April 3, 2026

The Design Society Mentorship Programme

The Design Society Mentorship Programme wraps up its third successful year — and we're gearing up for the 2026–27 edition, launching this September! Open to all members, the programme connects early-career researchers, PhD students, and seasoned professionals for meaningful growth and collaboration. Apply by 15 August 2026!

The Design Society Mentorship Programme is concluding its third successful year, with preparations now underway for the 2026–27 cycle, launching in September 2026.

This initiative was developed to support professional development, knowledge exchange, and community-building across all career stages within the DS membership. It is open to all members, from early-career researchers and PhD students to experienced academics and industry professionals.

Deadline: 15 August 2026

What is the DS Mentorship Programme?

The programme pairs mentors and mentees for a year-long collaboration, offering structured guidance, mutual learning, and a platform to discuss academic, research, and career development goals. The mentorship is flexible and self-directed, allowing each pair to decide how often and in what format they meet (e.g., virtual meetings, email exchanges, or in-person meet-ups).

Key benefits for mentees include:

Career guidance and networking
Research and publication advice
Support in navigating academic or professional challenges

Mentors benefit by:

Sharing knowledge and experience
Strengthening leadership and coaching skills
Contributing to the growth of the design research community

How to Join

If you’re interested in joining as a mentor or mentee, please contact Ian Whitfield (ian.whitfield@strath.ac.uk) and Julie Le Cardinal (julie.le-cardinal@centralesupelec.fr) by 15 August 2026.

Join Us at DESIGN 2026

Those interested are encouraged to connect in person at DESIGN 2026, where current mentor–mentee pairs and prospective participants will have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas.

Programme Launch

The official launch of the new mentoring year will take place at the end of September 2026, with guidance materials and onboarding support provided to all participants.

More From News

Rigi Meetings

February 5, 2020

Design Society Rigi Meeting 2020

Every year the Board of Management, Advisory Board and SIG and Chapter Leaders of the Design Society meet to discuss the development and administration of the Society and, in a day of scientific discussions.

March 11, 2024

Database and Report: The Value of Engineering Design Research - UK Study

Members of Design Society now benefit from a newly accessible database showcasing a collection of significant Engineering Design research projects. This repository serves as a robust foundation to support and advocate for future research endeavours.

Research technician: 3D printing upcycled biomaterials

Job Opportunity

March 20, 2026

Replacing plastics with renewable materials & low-energy printing

Research technician: 3D printing upcycled biomaterials

Looking for a research assistant / technician for sustainable additive manufacturing (green 3D printing), for 1.5 - 2 years. Specifically, ambient temperature extrusion of upcycled biomaterials (DIW) to replace printing by extruding melted plastic (FFF/FDM).

March 28, 2023

New publication: Methodical Development of Modular Product Families

Check out this publication co-authored by Dieter Krause, and spread the word.

Rigi Meetings

February 9, 2021

Design Society Rigi Meeting 2021

February 2, 2022

Design Research Notes: A new platform for design research quality discussions

Research Notes are short papers, motivated by the growing need for design research to more actively reflect on, celebrate, and build research quality to mature as a field.

BM Elections 2025 - Call for Nominations

Featured

April 10, 2025

Board of Management

BM Elections 2025 - Call for Nominations

All members of the Society are eligible to participate in the election process. A member may nominate another member for candidature; however, self-nominations are not permitted. Nominees should be active in Society activities and organisation.

Call for Papers

January 6, 2026

Making Sustainability 2026

Call for Papers: Special Issue of Crafts

The Special Issue of Crafts, "Regenerative Craft and Circular Practice: Material, Technological, and Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Sustainable Making", invites contributions that advance our understanding of sustainable making through craft-based practices, with a focus on the following themes: (i) material innovation; (ii) technological integration; (iii) socio-cultural dynamics; (iv) systems thinking and framework; and (v) case studies and interventions.