Midlands Innovation & ESRC Festival of Social Sciences

Discussion with panel of experts to consider the role of local, regional and national action in reducing financial pressures and supporting a more inclusive and resilient economy.

The cost of living crisis continues to place significant pressure on our households, communities and the economy. But what can social science research tell us about what is working, what matters most to people, and what needs to happen next in the region?

​Join us for an engaging evening of discussion and knowledge exchange as leading social scientists from the Midlands Innovation university partnership share the latest research on the impacts of the cost of living challenge. They will examine how rising costs are affecting people and places differently across the region and explore practical solutions for building inclusive economic resilience. Our panel of experts will consider the role of local, regional and national action in reducing financial pressures and supporting a more inclusive and resilient economy.

Social scientists from the Midlands Innovation university partnership.

We will be joined by:
Professor Colin Grant, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Aston University
Professor Balazs Szent-Ivanyi, Professor of Politics and International Relations and Associate Dean Research and Enterprise
Dr Alexis Paton, Director of the Centre for Health and Society, Aston University
Professor Matt Padley, Professor and Co-Director of the Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP)
Dr Lee Gregory, Associate Professor in Social Policy, University of Nottingham
Dr Tara Mulqueen, Associate Professor and Warwick LinC Co-Director, University of Warwick
Professor Philip Taylor, Professor at the Institute for Employment Research (IER), University of Warwick

Open to all

Whether you are a policymaker, practitioner, researcher, student, or part of a community organisation, or member of the public with an interest in the future of the Midlands, this event offers a valuable opportunity to hear from experts, exchange ideas and contribute to the conversation.