Submission process

How urban planning and design can create healthier, more resilient, and inclusive cities, highlighting global, evidence-based strategies for compact, vibrant, and people-centred urban development that prioritise wellbeing, active living, and community-led regeneration. Including a focused examination of how local planning, design, culture are shaping healthier futures in Salford and Greater Manchester.

How housing and neighbourhood design can support health, equity, and everyday wellbeing, exploring evidence-based approaches to delivering healthy, affordable, and adaptable homes within inclusive, walkable neighbourhoods, addressing issues such as housing quality, density, access to services and green space, and social connection. The stream will showcase policy, design, and community-led initiatives that create safe, resilient places where people can thrive across all stages of life.

How sustainable urban, economic, and social infrastructure, together with green mobility, can support human and planetary health. Grounded in the principles of sustainable development, it will examine how low-carbon, resource-efficient and integrated urban systems enable inclusive economic growth and strengthen social cohesion and community resilience. Topics include active travel, clean energy, nature-based solutions and social infrastructure that help cities thrive within ecological limits.

Examines how urban planning and development can deliver meaningful social value and positive community impact, exploring methods for embedding equity, inclusion, and health outcomes into decision-making, measuring social value, and empowering communities through co-design and local leadership. Case studies will highlight how place-based approaches can strengthen social connection, support regeneration, and ensure that urban change benefits people and communities.

Exploring how digital innovation and smart technologies can improve health, wellbeing, and quality of life in cities. It will examine the role of data, digital tools, and emerging technologies in shaping healthier urban environments – supporting active travel, access to services, environmental monitoring, and more responsive public spaces. It will also address governance, equity, and ethics, highlighting how smart city approaches can be people-centred and inclusive.

How cities can improve health outcomes through place-based approaches, exploring the integration of healthcare provision into communities – at home, in neighbourhood settings, and on the high street – alongside planning and design strategies that support prevention, early intervention, and health equity. Sessions will highlight models that connect health services, housing, and local infrastructure to create accessible, resilient, and people-centred systems of care.

How a wide range of workplaces can be designed, delivered, and managed to support health, wellbeing, and productivity. It will cover commercial real estate and offices, public-sector buildings such as healthcare and education, construction sites, and other non-office workplaces. Sessions will highlight evidence-based design and policy approaches that improve physical and mental health, safety, inclusion, and sustainability across diverse working environments.