The Textile Institute opens abstract submissions for fifth student conference in Manchester

The Textile Institute's Manchester & the North West Section has issued a call for abstracts for its fifth annual Textiles and Life Conference, scheduled to take place on November 11, 2026, in Manchester, UK. Centered on the theme "Textiles for People and Planet," the student-focused event invites postgraduate researchers to present ongoing research, innovative methodologies, and emerging projects to standard industry stakeholders and academic peers. Abstract submissions are open through September 21, 2026, targeting oral presentations and scientific poster displays.

Selected participants will present across several core operational and technological tracks, including sustainable and circular textiles, recycling and waste management systems, innovative textile materials, and smart or functional fabrics. Presentations will also cover human-centric sectors such as textiles for health, wellbeing, and social inclusion within the supply chain. Standard oral presentation slots are allocated 15 minutes for delivery followed by a five-minute Q&A session, requiring applicants to submit concise abstract summaries of under 250 words detailing their research purpose, key findings, and industry relevance.

By establishing an academic platform dedicated to sustainability and advanced material science, the conference reinforces the critical role of postgraduate research in addressing structural environmental challenges within the global textile ecosystem. For educational institutions and postgraduate students, participating in such industry-backed forums offers essential institutional validation, fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, and aligns academic curricula with the evolving technical demands of sustainable textile manufacturing.