The Civic University team lead and facilitate a range of projects that impact on the opportunities and challenges identified by our civic partners.
Learn more about the work we're doing under our shared priorities:
- Thriving Places, Businesses, People
- Valuing Nature
- Living Well
Thriving Places, Businesses, People
Establishing a civic University of Southampton "Evidence and Policy Hub" for the Mayoral Combined County Authority of Hampshire and the Solent
In consultation with our civic leaders, regional stakeholders and university colleagues, the Civic Directorate is exploring how the University’s research and convening powers can support the forthcoming devolved regional authority.
Empowering communities to embrace change in villages and rural Hampshire
This project trained local people in research methods to gather insights into village residents’ values and thoughts on the past, present and future of the place where they live. The community researcher method has been shown to empower communities to create a supportive and inclusive environment for change which more easily identifies points of consensus.
You can read our 'Beyond Bricks and Mortar' report for more information on our project work.
A community built on creativity
A PhD Studentship as an Artist in Residence will support the integration of residents at a major housing development in Eastleigh. The Artist in Residence, supported by the Borough Council and the University’s John Hansard Gallery, will use art and creativity in the community to help existing residents and new residents come together as one.
Making Southampton an AI city of excellence
Deploying University research, knowledge and capacity to help multi sector partners in Southampton and, in time, across the region to successfully adopt AI for a positive impact on the economy, our work and the services we depend on.
You can read more about those plans in our news article 'New AI@Southampton initiative aims to bring together expertise from across the University and region.'
Valuing Nature
Clean Air South, Clean Water South, and Clean Energy South
Convening partners from private and public sectors to pool ideas and resources and progress these shared regional ambitions together.
In 2025, the Clean Air South Consortium commissioned and published an evidence-based report on the state of air quality in the region.
You can read more about the background to Clean Water South in our news article 'Clean Water South: A collaboration to tackle water quality in southern England' and more from Clean Air South in our article 'Air pollution is driving health inequalities in the South, says new report.'
Balancing nature, rivers and economic growth
As part of Clean Water South, using the River Test Valley as a case study, researchers are collecting and examining information for decision takers needing to determine the impact of different scenarios for two pressing priorities: housing development and minimising harm to the water quality and biodiversity in our rivers.
We are developing a tool kit and report for policy makers to help them assess spatial data, other information and the trade-offs that arise from balancing different stakeholders’ priorities.
Inspiring residents to improve recycling and reduce landfill
This project focused on inspiring behaviour change amongst residents of communal properties who rely on shared refuse bins. Researchers and our partner local authorities in Winchester, Eastleigh and Test Valley looked at what interventions could be put in place to increase good recycling behaviour.
You can read our 'Co-designing Improvements in Recycling Practices' report for more information on our project work.
Just transition and risk analysis of climate change impact on vulnerable residents
The University offered expert analysis of evidence to support civic partners in Southampton and in the region aiming to minimise the unfair and unequal impact of both climate change and a transition to a low carbon economy.
You can read our 'A Just Transition to a Low Carbon Economy' report and 'Climate Vulnerability' report for more information on our project work.
Living Well
Renters’ rights – how to enforce and comply
An event with the end goal of improving the quality of rented accommodation in our region was arranged by our Law School in partnership with the Civic University team. Civic partners and other housing professionals were offered an expert briefing on the practical and legal expectations affecting local authorities and other housing professionals contained in the upcoming Renters (Reform) Bill.
You can read more in our news article 'University’s School of Law and Civic University team bring housing experts and managers together.'
Preventing poor health: delivered in, for and by the community
The University is conducting an evaluation of an innovative health initiative being run by Test Valley Borough Council and Andover Primary Care Network. A Health Hub has been established in Andover’s shopping centre and, subject to funding, Health and Well-being workers, chosen as trusted members of the local community, are being introduced. The project aims to offer and encourage take up of screening and health care among residents who are generally reluctant to attend traditional places for care, hospitals, and GP surgeries.
Overcoming disadvantage – what works?
We supported the homelessness charity, the Society of St James, in Southampton to evaluate the effectiveness of their programme that aims to transform the lives of people that come to them with physical, mental, and social disadvantages and needs.
You can read our 'SSJ Academy Evaluation' report for more information on our project work.