In the lead up to Social Sciences Week that this year runs from 12-20 September 2026, UTS Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Prof Anika Gauja reflects on the role of the social sciences in addressing today’s most pressing issues.
Participate in Social Sciences Week
A social scientist by background, Anika’s research interests involve political science, public policy and law. She recently attended the Parliamentary launch in Canberra of the Academy of Social Sciences’ new report titled Social Sciences for Australia's Future.
“Social sciences have such an important role to play in making sure that every scientific and technological advance includes social uptake. You need to have the social awareness, the understanding of the regulatory environment, the policy environment for innovations to realise their potential in safe and sustainable ways,” Anika explained.
The Academy’s report provides case studies of projects and research program areas where social science has made a difference.
“The fact that it was launched on 11 August 2026, the same evening that the Census took place, was not lost on anyone. The Census has been going since 1910. It's one of the most influential social science research instruments for influencing government and business decision making,” Anika said.
Social sciences have such an important role to play in making sure that every scientific and technological advance includes social uptake.
In launching the report, Anika noted that Professor Peter Shergold, an economic historian and Chair of the Australian Research Council Board, highlighted that more than three quarters of Australian parliamentarians have degrees in in social science.
“Peter issued launch guests a challenge to help make the social sciences more visible. In particular, the nexus between evidence-based research outcomes in social science disciplines and government decision making isn't as tight as it needs to be.” This is a challenge that all social scientists should embrace.
Anika encouraged everyone to consider not only how social science disciplines could add value to their research projects, but how they can fundamentally reframe project design, encourage broader thinking and ensure all research brings positive social impact.
Get involved
Social Sciences Week brings together universities, schools, community groups and organisations to share research in accessible, engaging ways. The national program includes a series of events from panel discussions and film screenings to hands‑on workshops and public conversations.
UTS will be hosting numerous events to mark Social Sciences Week including:
Annual Emeritus Professor Andrew Jakubowicz Lecture: Social Sciences in Uncertain Times
5.30pm, Tuesday 22 September 2026
UTS Central Foyer (Building 2, CB02.04.150)
Presented with the UTS Ultimo Institute, this event explores current pressures on the social sciences and their role in shaping public policy. Speakers: Professor Emerita Raewyn Connell, Richard Denniss, Tamson Pietsch, Carl Rhodes, and Lai-Ha Chan.
Register now
Share your research in 3 minutes
10:00am - 3:00pm, Friday 18 September 2026
RES Hub, Level 5 Building 2 (CB02.05.250), adjacent to the UTS Reading Room
Participate in a special research and engagement event celebrating the formation of the School of Communication and Social Sciences and the Institute of Education within the Faculty of Design and Social Sciences. Coordinated by Liz Giuffre, Lai-Ha Chan and Lauren Knussen, participants are encouraged to pitch short contributions of one slide and a 3-minute summary of current, former or future UTS Social Sciences work. Join colleagues to discover each other’s research, expertise and interests, while continuing to build a vibrant, multidisciplinary research community and identify opportunities for future collaboration.
YURLU | COUNTRY Film Screening 4pm, Wednesday 17 September 2026 Building 6, Level 3, Room 06.03.22
Presented by senior Yuin woman and UTS lecturer Fran Grant, the screening offers an opportunity to engage with First Nations perspectives, place and storytelling, and to reflect on the important role of social sciences in creating deeper understanding and connection.
Register now
Translational Criminology Seminar Series: Understanding Crime Through Emotions - Findings from a Two-Phase Study of Alexithymia
11:00am, Thursday 17 September 2026
UTS Building 6, Level 4, Room 007 (Postgraduate Learning Centre)
Join the UTS Crime & Security Science Research Group for a presentation about alexithymia, characterised by difficulties identifying and describing one’s own emotions. This has increasingly been recognised as a transdiagnostic construct associated with a range of adverse psychological and behavioural outcomes.
Australian Institute for Public Policy Policymaker Summit
9:00am, Wednesday 30 September
UTS Great Hall
Join leaders from government, universities, industry and civil society as we explore this year's theme: Policy in a volatile era: rethinking the playbook. Examine how policymakers are responding to unprecedented complexity while delivery long-term reform and participate in the Policy Impact Exhibition where university institutes and research centres will showcase their latest projects and impact on policy developments and innovation.
What’s next?
- Download the Academy of Social Sciences report Social Sciences for Australia's Future.
- Discover more events in Social Sciences Week.