How we work
Our aims, governance and activities
Aims
- to promote the study of housing
- to bring together researchers, practitioners and policy makers interested in housing research and education
- to encourage the practical application of social research to the field of housing studies
- to represent the interests of those researching or teaching housing studies in higher education to funding and development organisations, and to government.
How is the HSA run?
The HSA is led by an elected committee of people who are involved in housing research and education. All members are eligible to stand for election to the committee. The committee is also able to be supported by a small number of co-opted members.
HSA activities
The association undertakes a range of activities which help to meet its aims:
Conference
The HSA holds a conference in the Spring of each year. Conference hosting and organisation is shared among members and research institutions. A broad theme is adopted for each conference and papers are invited from all those in the housing research community.
The conferences provide a forum to discuss ongoing or recently completed research methods and findings in a supportive environment. HSA conferences also offer the opportunity to meet informally with fellow researchers and to build links between researchers working in different organisations. Conferences are open to members and non-members but there are substantially reduced charges for HSA members.
Autumn Lecture
Commencing in 2017, the Autumn Lecture was introduced as a smaller, complementary event to the annual conference. Typically running as a half-day event, the Autumn Lecture invites a small number of experts to present their views and research about a shared housing issue followed by a discussion and reception. The Autumn Lecture is held in a different location each year with the aim of attracting people from across the UK to engage with the HSA.
Representing researchers’ interests
The HSA has developed an important role in representing the views and interests of the Housing Studies community to other bodies. As well as HEFCE/REF, this includes important research funding organisations such as the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), as well as government and independent funding agencies. The HSA is a member of the Academy of Learned Societies for the Social Sciences; it also liaises with other learned societies and with professional organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Housing. International links are also well developed, particularly with the European Network for Housing Research (ENHR).
Equality, diversity and inclusion
The Housing Studies Association (HSA) is committed to equality, diversity and actively promotes an open, inclusive culture amongst all our members. You can read our statement on equality, diversity and inclusion here:
