A group of teenage friends wearing casual clothing on an overcast summer day in Whitley Bay, Northeastern England. They are gathered on the promenade by the sea where they use different arts and crafts products to create sustainability artwork to spread a message of environmental conservation for Earth Day.

Improving Life Chances & Making Hope Possible Through Education

The 2026 Research and Development Conference at Edge Hill University, Wednesday 17th – Thursday 18th June, explores how best to understand and address challenges facing children, families, young people, and communities, and how it is essential that we work together, share knowledge, and collaborate.

Edge Hill University Open Day psychology building

Full Programme

The conference will take place in the Law and Psychology Building and The Arts Centre, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP.

Bookings for the full conference are now closed, but you can still register for Professor Kate Pickett OBE’s keynote lecture and book signing.

Spotlight Event

‘The Good Society and How We Make It’ Lecture & Book Signing’

Head shot image of Professor Kate Pickett (University of York)

Kate Pickett OBE, Professor of the Public Understanding of Social Science
(University of York)

Thursday 18th June, 12.30-2.15pm
Law and Psychology Lecture Theatre, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk

Bestselling author and leading inequality researcher Professor Kate Pickett will be speaking as part of Edge Hill University’s flagship education conference this June, exploring how education can improve life chances and create a fairer society.

Join us for this exciting opportunity to hear about Kate’s world-leading research that investigates how fairer, healthier, more sustainable societies can be created by addressing inequality and poverty through evidence-informed action.

Kate will be available after the event to sign copies of her books. Hardback copies of her latest book, ‘The Good Society and How We Make It’ will be available to buy at the event at a 30% discount of £17.

Register for Professor Kate Pickett OBE Lecture and book signing >>>

This is an in-person event. Travel, parking, and venue information will be sent by email on Wednesday 17th June. If you have already registered to attend the ‘Improving Life Chances and Making Hope Possible Through Education’ conference on Thursday 18th June, you do not need to register separately for this lecture. Booking for the full conference closes on Monday 1st June, but you can register for the Kate Pickett event up until Wednesday 17th June.