In an era when academic and policy-focused conferences offer vital opportunities for connection, exposure and knowledge exchange, the HSA’s annual Conference Bursary Scheme plays a strategic role in levelling the playing field. Supported by the Housing Studies Charitable Trust and the HSA, the scheme enables housing practitioners, scholars and early-career researchers (ECRs) to attend the HSA Annual Conference even when institutional funding is unavailable.
The bursary is explicitly designed for applicants who “would not otherwise be able to meet the fee and travel costs to attend the conference”. Inclusivity is central to the scheme, with ECRs defined broadly to include undergraduate and postgraduate students, doctoral researchers, and anyone within roughly ten years of beginning their housing-focused research career, whether in academia, the third sector, statutorily funded organisations, research institutes or independent practice.
Awarded bursaries cover full conference fees, up to two nights’ hotel accommodation, and travel reimbursement (up to the threshold indicated in the application form). The value of the scheme extends well beyond financial support. Its strategic impacts include:
1- Access and inclusion: By lowering financial barriers, the bursary enables participation from researchers who might otherwise be excluded, whether due to institutional funding gaps, independent practice, or limited geographic mobility.
2- Professional exposure and network building: Presenting at the HSA Annual Conference gives ECRs a platform to showcase their work, receive feedback and engage with leading scholars and practitioners.
3- Strengthening the housing research ecosystem: By nurturing new voices and broadening the contributor base, the scheme helps keep the field dynamic, innovative and closely connected to practice.
For anyone working in housing research (whether a doctoral student, an early-career academic, or a practitioner-researcher), this scheme offers a valuable opportunity. If you are eligible and keen to connect, contribute and grow within the housing research community, visit the bursary webpage or contact the Bursaries Officer at [email protected]
Key dates
· Bursary applications open: 17 November 2025
· Bursary applications close: 23 January 2026
· Notification of bursary award: 6 February 2026
