A NEW Special Call is open within the framework of DESIGN COMMIT 2026 – 2nd International Conference on Design & Industry, in the context of the European Green Capital 2026.

Under the theme Design for Different Futures | Learning with Nature, DESIGN COMMIT establishes itself as an international platform for articulation between design, research and industry, promoting sustainable, regenerative and systemic approaches.

Given the high level of interest already registered and the relevance of the European framework of this edition, the organization decided to keep this new opportunity for scientific participation open, in order to welcome a greater number of qualified contributions.

The New Special Call of DESIGN COMMIT 2026 corresponds to five independent and complementary opportunities, designed for different researcher profiles, project types and research maturity levels.

Each moment offers a specific mode of participation, maintaining the same scientific and editorial criteria.

 

1. GREEN CAPITAL CHALLENGE 2026

An opportunity dedicated to projects and research aligned with sustainability, regeneration, circular economy, and climate resilience, in direct connection with the European Green Capital 2026.

Suitable for contributions with territorial, environmental, and systemic impact.

Indicate in the submission:

“Special Call – Green Capital Challenge 2026”

 

2. INSTITUTIONAL LABS & RESEARCH GROUPS SHOWCASE

A specific space for research centers, laboratories, and research groups to present projects, methodologies, prototypes, and academia-industry collaborations, including the possibility of organizing Satellite Sessions.

Indicate in the submission:

“Special Call – Institutional Labs & Research Groups Showcase”

 

3. DESIGN WITH COMMUNITIES

Aimed at research and practices developed with communities, NGOs, associations, or local initiatives, valuing co-creation processes, participation, and social impact.

Please indicate in your submission:

“Special Call – Design with Communities”

 

4. EMERGING VOICES – FLASH TALKS

An opportunity aimed at young researchers, doctoral students, and leading researchers, allowing the presentation of emerging and experimental research in a short format (Flash Talks).

Please indicate in your submission:

“Special Call – Emerging Voices”

 

5. CLIMATE RESIDENCY: SCIENCE IN SERVICE OF LIFE

An experimental research and design residency, focused on the articulation between science, design, and planetary health, part of the DESIGN COMMIT 2026 and the European Green Capital.

This opportunity promotes applied experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

 

SUBMISSIONS: Until January 5, 2026

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Until 30 September 2025 the call for paper submissions for DESIGN COMMIT 2026, the second International Conference on Design & Industry. The conference will take place in Guimarães from 25 to 27 March 2026.

The theme of the 2026 edition is Design for Different Futures, Learning with Nature, with the aim of producing advances in the dialogue between design, industry, nature and society.

 

In a rapidly transforming world, DESIGN COMMIT 2026 breaks boundaries, fostering a dynamic relationship between design, industry, and nature. This global platform brings together visionary researchers, pioneering designers, creative academics, forward-thinking companies, and policymakers. The theme ‘Design for Different Futures | Learning with Nature’ calls for integrating nature’s intelligence into design and industry. We seek to reimagine a future where creativity, responsibility, and resilience shape a world in harmony with nature.

 

DESIGN COMMIT 2026 is committed to redefining the role of design as a force for sustainability, inclusion, and resilience. We challenge conventional models, exploring nature-inspired solutions, biomimicry, and circular economy principles to drive innovation.

The edition aligns with the UN 2030 Agenda and promotes regenerative practices, ethical production, and technological responsibility.

 

THEMATIC AREAS FOR SUBMISSION
ECHOES – Learning from Nature’s Wisdom
• – Biomimetic Design
• – Natural Patterns in Design
• – Nature-Inspired Product Design
• – Sustainable Innovations from Nature
• – Bio-Inspired Engineering
LISTEN – Attuning to Natural Systems
• – Environmental Data in Design
• – Observational Methods in Natural Systems
• – Ecosystem-Informed Design
• – Nature-Based Decision Making
• – Adaptive Design from Nature
NURTURE – Cultivating Sustainable Practices
• – Regenerative Design and Agriculture
• – Permaculture in Urban Design
• – Biodiversity-Supporting Products
• – Eco-friendly Manufacturing Practices
• – Sustainable Consumer Goods
REGENERATION – Designing for Renewal
• – Ecological Restoration Projects
• – Resilient Infrastructure Design
• – Social Impact of Regenerative Design
• – Urban Renewal and Green Spaces
• – Community-Led Environmental Projects
SYSTEMIC – Integrative and Holistic Approaches
• – Systems Thinking in Design
• – Integrated Ecosystem Design
• – Holistic Product Development
• – Interconnected Network Solutions
• – Cross-Disciplinary Design Approaches

Call submission: EasyChair submission system

 

The Book of the 1st Edition of the DESIGN COMMIT – International Conference on Design and Industry (2024) has been officially indexed in the Web of Science – Conference Proceedings Citation Index (Clarivate Analytics).

This recognition confirms the scientific quality and international visibility of the conference and brings added value to the authors and institutions involved. The publication was launched by UA Editora.

In the previous edition (2024), the editorial results included:
• Book of Abstracts (ISBN and DOI)
• Book of Proceedings, published by the University of Aveiro Press, indexed in the Web of Science – CPCI
• Book Taylor & Francis / Routledge Design and Industry: Scenarios for Sustainable Futures
• Special Edition in The Design Journal (Taylor & Francis) (under review)

 

MORE INFORMATION:

https://designcommit.pt

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092275076306

https://instagram.com/designcommit?igshid=ZGUzMzM3NWJiOQ==

https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-commit/

 

CONTACT: geral@designcommit.pt