STEM-Adjacent Social Science Work

STEM-Adjacent Social Science Work: How Social Scientists Can Build Interdisciplinary Connections into STEM Research
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How can social scientists contribute to large interdisciplinary research projects in areas such as health, medicine, climate, data science, environmental change and other STEM-adjacent fields? And how can these collaborations open routes into major funding opportunities beyond the usual ESRC and AHRC schemes?

This informal SRMC session is aimed at academic colleagues in the Faculty of Social Sciences who are interested in developing interdisciplinary work with colleagues in STEM disciplines. We will hear from two FSS colleagues with substantial experience in bringing social science methods to interdisciplinary research contexts involving STEM fields: Professor Ana Manzano (SSP), whose work uses realist evaluation, theory-driven evaluation and mixed methods in health and public-policy settings, and Professor Viktoria Spaiser (POLIS), whose work connects climate politics, computational social science, dynamical systems modelling, big data analysis, and AI.The session will offer a practical conversation about what kinds of opportunities exist, how collaborations with STEM colleagues can emerge, what social scientists can contribute methodologically, and what colleagues should keep in mind if they want to move into this kind of work. We will also discuss how STEM-adjacent collaborations can help social scientists access larger and potentially less congested research funding streams.The format will be informal: two short experience- and lesson-sharing contributions from Ana and Viktoria, followed by Q&A and group discussion.

An afternoon tea selection, including refreshments and sweet treats, will be provided during the session. The event will be in-person only. We look forward to seeing you there!