Programme

15.00-18.00: Opening Reception

Stop by McEwan Hall to meet delegates and pick up your registration materials in advance. Of course, British tea (Scottish style) will be served.

09.00-10.30: Opening plenary

Gather together to kick off this historic DRS biennial conference. Programme organisers will introduce the four tracks at DRS2026. Did we mention there will be bagpipes?

11.00-17.30: Parallel sessions

Papers, Conversations, Explorations, and PhD Hub will run throughout the day. There will be morning and afternoon tea breaks and a catered lunch. 

18.00-19.30: Opening Keynotes and Prizes

This evening's keynotes will draw on emerging leadership in design research and our inaugural Rachel Cooper Memorial Prize.

09.00-17.30: Parallel sessions

Papers, Conversations, Explorations, and PhD Hub will run throughout the day. There will be morning and afternoon tea breaks and a catered lunch. 

18.00-20.00: Design for Scotland keynote panel

Does Scotland need a national design policy? Design for Scotland will explore what's happening around the world and locally. The evening will also launch the Design for Scotland research programme and introduce a speculative Future Minister for Design survey, inviting delegates to contribute to a collective manifesto for Scotland’s design future.

09.00-17.30: Parallel sessions

Papers, Conversations, Explorations, and PhD Hub will run throughout the day. There will be morning and afternoon tea breaks and a catered lunch. 

18.00-20.00: Ceilidh

The ceilidh (pronounced KAY-lee) is a traditional Scottish community dance. Join for one song, join for all the songs. Or watch the pros show you how it's done. 

18.00-20.00: Screening Event

Watch a collection of moving image works created by DRS2026 delegates, with discussion afterwards.

09.00-15.30: Parallel sessions

Papers, Conversations, Explorations, and PhD Hub will run throughout the day. There will be morning and afternoon tea breaks and a catered lunch. 

16.00-17.30: Closing plenary

Finish the week with closing reflections and the announcement of DRS2028.

18.00-23.00: Closing party

It's time to celebrate! We'll be offering food, a cash bar, and a DJ! Did we mention the sky stays light until 10pm in Scotland in summer...?