From 4-10 September Australia’s top social researchers and commentators bring fun and engaging social science to life with over 80 events as part of Social Sciences Week 2023.

What are the social sciences and how do they shape the way we live, love, learn and work together? All Australians are being urged to jump online to explore more than 80 events, talks and competitions that bring the best insights from social researchers, commentators and students into the home, workplace and classroom.

From navigating cancel culture to addressing sexism in universities and a TikTok competition for high schools, Social Sciences Week 2023 presents a diverse array of thought-provoking activities. Participants can immerse themselves in compelling dialogues about the Voice Referendum, climate change, mental health, AI, adventure therapy and more via in-person or online events, panels, workshops and film screenings.

‘This year’s Social Sciences Week has a line-up like no other,’ said the President of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, Professor Richard Holden.

‘From the amateur enthusiast to the senior scholar, the week has something for everyone.’

‘Social Science Week participants are offering brilliant, serious and seriously fun ways to engage young people, students, governments, universities and organisations across our community.’

Celebrations begin early with a breakfast on Monday 4 September at Parliament House convened by the re-established Parliamentary Friends of Social Sciences and featuring the Academy’s inaugural awards to leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers.

‘The social sciences are key to understanding humanity, society and the institutions that govern our daily lives,’ said Professor Holden. ‘This is a rare treat. Watch and learn or jump in to discover how the social sciences help make sense of our relationships, environments, and institutions in a changing world. I dare you.’

Find the full program on the Social Sciences Week events website and follow us on Twitter (@SocSciWeek and #SSW2023). Social Sciences Week 2023 is officially supported by RMIT University.

Social Sciences Week, in the first week of September every year, celebrates and showcases the diversity and strength of social sciences disciplines and research in Australia. It is an initiative of several Australian social science associations coordinated by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia.