The inaugural RENEW Conference 2026: Regenerative Futures - Engineering, Design, Systems and Communities took place at the University of Bath on 2 and 3 June 2026, bringing together academics, practitioners, policymakers, and students to explore innovative approaches to regenerative design and engineering.
Organised by The Centre for Regenerative Design & Engineering (RENEW), the conference provided a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on how engineering, architecture, materials, infrastructure, and communities can move beyond sustainability towards regenerative solutions that create positive environmental and societal impacts.
The programme featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, flash talks, posters, and networking opportunities, with contributions from leading researchers and industry professionals from across the UK and internationally. Topics ranged from regenerative building design and circular materials to climate resilience, heritage, and community-centred approaches to the built environment.
Several members of the History, Conservation and Management Cluster participated in the conference. Dr Kemi Adeyeye acted as conference chair and Dr Alejandro Jiménez Rios chaired a session on Regenerative Principles and Practices. They both, as well as Dr Robert Proctor, were also part of the conference Scientific Committee.
The conference highlighted the growing importance of regenerative thinking in addressing contemporary environmental and societal challenges and fostered valuable opportunities for future collaboration across disciplines and sectors.