The 91st Textile Institute World Conference

Conference on 23rd – 26th July 2018, Leeds, UK

Integrating Design with Sustainable Technology

The 91st Textile Institute World Conference (TIWC) 2018 is being hosted by the School of Design at the University of Leeds. The conference theme, “Integrating Design with Sustainable Technology”, is focused on identifying and establishing interdisciplinary engagement in the textile manufacturing and retail industry through the various fields of technology, design, sustainability, research and economy. The theme has evolved out of a recognition that there are clear synergies when design and sustainable technology are effectively integrated to produce commercial solutions for better aesthetics and functionality. The Textiles Industry is diverse and to maximise success the whole value chain needs ongoing innovation and investment and the conference will draw from the application and use of Textiles in all aspects of everyday life.

Important Dates:
Abstract submission – extended to 31 January 2018
Abstract acceptance sent to authors – TBC
Full paper submission – 31 March 2018

Register with early bird discount – deadline 31 March 2018
Conference – 23 – 26 July 2018

About the Textile Institute

The mission of The Textile Institute is to promote professionalism in all areas associated with the textile industries worldwide. The Textile Institute has Individual and Corporate Members in up to 80 countries, the membership covers all sectors and all disciplines in textiles, clothing and footwear. Within these global industries the aim of the Institute is to facilitate learning, to recognise achievement, to reward excellence and to disseminate information. The Textile Institute is a unique organisation in textiles, clothing and footwear. It was incorporated in England by a Royal Charter granted in 1925, was inaugurated in 1910 and is a registered charity. The Textile Institute is a fully international organisation represented by local and national offices around the world with its International Headquarters based in Manchester, UK.

The University of Leeds

The University of Leeds was founded in 1904 and one of its original departments was the Department of Textile Industries. The Department thrived, became recognised as a leading textile centre for education and research, and attracted students and visitors from all around the world. Today we still have a vibrant global alumni that is still proud to be part of the Leeds Textiles “family”. In 2004 the Department of Textile Industries evolved into the School of Design which continued as a focus for textiles, but also embraced and integrated art & design and graphics and design communication into the School’s portfolio. This change has enriched the School’s textiles activities and brought a distinct flavour where there is an integration of the textile technology with art, design, fashion and graphics. This focus on developing the design/technology interface gives the School a creative edge, not only in the aesthetics but also in the engineered functionality within the final “product”.

To make this interface vision a reality the School has embarked on a substantial investment programme, ~£10M over the past few years, which has transformed the infrastructure, facilities, and mind set. Textiles is again being promoted as a dynamic, sunrise industry, with Leeds once again recognised as a key global centre for quality teaching and innovative research. Colour, Textiles and Sustainability are core strengths and themes throughout the School and we look to build this expertise to tackle many of the challenges facing textiles industry and the wider world.