The Design PhD Conference is a collaborative event between ImaginationLancaster at Lancaster University and the School of Design’s Centre for Design Research at Northumbria University. The conference offers an opportunity for PhD students, Masters students, recent graduates and businesses to meet, exchange knowledge and ideas, and learn about the latest developments in design thinking, methods and research projects.

ImaginationLancaster is a creative research lab at Lancaster University that investigates emerging issues, technologies and practices to advance knowledge and develop solutions that contribute to the common good. We offer a PhD programme and MA courses in Design: Management and Policy and Sustainability, Innovation and Design. Both courses prepare students for roles in the fast changing, multifaceted and interdisciplinary world of design in modern society.

The School of Design in Northumbria University, with more than 1200 students and almost 100 staff, has an international reputation for innovation and real world creativity. Northumbria University’s international reputation in practice-based design education and its links to alumni such as Jonathan Ive, Senior Vice President of Industrial Design at Apple, complements the internationally recognised practice-based design research emphasis of Imagination.

Keynote speaker is Alastair Fuad-Luke, and the theme for the event is “Sustainability, Innovation and Design.” PhD students are invited to submit an A2 poster representing the key elements of their doctoral research in relation to the conference theme. Deadline is the 30th of March. For details, guidelines and other information, visit the site.