DRS Biennial Conference
Call for Expressions of Interest to Host DRS2026 and DRS2028
Deadline: Tuesday 18th February 2025
The Design Research Society welcomes expressions of interest to host the 2026 and 2028 International Design Research Society Conference.
The DRS Biennial Conference is a major international event in the global design research calendar with a reputation for academic quality, provocative thinking and industry engagement. Over a 4-day period Biennial Conferences embrace refereed paper presentations, conversations, debates, a doctoral programme, city-based labs, and workshops for over 500 participants.
As well as promoting the discipline of design research within hosting countries, holding the DRS Conference can significantly increase the international profile of local universities, host institutions, and cities.
This is a worldwide call for expressions of interest for the following two conferences. Our intention is that DRS2026 will take place in Europe and DRS2028 will take place outside Europe.
Recent conferences have taken place in Montreal (Canada), Bangkok (Thailand), Umea (Sweden), Brighton (UK), Limerick (Ireland), Brisbane (online), Bilbao (Spain), and Boston (US). In selecting a venue for 2026, the DRS Executive Board and International Advisory Council will be mindful of the need for a location that is accessible for our international membership.
Further details about the Design Research Society: http://www.designresearchsociety.org
Websites for the two most recent conferences: [Boston 2024] [Bilbao 2022]
Expressions of Interest should be no more than 2000 words and cover the following areas:
- Vision for the Conference
(including: intended impact, proposed innovations, equality & diversity) - Host Organisation
(including: evidence of institutional commitment and support, department(s) and key people involved, commitment of the host city/region) - Proposed Conference Venue
(including: quality and capacity of plenary and session spaces, accessibility for people with a disability) - Features of the Location
(including: travel and accommodation, food and entertainment, cultural life) - Conference Team
(including: local chair and primary contact, experience of managing similar events, relationship with the DRS, and management) - Proposed dates
(our strong preference is for the conference to take place in late June but an exception can be made if sufficiently justified) - Financial Information
(indicative budget for 500 participants including: cost of venues, catering, events, management and personnel, online, and sponsorship)
Financial Arrangements
A Memorandum of Understanding detailing key responsibilities and financial agreements will be signed by both parties prior to any award and announcement for hosting.
Application and Timeline
Interested parties should submit their Expression of Interest to the DRS Administrator (admin@designresearchsociety.org) by the deadline of 18th February 2025.
Expressions of Interest will be considered at a DRS Executive Board meeting soon after this date. Following this meeting the leading contenders will be invited to provide more detailed information and asked to present their vision for the conference.
Further Details
Should you have any further questions or seek clarification on any aspect of a proposal please contact: Sara Lenzi (sara.lenzi@deusto.es) for an informal discussion. A copy of the Biennial Conference Guidelines are available on request. Further information about the Design Research Society can be found at: www.designresearchsociety.org
About the DRS
The Design Research Society is a learned society committed to promoting and developing design research. Founded in 1966, it is the longest established, multi-disciplinary worldwide society for the design research community. We draw together a community from around the world in all areas of design research.