Dr Tom Simcock leading vital housing studies research networks
Dr Tom Simcock, Research Fellow and Research Manager of the Healthy Housing Initiative at the University of Huddersfield has been elected Chair of the Housing Studies Association, the UK’s leading learned society for housing researchers, policy experts and practitioners.
His appointment comes at a time of urgent public debate around housing safety, affordability, and health, with new legislation such as the Social Housing Act (2023) and the Renters Reform Bill set to transform the sector.
In addition to this role as Chair of the Association, Dr Simcock has been appointed Co-Chair of the newly established Healthy Homes Research Network, an initiative within the Association that brings together researchers focused on the links between housing, health, and wellbeing.
The Network builds on his work at the University of Huddersfield, where he leads research on tenant rights, the private rented sector, and organisational culture in the Emergency Services.
Dr Simcock will also serve as a co-organiser of the Housing Studies Association Annual Conference in 2026, which will explore the theme “Housing Transformed: Climate, Health, and Technology in an Uncertain Future”. The conference will bring together international scholars and practitioners to examine how housing systems can adapt to social and environmental challenges.
Commenting on his appointment as Chair and Co-Chair, Dr Simcock said:
“The Housing Studies Association is an incredible, vibrant and growing community of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners committed to advancing housing research and real-world impact, and I’m proud to be leading it at such a critical time.
Dr Tom Simcock
Research Fellow and Research Manager, Healthy Housing Initiative
“Over the past year, my focus as Chair has been on strengthening support for early-career researchers, building capacity and ensuring housing research is visible, accessible, influential, and impactful."
“The launch of the Healthy Homes Research Network is a key step in driving forward interdisciplinary research that can inform better housing policy and practice. This aligns closely with the work I lead at the University of Huddersfield through the Healthy Housing Initiative, where we are exploring the mental health impacts of climate-related disasters, such as flooding, wildfires and storms, and how housing systems can adapt to support affected communities.”
Dr Simcock’s research has been cited in debates in the House of Commons, has given evidence to committees of the Welsh Parliament, and featured in national and international media. His evidence-based work has shaped national conversations on renters’ rights, housing standards, and policy reform.
Most recently, his research with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home on pet ownership in the private rented sector challenged common misconceptions and helped build the case for legislative change to support responsible pet ownership in rented homes.