Events by Queen's University of Belfast

The Operational Research Applied to Health Services (ORAHS) 2026 Conference is an international gathering of specialists dedicated to improving healthcare delivery through mathematical modeling and analytical techniques. Hosted at Queen’s University Belfast, this conference attracts a global community of researchers and practitioners who apply operational research (OR) to solve complex problems in health service management. As healthcare systems worldwide face increasing pressure from aging populations and rising costs, the role of ORAHS has never been more critical. The conference will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including patient flow optimization, workforce scheduling, resource allocation, and the integration of artificial intelligence in clinical pathways. The week-long event is structured to encourage deep technical discussion through plenary lectures, parallel technical sessions, and specialized working groups. Queen’s University’s strong tradition in both engineering and medical research provides a perfect environment for these multidisciplinary conversations. Participants will have the chance to present their latest findings and receive feedback from peers in a supportive, intellectually stimulating environment. In addition to the technical program, ORAHS 2026 includes a vibrant social schedule designed to showcase the culture and hospitality of Belfast, including a formal banquet and organized tours of the city’s landmarks. For professionals working at the intersection of mathematics, engineering, and healthcare, this conference offers unparalleled opportunities for professional development and international collaboration. The goal is to move beyond theoretical models and produce actionable insights that can be implemented in hospitals and clinics to improve patient outcomes and system efficiency.

The Designing Healthier Cities Summit is a vital cross-sector conference taking place at the iconic Titanic Belfast, supported by Queen’s University Belfast. This summit addresses one of the most pressing issues of our time: the relationship between urban environments and public health. As urban populations grow, the way we design our cities—from green spaces and transportation networks to housing and air quality—has a profound impact on the physical and mental well-being of citizens. This summit brings together urban planners, public health experts, and policymakers to discuss strategies for creating more equitable and healthy urban spaces. The summit program is built around the pillars of health, equity, and place. Keynote speakers will present case studies of successful urban health interventions from around the world, highlighting the importance of data-driven design. Interactive sessions will allow participants to dive into specific topics such as "The 15-Minute City," "Active Travel Infrastructure," and "Mitigating Urban Heat Islands." The event emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach, breaking down the silos between health departments and planning offices. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the "Health in All Policies" framework and practical tools for implementing health-centric design in their own projects. The venue, Titanic Belfast, provides an inspiring setting that symbolizes the city's history of innovation and renewal. With a focus on equity, the summit also explores how urban design can reduce health disparities in underserved communities. This is an essential event for anyone committed to building cities that not only function efficiently but also nurture the health of everyone who lives in them.

The University Design Forum Annual Conference 2026, hosted at Queen’s University Belfast, centers on the thought-provoking theme of "Less is More." This event is a critical gathering for architects, estate managers, and planners who are reimagining the future of higher education facilities. In an era where sustainability and efficiency are paramount, the conference explores how "less" in terms of environmental impact, resource consumption, and physical footprint can lead to "more" in terms of student experience, pedagogical innovation, and community integration. Throughout the two-day event, attendees will participate in site tours of the newly developed Queen's Business School and other innovative spaces across the Belfast campus. The program includes workshops on the circular economy in campus design, the psychology of learning spaces, and the technical challenges of retrofitting historic university buildings for modern carbon-neutral standards. High-level panel discussions will bring together diverse perspectives from university leadership and design professionals to debate the best ways to use existing estates more effectively. The conference also features the prestigious Student Prize announcement, celebrating the next generation of designers who are tackling these challenges head-on. Networking sessions are woven into the schedule, including a welcoming drinks reception at the Architecture School. By focusing on the concept of "Less is More," the event aims to provide practical, scalable solutions for the global higher education sector, ensuring that the physical university remains a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive hub for learning and research.

The Sociological Association of Ireland (SAI) Annual Conference for 2026 is a premier academic gathering hosted by the School of Social Sciences, Education, and Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast.This year’s theme, "Conflict, Change, Solidarity," delves deep into the shifting social landscapes of the 21st century. As societies grapple with the aftermath of global crises, technological upheaval, and evolving political ideologies, this conference serves as a vital platform for rigorous debate and intellectual exchange. Participants will explore how solidarity is forged in the face of deep-seated conflict and how rapid social change influences identity, community, and governance. The event will feature a series of high-profile keynote addresses from internationally renowned sociologists, alongside numerous parallel sessions covering diverse topics such as criminology, social policy, education, and digital sociology. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research through paper presentations, poster sessions, and interactive workshops. The historic Lanyon Building provides a majestic backdrop for these discussions, fostering an atmosphere of tradition and innovation. Beyond the formal sessions, the conference emphasizes networking and collaboration. A formal reception and conference dinner will be held, allowing delegates to connect in a more relaxed setting. This event is not only a showcase for Irish sociology but also a welcoming space for international scholars to contribute to global sociological discourse. By examining the intersections of conflict and solidarity, the conference aims to produce insights that are both theoretically rich and practically relevant to contemporary social challenges.Whether you are a seasoned academic, an early-career researcher, or a student of social sciences, this conference offers a comprehensive look at the forces shaping our world today.

The 52nd Annual Conference of the Regional Science Association International – British and Irish Section (RSAI-BIS) is a premier academic gathering hosted by the prestigious Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast. This significant event brings together a diverse community of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to the field of regional science. The conference serves as a critical platform for presenting cutting-edge research in spatial economics, urban planning, geography, and regional development. Attendees can expect a rigorous academic program featuring keynote addresses from world-renowned experts, parallel thematic sessions, and interactive workshops. The 2026 edition emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to solving regional disparities, fostering sustainable urban growth, and analyzing the socio-economic impacts of digital transformation on local communities. Set in the historic and beautifully restored Riddel Hall, the venue provides an inspiring atmosphere for intellectual exchange and professional networking. Beyond the formal presentations, the conference includes a gala dinner and social excursions that highlight the rich cultural heritage of Belfast. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions that influence both academic theory and practical policy applications. Whether you are an early-career researcher looking for mentorship or a seasoned professional seeking the latest spatial data trends, this conference offers unparalleled opportunities for growth. The event aims to strengthen the links between the British and Irish regional science communities while welcoming international perspectives to the vibrant city of Belfast.