Conference - Does Universal Basic Income Improve Health?

Conference - Does Universal Basic Income Improve Health?

What would it take to trial Universal Basic Income in Norway? Join us in Oslo for an open afternoon session bringing together researchers, policymakers, and applied specialists to explore the evidence gaps and practical steps toward a credible grant application  

Date: September 23

Time: 12.00 - 17.00

Place: Room P2–03, Prinsens gate 7–9

Registration is open

About the Conference

This half-day conference brings together leading voices in Universal Basic Income and Health to explore the conditions, challenges, and knowledge gaps relevant to designing a credible UBI trial in Norway. Against a backdrop of rising health-related work exits and growing interest in foundational social interventions, the programme offers a focused afternoon of insight, dialogue, and strategic reflection. Each session includes time for questions, and we warmly invite participants to engage throughout.

Program

  •  12:00 – Registration and buffet lunch (Room: Ernst Hage – TBC)
  • 12:40 – Welcome, introduction, and meeting objectives – Martin Underwood, University of Warwick
  • 12:50 – An ongoing 2025 review of health outcomes from UBI-like interventions – Rob Froud, Kristiania University of Applied Sciences and University of Warwick (Chair: Margreth Grotle, OsloMet)
  • 13:05 – The need for larger trials – Marcia Gibson, University of Glasgow (Chair: Robert Froud, KUAS)
  • 13:30 – Assuring (continued) political commitment – Jurgen de Wispelaere, University of Bath (Chair: Olli Kangas, University of Turku)
  • 13:55 – Introduction to the UK Science and Technology Network – Joar Kvamsas, British Embassy, Oslo (Chair: Martin Underwood, University of Warwick)
  • 14:05 – Coffee
  • 14:25 – B-MINCOME: methodological considerations and lessons learned from designing the Catalan pilot – Bru Laín, Universitat de Barcelona (Chair: Axel West Pedersen, OsloMet)
  • 14:50 – How should we plan a robust basic income experiment? Knowledge gaps and steps ahead – Olli Kangas, University of Turku (Chair: Jurgen de Wispelaere, University of Bath)
  • 15:15 – Basic Income: A Transformative Policy for Sustainable Welfare? – Simon Birnbaum, Södertörn University (Chair: Ann-Helén Bay, OsloMet)
  • 15:40 – Comfort break• 15:55 – The economics of a basic income trial – Kalle Moene, University of Oslo (Chair: Axel West Pedersen, OsloMet)
  • 16:20 – Popularity, feasibility and affordability, and how these relate to the assessment of evidence – Elliot Johnson, Northumbria University (Chair: Martin Underwood, University of Warwick)
  • 16:45 – Closing remarks
  • 17:00 – Close