The social sciences are often marginalized in society and by government funding, characterized as ‘problematic disciplines’ whose impact is often misunderstood and misjudged due to their longitudinal nature. However, as David Willetts MP, former UK secretary of state for universities and science once remarked:
“The social sciences are essential to understanding human behaviour, the wellbeing of citizens and promoting sustainable growth. Social science research generates vital knowledge that informs policy, helping us navigate our way through the world as individuals and as a society.”
With 2015 marking 50th anniversaries for both SAGE and the Economic Social and Research Council, or ESRC, the two are partnering for a writing competition, “The World in 2065,” aimed at supporting the next generation of social science researchers.
So what do you have to do?
Are you an ESRC-funded PhD student or have been within the last three years? If so, organizers are asking for 800 creative words to tell us how your research will shape the world in 2065.
The winner will receive £1,000 cash prize and two runners-up will receive £500 each. All shortlisted entrants, including the winner and runners-up, will receive a master class on ‘how to get published’ and their articles will be published in print and online.
The winners will also be invited to an awards ceremony at the House of Commons on 10 November.
The deadline for entries is 4 p.m. on July 15. Find out more about the competition and the terms and conditions here.
