Congress on ‘basic income’ to be co-led by Salford academic as it returns to UK after 20 years

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a non-means-tested, non-withdrawable, universal income grant aimed at supporting the needs of all citizens equally. Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN), one of the oldest research and advocacy organisations working on the idea of Basic Income, was founded back in 1986. The 2024 congress marks the first time BIEN has been held in the UK for over 20 years.  

Local, national and international scholars, activists and policy makers will gather to discuss and explore the potential of a basic income as a catalyst for social transformation, promoting economic justice, political inclusivity, and ecological sustainability. The Congress will delve into the role of basic income within this vision and the most effective strategies to realise it.

Key academics, such as Professor Guy Standing, (The Precariat), Dr Simon Duffy (UBI+) will join former Prif Weinidog (First Minister) of Wales Professor Mark Drakeford MS and several policy focused civil society organisations, such as the Trussell Trust and Resolve Poverty. 

Dr Dave Beck, Lecturer of Social Policy at the University of Salford and an expert on UBI, was invited to co-lead the development of BIEN2024 with colleagues from the University of Bath and The Autonomy Institute. Dave currently co-chairs two UBI Labs: the UBI Manchester, which aims to further research and to advocate for a UBI across Greater Manchester, and the UBI Lab Food, which does the same, but for all aspects of the global food system. 

Dave said: “The research and advocacy that we at the University of Salford are involved in is really pushing the boundaries of social policy. Our work is gaining momentum in understanding how we can create a social security system built on care, compassion and sustainability, which will be fit for the future. 

“Research we’re part of on Universal Basic Income and the 4-day week is very much a part of that future, and we are introducing a new suite of master's degrees (including Criminal Justice and Applied Social Research Methods), where our students will be invited to join us on this journey as they reflect on past, present and future society and how they can Enable Social Change.”