UK-Ireland Planning Research Conference

The UK-Ireland Planning Research Conference (PRC) 2026 is one of the leading annual academic events for planning scholars, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Hosted by Cardiff University's School of Geography and Planning, this prestigious conference marks an important milestone—the 60th anniversary of planning education at Cardiff University.

Over three inspiring days, delegates will exchange ideas, present pioneering research, and discuss innovative solutions to some of today's most pressing planning and development challenges. From climate resilience and housing policy to transport planning and smart cities, the conference provides an outstanding platform for knowledge sharing and professional collaboration.

The event welcomes participants from universities, government agencies, consultancies, professional bodies, and private-sector organizations, creating an ideal environment for networking and interdisciplinary learning.

Why Attend?

Planning professionals face unprecedented challenges driven by rapid urbanisation, climate change, technological innovation, demographic shifts, and evolving public policy. The conference provides valuable opportunities to understand emerging trends while engaging with internationally respected experts.

Attendees will gain practical knowledge on:

• Sustainable urban planning
• Regional development strategies
• Climate adaptation
• Housing affordability
• Transport infrastructure
• GIS and digital planning
• Community engagement
• Regeneration projects
• Environmental planning
• Planning legislation

Conference Programme

The conference features an extensive programme designed for professionals at every career stage.

Sessions include:

• International keynote presentations
• Parallel academic research sessions
• Policy debates
• Interactive workshops
• Doctoral research forum
• Planning Schools Forum
• RTPI Research Excellence Awards
• Guided planning study tours
• Poster presentations
• Networking receptions

Each session provides opportunities to discuss practical planning solutions supported by the latest academic research.

Conference Themes

Topics include:

• Urban regeneration
• Housing policy
• Sustainable communities
• Transport planning
• Green infrastructure
• Climate resilience
• Digital planning technologies
• Heritage conservation
• Rural planning
• Economic development

Researchers from across the UK and internationally will present innovative projects that address future planning priorities.

Professional Networking

Networking is one of the conference's greatest strengths.

Participants will meet:

• Planning academics
• Local authority planners
• Government representatives
• Environmental consultants
• Infrastructure specialists
• Property professionals
• Housing experts
• PhD researchers
• International delegates
• RTPI members

These connections often lead to collaborative research projects, consultancy opportunities, publications, and long-term professional partnerships.

Research Excellence

The conference showcases cutting-edge planning research that influences policy and professional practice.

Research topics include:

• Smart city development
• Urban analytics
• Digital twins
• Climate adaptation
• Biodiversity planning
• Housing innovation
• Mobility planning
• Inclusive communities
• Regional resilience
• Land-use policy

Delegates gain early access to emerging research that will shape future planning decisions.

PhD Development

A dedicated PhD workshop enables doctoral researchers to:

• Present ongoing research
• Receive expert feedback
• Develop presentation skills
• Network with academics
• Explore publication opportunities
• Build research collaborations

This dedicated programme supports the next generation of planning scholars.

RTPI Awards

The conference also hosts the prestigious Royal Town Planning Institute Awards for Research Excellence, recognising outstanding contributions to planning research and innovation. These awards celebrate impactful research that improves planning policy and professional practice throughout the UK and Ireland.

Study Tours

Delegates can participate in professionally guided study tours exploring Cardiff's evolving urban landscape.

Tours highlight:

• Cardiff Bay regeneration
• Sustainable transport
• Waterfront development
• Historic conservation
• Mixed-use regeneration
• Green infrastructure
• Housing developments
• Public realm improvements

These practical experiences complement the academic programme.

Benefits for Delegates

Participants will:

• Learn from internationally recognised experts.
• Discover innovative planning research.
• Build professional networks.
• Enhance career development.
• Explore collaborative funding opportunities.
• Understand policy developments.
• Gain CPD opportunities.
• Exchange ideas with leading practitioners.

Cardiff University

Cardiff University is internationally recognised for research excellence and its long-standing contribution to planning education. The School of Geography and Planning has produced generations of planning professionals who now shape cities, communities, and infrastructure across the UK and internationally.

Hosting the conference during its 60th anniversary makes the event particularly significant, reflecting decades of academic leadership while exploring the future of planning research.

Why You Should Register

Whether you are an academic, planning consultant, policymaker, student, or researcher, the UK-Ireland Planning Research Conference 2026 offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts, present your work, and build valuable professional relationships.

With inspiring keynote speakers, practical workshops, high-quality research presentations, and extensive networking opportunities, the conference is one of the UK's premier planning events for 2026 and an essential gathering for anyone committed to shaping sustainable, resilient, and inclusive places for future generations.