Call for Papers launched: Breakdown or breakthrough?

Taking place on 20–21 October 2026 at Lowry, MediaCity in Salford, Greater Manchester, this year’s Congress explores the theme “Breakdown or breakthrough? New strategies for healthier cities”.

Cities across the world are navigating profound instability. Economic uncertainty, geopolitical turbulence, climate fragility, migration, social divisions and widening health inequalities are converging to create a uniquely challenging urban agenda.

The question facing city leaders, investors, planners, designers and policymakers is stark: will our cities drift towards fragmentation and decline — or achieve breakthrough transformation?

Healthy City Design 2026 will explore bold, interdisciplinary strategies that place health at the centre of urban transformation — spanning research, policy, investment and practice.

From healthy homes and neighbourhoods to sustainable infrastructure and green mobility, from digital innovation and population health to community impact and social value, the Congress will examine how integrated, cross-sector collaboration can deliver measurable improvements in both human and planetary wellbeing.

We invite 400-word abstracts for in-person presentations in the following formats: Themed paper; Workshop; Video + Poster. Abstracts must be submitted online by 1 April 2026.

Contributions are welcome from across disciplines — including city governance, planning, public health, development, sustainability, investment, academia, and technology — that demonstrate how health-centred approaches can drive equitable, resilient and economically creative cities.

Download the Call for Papers here

View the Abstract Guidelines here

Submit abstracts using the online form by 1 April 2026.