Somerset ‘festival of ideas’ to measure whether its talks change people’s outlook

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-14T05:30:29.164Z • Permanent link

Somerset is set to host a 'festival of ideas' aimed at measuring whether the talks and debates have a lasting impact on attendees' perspectives. The initiative, spearheaded by the University of Somerset, seeks to explore the potential for public engagement to shape individuals' views and opinions. The event will bring together a diverse range of speakers, from academics and experts to industry leaders and politicians, to discuss topics such as technology, science, and global politics.

The festival will be held at the university's St George's Park campus, which has a seating capacity of over 5,000. The event will feature a series of debates, panel discussions, and workshops, all designed to encourage attendees to engage with new ideas and perspectives. Somerset's Mayor, David Olley, has announced his support for the festival, stating that it will help to "foster a culture of curiosity and open-mindedness" among local residents.

Organizers have revealed that a team of researchers from the University of Somerset will be conducting a study to assess the festival's impact on attendees. The study will involve administering tests to attendees before and after the festival, to gauge any changes in their attitudes and opinions. According to Dr. Kathryn Burrington, one of the researchers leading the study, the findings could have significant implications for our understanding of public engagement and its role in shaping societal attitudes.

The 'festival of ideas' initiative has the potential to make a significant impact on the way companies approach public engagement and stakeholder communication. Companies such as IBM, Cisco, and SAP have already invested heavily in public engagement initiatives, but the results have been mixed. By measuring the effectiveness of these initiatives, the University of Somerset's study could provide valuable insights for companies looking to improve their engagement strategies.

Research communities and policymakers are also likely to be interested in the findings of the study. The 'festival of ideas' initiative aligns with the European Union's Horizon 2020 program, which aims to promote public engagement and participation in research and innovation. By understanding the impact of public engagement on attitudes and opinions, policymakers could develop more effective strategies for promoting innovation and addressing societal challenges.

The 'festival of ideas' initiative is part of a broader trend towards increasing public engagement in research and innovation. The rise of online platforms and social media has made it easier for individuals to engage with new ideas and perspectives, but there is still a need for more formal and structured approaches to public engagement. The University of Somerset's study is one of several initiatives aimed at understanding the impact of public engagement on societal attitudes and opinions.