Deadline: Jul 9, 2025
Submission: https://www.conftool.pro/drs2026
Information sessions: General and subject-focused sessions will be announced shortly
Subscribe for updates at drs2026.thedrs.org
We are pleased to announce the call for theme track proposals for DRS2026, which will take place in Edinburgh, UK, from June 8-12, 2026. DRS2026 is the biennial conference of the Design Research Society and is one of the largest design research conferences in the world. The conference will span four full days and offers opportunities for paper presentations, workshops, a PhD event, conversations, and labs.
About this call
Theme tracks showcase the full spectrum of design research at DRS Conferences, drawing together research communities around established and emerging topic areas. Along with an open call for papers, theme tracks form the main structure of the conference. Please visit DRS2024 and DRS2022 for examples of theme tracks from previous conferences. Theme tracks will be reviewed by the programme committee to create an accessible, inclusive, and exciting conference agenda.
Theme track management
Theme track chairs are responsible for publicising their theme track, recruiting peer reviewers, ensuring the quality of final reviews, determining acceptance of submissions in consultation with the programme committee chair, and curating conference sessions. DRS offers a substantial network for publicising theme tracks and recruiting peer reviewers, but delivering a successful theme track depends on engagement with theme-specific networks.
Submission instructions
Find the DRS2026 theme track proposal guidance document here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ybu0PP5CN-KOjc7DA94iHJY5QEZc4KZ8mfdrmD-Afpw/edit?usp=drive_link
Please submit your proposal using ConfTool. Please contact DRS2026 at drs2026@thedrs.org with any questions. The deadline to submit is July 9th, 2025.