2026 events
Organised by the Impact Funding Team, the ESRC Festival of Social Science has run at the University of Southampton since 2019. Each festival year has focused on a different theme and has produced a wide variety of events.
This year's theme is 'Money, Finance and the Cost of Living'. With last year's festival theme being 'Our Working Lives'.
Being Heard: Understanding Tenants' Experiences Of Service Charges
Age: Members of the public, social housing tenants, housing professionals, representatives from the Housing Ombudsman, Southampton City Council, and Citizens Advice Southampton
Type: Discussion/Debate
Host: Dr Chiara Prevete-Lecturer in Law Southampton University and member of the People, Property and Community Research Center
Date and Time (UK Time):04/11/2026 14:00 - 16:00
Southampton University, University Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ (Building 34/ Room 4005)
Summary
"Research presentations sharing empirical findings from a project exploring transparency and tenants' experiences of service charges in social housing.Panel discussion featuring representatives from housing providers, the Housing Ombudsman Service, Southampton City Council, Citizens Advice, and other key stakeholders. Interactive discussion and Q&A where participants can share experiences, ask questions, and contribute ideas for improving communication, transparency, and accountability.
Guided conversations bringing together diverse perspectives to identify practical recommendations for the housing sector.
Collaborative resource development, with participants helping to shape a practical resource that captures key insights and recommendations from the event and makes them accessible to a wider audience."
Description
"This event will explore tenants' experiences of service charges in social housing and examine how information about these charges is communicated, understood, and managed. Drawing on findings from a recent research project, the event will bring together social housing tenants, housing providers, representatives from the Housing Ombudsman Service, Southampton City Council, Citizens Advice, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss current challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.
Service charges can have a significant impact on tenants' finances and housing experiences, yet many tenants report difficulties accessing clear information and understanding how charges are calculated. Improving transparency, communication, and accountability can help strengthen trust between tenants and housing providers and support more informed decision-making.
Attendees will gain insights into current research on tenants' experiences of service charges, hear perspectives from a range of sector stakeholders, and contribute to discussions about good practice and potential reforms. They will also have the opportunity to share their own experiences and learn from others working across the housing sector.
The event will include a one-hour panel discussion featuring presentations from researchers and stakeholders, followed by a one-hour interactive discussion and Q&A session. A key outcome will be the co-production of a practical resource that captures the knowledge, experiences, and recommendations shared during the event for wider dissemination and use."
Being Heard: Understanding Tenants' Experiences Of Service Charges
Grandma, Grandpa... What Is Bitcoin?
Age: Families, grandparents, parents, secondary school pupils and anyone interested in learning more about Bitcoin, cryptocurrency and digital finance.
Type: Participatory/Interactive
Host: Dr Larisa Yarovaya, Director of the Centre for Digital Finance, Associate Professor of FinTech & Finance
Date and Time (UK Time):06/11/2026 11:21 - 18:00
Room 135/1073, Sir James Matthews Building, 157-187 Above Bar St, Southampton SO14 7NN
Summary
Through conversation and interactive activities, we will explore what cryptocurrencies are, how they work, why people use them, and the opportunities and risks associated with digital assets. We will also discuss online safety, scams and responsible engagement with cryptocurrency, helping families feel more confident navigating an increasingly digital financial world.
The event is designed to encourage conversations across generations. What do young people know about crypto? What questions do parents and grandparents have? And what can different generations learn from each other?
Come along with your children, parents or grandparents - or simply bring your curiosity!
Description
Have you ever wondered what Bitcoin actually is, why people are talking about cryptocurrency, or what it might mean for you and your family?
Join us for a friendly and interactive community event that brings children, parents and grandparents together to explore the rapidly changing world of cryptocurrency and digital finance.
Led by Dr Larisa Yarovaya, Director of the Centre for Digital Finance at the University of Southampton, the session will explain Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in an accessible and engaging way - no previous knowledge of crypto or finance is needed!
Grandma, Grandpa... What Is Bitcoin?
Renting Is Changing: What The New Renters' Rights Mean For You.
Age: This pop up is for young renters aged 16-40 and first time renters.
Type: Other
Host: Southampton Law School and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Meet our researchers Mark Jordan, Rebecca Limb and Chiara Prevete, two of our wonderful student ambassadors and members of the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Date and Time (UK Time):17/10/2026 09:00 - 17:00
Outside the Sir James Matthew building, 157-187 Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7FQ
Summary
Join researchers and the Citizens Advice Bureau to learn about your renters rights, ask any questions that you may have, be introduced to the Citizens Advice Bureau and recieve a renters right handbook to take away.
Description
Southampton Law School and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Meet our researchers Mark Jordan, Rebecca Limb and Chiara Prevete, two of our wonderful student ambassadors and members of the Citizens Advice Bureau.
If you have any questions about the event, please contact Dr Rebecca Limb via email (rl2d22@soton.ac.uk)
