What does it take to create healthier communities, more affordable housing and better opportunities for work? This thought-provoking programme brings together researchers and practitioners exploring the social challenges affecting people locally and globally. The afternoon concludes with a look at how evolving skills and careers can help individuals navigate a changing world of work.
This event is designed for ages 16+ and includes discussion of health inequalities, housing affordability and insecurity, social justice, employment, skills, career opportunities, and wider societal challenges. Some light refreshments will be available - please see the booking form for more details.
Talk Schedule
12:45pm to 2:00pm - Acting Local, Thinking Global
From health inequalities and housing affordability to sustainable construction and social justice, many of today's biggest challenges are also local ones. Join researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of policy, communities and everyday life as they explore how local action can help address global issues. Through a series of short talks and an audience discussion, discover the research, ideas and initiatives helping to build healthier, fairer and more sustainable futures. Read more about the talks below:
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How healthy you feel is a result not just of our NHS and the healthcare you have access to. Much of health and wellbeing is a result of things like the houses and communities we live in, our education and employment and other things which we call social determinants or building blocks of health. Within Coventry, live expectancy varies by over ten years, depending on where you live; this session will discuss the role that building blocks of health have in causing and maintaining these health inequalities and the importance of focusing on these to reduce these inequalities.
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How affordable are houses in your area, and what might be stopping more from being built? Following a short introduction to current housing issues, use the WhereToBuild mapping tool to shine the spotlight on your neighbourhood. Explore housing demands and environmental efforts such as green belt and conservation areas, and compare the data with your lived experience. Does the data tell a different story to your everyday life? Join us today for exciting and critical conversations.
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This talk will explore the Renters Rights Act 2025 which has been heralded as the most significant change to housing law since Thatcher. While the new law offers significant improvements for tenants' rights, there are serious questions about how well these new rights can be realised in practice.
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From debates around housing demand versus supply, knowing and owning your rights, and social determinants of health, have your say in this interactive discussion bringing together audience members, Warwick researchers and local council organisations – such as Coventry City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Workshop
2:00pm to 3pm - Navigating Jobs, Skills and Careers
As AI and digital technology transform the world of work, a common language for skills has never been more important. Developed by the Warwick Institute for Employment Research, the UK Standard Skills Classification provides a practical framework for linking skills to diverse jobs, tasks, education and training. In this session, Professor Peter Elias will outline the classification's development and innovative applications and demonstrates how it helps jobseekers and employers alike to maximise opportunities for success. This presentation is particularly relevant for school leavers, students, recent graduates, career changers and employers.
In the Foyer
Explore, Discover and Connect All Day!
Explore four interactive exhibits, displays and drop-in activities running throughout the day. Discover how research helps us understand real-world issues – from nutrition misinformation and food heritage to gender, housing and access to justice.
This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026 and was made possible thanks to funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It has been organised by Research and Impact Services at University of Warwick and Shared By Resonate.
Resonate supports the United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goals. The symbols below indicate which of the 17 goals this event aligns with.
