University of Hertfordshire to host circus-inspired pop-up exploring the juggle of modern working life
Hosted by the University of Hertfordshire, the University’s ‘Juggle Hub’ will take over The Howard Centre on 30–31 October to offer a lively mix of performances, interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that showcase Herts’ social science research linked to this year’s festival theme of ‘Our Working Lives’.
Running from 11am to 4pm on both days, the event invites families, workers, carers, and other curious visitors to reflect on the everyday challenges of juggling work, care, health, nutrition and home life - all within a vibrant, circus-inspired setting.
Young visitors to the Juggle Hub can dive into circus fun with the Penny Farthing Circus, learning to juggle, spin plates and enjoy aerial performances, while their grownups can contribute to interactive exhibits that invite reflections on working life.
Together, families can also explore a series of hands-on stands showcasing important social science research through playful and thought-provoking activities. These include designing a neurodiverse-friendly office and reimagining school meals for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), to mapping workplace wellbeing, AI-powered job quizzes and perusing a ‘Care Gallery’ of commissioned illustrations that bring to life the everyday realities of balancing paid work with unpaid care.
Activities at the Juggle Hub will further be supported by several of the University’s partners. TastEd, a food education charity, will lead a Sensory Food Trail, giving even ‘cautious eaters’ the chance to explore fruit and vegetables in fun ways - part of a wider conversation about making nutritious school food inclusive and accessible for all children.
Age UK Hertfordshire will be on hand to share their insights on working at home for older adults 1Stop Training - a UK-based organisation supporting workforce development to drive meaningful change in practice - will offer insights into inclusive recruitment and disability-friendly job opportunities, helping visitors explore how workplaces can better support neurodiverse individuals.
Professor Wendy Wills, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and Enterprise at the University of Hertfordshire, said:
“Social sciences research helps us understand the real-world challenges people face every day - from balancing work and care responsibilities to navigating digital change and workplace wellbeing. The University of Hertfordshire’s Juggle Hub brings our research to life in a fun, accessible way, aimed at encouraging people of all ages to engage with ideas that shape our society. It’s about making research meaningful, sparking conversations and showing how the humanities and social sciences can drive positive change within our communities.
“We hope as many people as possible — of all ages and from all walks of life — will come along during half term to enjoy the activities, have some fun, and maybe learn something new along the way.”
The ESRC Festival of Social Science is an annual celebration of research and knowledge about humans and society. It’s a key element of ESRC’s commitment to share UK social science research with new audiences. This year the festival is being held from 18 October to 8 November 2025 and features hundreds of free events across the UK for both children and adults, run by 41 universities and research institutes.
Stian Westlake, ESRC Executive Chair, said:
"The ESRC Festival of Social Science offers a unique insight into how UK social science research helps bring about positive change for individuals, society and the economy. There are hundreds of free events taking place across the UK and online, including at the University of Hertfordshire. We hope you enjoy the events and finding out more about the work of the UK's world-class social scientists."
The University of Hertfordshire’s Juggle Hub will take place at The Howard Centre, Welwyn Garden City on 30–31 October 2025, running from 11am to 4pm each day. Entry is free and no booking is required, making it an ideal half-term outing for families looking to explore the fun and fascinating world of social science in an accessible, engaging setting.