser:	School of Social Sciences
Who is it for:	University staff, Adults, Alumni, Current University students, General public, Post 16
Speaker:	Prof. Kevin Albertson, Prof. Francesca Gains, Prof. Andy Miah

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The recent decision to leave the European Union has re-ignited a long simmering debate on the role of experts in both the public policy process and civic debate more generally. Similarly, policy tumult in both the UK and the US suggests that a large swathe of citizens have genuinely ‘had enough of experts.’ At the same time, social media increasingly makes experts of us all, but is this a recipe for misinformation, or a valuable new form of scrutiny?

This panel discussion – jointly organised by the Universities of Manchester and Salford and MMU to launch the ESRC Manchester Festival of Social Science – considers the proper role of the social scientist within public discourse. At a time where full time academics are increasingly required to justify their research activities, with respect to ‘impact’ to (and for) the economy and society, we ask: Can social scientists contribute to public discourse whilst retaining their integrity?

In the Chair: Michael Taylor (External Relations Adviser, Manchester Metropolitan University)

Panel:

Professor Francesca Gains (Professor of Public Policy, University of Manchester) Professor Kevin Albertson (Professor of Economics, Manchester Metropolitan University) Professor Andy Miah (Professor of Public Engagement, University of Salford)

The event is free to attend; please book by clicking the link on the right. Drinks and nibbles will be served.