Design Research Society International Advisory Council Elections 2022

We are pleased to announce that nominations to stand for election to the International Advisory Council of the DRS, are now open.

The DRS seeks an additional ten design researchers to join the current DRS International Advisory Council and actively contribute to taking forward the mission of the Society in progressing the field of design research.

The benefits of serving on the International Advisory Council include:

Influencing the field of Design Research;
Being part of a leading network of design researchers;
Access to financial support to progress initiatives;
Eligibility to stand for a role on the Executive Board;
Career development that enhances your CV;
DRS Conference fee waiver.

We encourage DRS Members from all parts of the world to consider standing for election, particularly those with a vision about how design research should develop, and awareness of the Society’s ambitions.

We particularly welcome nominees from areas of the world which are underrepresented on the current International Advisory Council, including the UK, Asia and the US.

About the International Advisory Council

The International Advisory Council (IAC) is the main advisory body within the DRS Governance Structure and works with a 5-person Executive Board, formed from the International Advisory Council, in delivering the mission and aims of the society. The IAC operates through working groups, online meetings and liaising with the Executive Board, throughout the year, and aims (when conditions allow), to meet in-person once a year, including at the DRS biennial conference.

IAC members are experts in their area of research and undertake a range of work for the DRS. IAC members help develop policy, work on specific projects, and enhance the range of activities offered by the DRS to strengthen the network of existing design researchers and nurture the development of new design researchers.

IAC Members are elected for a period six years initially, with the possibility of a two-year extension. Following election, IAC Members are eligible to stand for the Executive Board who will manage the week-to-week working of the Society. The Executive Board consists of: Chair of the Society, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and one other Member. IAC Members are also eligible to stand for the position of Chair of the International Advisory Council.

Standing for Election

To be eligible for election you must:

Be a full member of the DRS;
Be nominated by one other full member;
Have institutional support.

To complete your nomination, you should submit a candidate statement (200 words), along with statements of institutional and DRS member support, that:

Outlines your vision for the Society;
Provides an overview of your design research experience;
Explains how you would contribute to the DRS;
Confirms your commitment to creating diverse, equitable and inclusive practices in design research.

Nominations must be sent to the DRS Administrator, Clare Readman (admin@designresearchsociety.org) by 5pm (anywhere in the world) on Thursday 18^th May 2022

Voting will take place with registered members between 25^th May to 8^th June 2022.

Election results will be announced early in June and confirmed at the Biennial General Meeting at the DRS2022 conference in Bilbao (25^th June – 3^rd July 2022).

Further Information

If you are interested in becoming a member of the International Advisory Council and would like to know more, please contact the Chair or Vice-Chair of the Executive Board (Peter Lloyd or Rebecca Cain), via admin@designresearchsociety.org

Equal Opportunities

The DRS seeks to cultivate diverse populations and perspectives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of design research. To do so, we seek to build a vibrant community, composed of individuals diverse in identities, experience, ideas, discipline, and research and teaching approach, and to create an environment where each individual can reach their full potential. The DRS is proud to promote equal opportunities in all the activities that it organises and supports.

Reference documents

2022 Annual Report
Rules of the Society and Transition Plan 2020-2028
IAC Member Role Description
EB Member Role Description
Nomination Form

DRS 2020 Elections for the International Advisory Council

`DRS 2020 Elections for the International Advisory Council`