Monday 8 September marks the official beginning of Social Sciences Week 2025, a nationwide celebration highlighting the vital role of the social sciences in understanding our world and shaping our future.
Running from 8–14 September 2025, Social Sciences Week offers a packed program of public lectures, panel discussions, workshops, film screenings and webinars hosted by universities, research institutes and community organisations across the country.
Now in its eighth year, Social Sciences Week brings together researchers, teachers, students and members of the community to explore how disciplines such as sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, psychology and history inform policy and daily life.
The 2025 program includes ten new events that were funded by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia’s inaugural Spark Grants program. Supported events include a trivia night in outback Queensland, a social cohesion poetry night in Bellingen NSW, a parent-child communication workshop in Joondalup, Western Australia and a living history workshop in Ballan, Victoria.
Academy President Professor Kate Darian-Smith said the Spark Grants helped make Social Sciences Week more accessible to a broader audience, contributing to the overall goal of connecting more Australians with the social sciences.
“At a time of rapid social change and global uncertainty, the social sciences are more important than ever. This week is an opportunity to showcase how these disciplines contribute to evidence-based decision making, democratic values, social cohesion and the wellbeing of individuals and communities.”
“This year’s Social Sciences Week program tackles the major issues shaping both global and local agendas — from climate change, national security and youth mental health to university funding, artificial intelligence, and the spread of misinformation.”
Highlights of the 2025 program include:
- Six of Australia’s top experts battle it out at The Great Debate in Canberra
- An online panel discussion featuring Australian Statistician Dr David Gruen AO After Robodebt – How leaders can embed a robust culture of integrity and ethics
- Panel discussion and book launch Global Security Reimagined: A Multi-Disciplinary Exploration Book Launch in Melbourne
- A China Studies Centre panel discussion Panda Diplomacy Revisited: State interests and public emotions in Sydney
- A panel discussion about Energy Transitions and Climate Futures – Australia’s regions at the forefront in Cairns
- A symposium Social Sciences and Social Sustainability in Parramatta
All events are open to the public, with most offering free tickets and many available online for national access. Access the full program here.
About Social Sciences Week
Social Sciences Week is an annual event, celebrating and showcasing the diverse range of social science disciplines and research in Australia since 2017.
Coordinated by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, Social Sciences Week provides a platform for researchers, academics, and practitioners to engage with the broader community and raise awareness of the ways social sciences research impacts society and culture.
The Academy’s 750 Fellows are leaders, researchers and authors across social science disciplines including politics, culture, business, economics, history, law, psychology and public health. Get in touch if we can help you find the right expert for your story.
The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia acknowledges the sponsors of Social Sciences Week 2025:
- Principial Sponsor: RMIT
- Silver Sponsor: Melbourne University
- Bronze Sponsors: University of Sydney and Western Sydney University