BRIGHTON will host the Royal Economic Society annual conference next week.

Audiences will have the chance to hear experts discuss whether going to university is worth it, the future of policing and how various different Brexit scenarios are likely to affect business, jobs and income – all completely free.

The three RES Presents events will take place on March 26, 27 and 28 in venues across Brighton, including one at the University of Sussex.

They are aimed at engaging higher education and school students as well as the general public in economic issues that will directly affect them and the communities they live in.

They offer the community a chance to engage in an in-depth discussion, showing how the study of economics can help us gain insight into a range of other issues.

Prof Barry Reilly, head of economics, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the Royal Economic Society’s annual conference to the university and the city this year.

“We expect over 800 visitors to attend the conference during the week.

“While there are lots of interesting research papers being presented to delegates, I’m really excited about the free events that students and the local Brighton community can take part in, and the contribution to these events by senior economists here at Sussex.

“With only a year until the self-imposed deadline for the UK to leave the European Union, it’s a real privilege to have some of the world’s top economists in Brighton, discussing potential routes forward for the country and the political and economic implications for our society if a deal is struck; or not, as the case may be.

“Our belief is that the economic issues that we address in our lecture theatres and classrooms have real world application, and events such as ‘RES Presents’ enables us to use these ideas to provide insights into and potential solutions for the social and economic issues facing us today.”

On Monday, “Is it worth going to university?” will address the financial impact of higher education and ask whether student debt and the future earnings potential of a degree make acquiring the qualification a worthwhile exercise.

It takes place at Michael Chowen Lecture Theatre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School Teaching Building, University of Sussex, from 6pm until 7.15pm.

In ‘‘One year till Brexit: Are we nearly there yet?’ on Tuesday, a panel of trade law and economic experts will address the legal and economic implications of Brexit and discuss the likely impact of alternative outcomes on businesses and households; different income groups, industrial sectors and regions.

This is at Friends’ Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton from 6pm until 7.15pm.

On Wednesday, March 28, economics and policy experts will address a range of issues affecting the funding of the police in England and Wales; tackling hate crime, the use of the police force, and lessons from fighting crime in Latin America in “Effective policing: what can we learn from economics?”

These talks will run alongside a series of presentations by top economists and academics during the RES conference.

It will cover everything from the effect of a Papal visit on the abortion rate in Italian towns to whether free private school vouchers for poorer students actually result in an increase in educational achievement.

This is at The Old Courtroom, 118 Church Street, Brighton, also from 6pm until 7.15pm.

Each event will provide a platform to demonstrate how the study of economics can provide insights into key contemporary socio-political and economic issues.

More details can be found at Eventbrite where tickets can be booked.