Downloads
Download
The UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science (CWLPS) is pleased to invite doctoral candidates and early career researchers to present their research in the CWLPS PhD Conference 2026, to be held on 11 March 2026.
The conference theme, “Beyond Sustainability, Towards Regenerative Futures,” encourages interdisciplinary research and innovative approaches to both research practice and communication. The event is designed as a supportive and collaborative space where emerging scholars and practitioners can share ideas, receive feedback, and build networks across disciplines.
The conference is open to internal and external participants.
Venue: V&A Design Museum, Dundee
Conference theme
Beyond Sustainability, Towards Regenerative Futures
This theme invites submissions that engage with sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and that critically explore pathways towards regenerative and future-oriented approaches. We particularly welcome contributions related to water law, water policy, sustainability law, environmental governance, regulation, and policy, as well as related legal, social, and scientific dimensions of sustainability.
Submissions may be theoretical, empirical, methodological, or practice-based, and interdisciplinary perspectives are strongly encouraged, especially those that connect law, policy, science, and governance.
Conference structure
The conference will run across four sessions, featuring a mix of: Research talks, Panel discussions, PechaKucha and Poster presentations.
| Time | Programme |
| 09:00 – 09:15 | Arrival Tea (tea, coffee, and pastries) |
| 09:15 – 09:30 | Welcome Address |
| 09:30 – 11:00 | Session 1: Talks (6 x 15 min) |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Break and Poster Session 1 |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Session 2: PechaKucha (8 x 7 min + Q&A) |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 – 15:30 | Session 3: Talks (6 x 15 min) |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Break and Poster Session 2 |
| 16:00 – 17:30 | Session 4: Panel Discussion (5) + Closing Remarks |
Presentation formats
Participants may apply to present in one of the following formats:
- Research Talks: Short presentations followed by a brief Q&A session (10 minutes).
- Panel Discussions: Themed panels bringing together multiple presenters for moderated discussion (45 minutes).
- PechaKucha: Visual presentations using a concise, image-led format, followed by dedicated discussion time (6 minutes).
- Poster Presentations: Posters will be displayed in the conference room throughout the day and discussed during scheduled breaks. This format offers a more informal setting for sharing research, encouraging one-to-one conversations and open discussion.
Further guidance on presentation formats will be provided to accepted presenters.
Catering
Catering will be provided throughout the day, including Breakfast refreshments (tea, coffee, and pastries), Lunch, Afternoon tea and Evening networking refreshments.
- Registration deadline: 20 February 2026
- Notification of outcomes: 23 February 2026
Full programme published: 2 March 2026