CivicLAB Conference 2025

We are excited to announce our 5th Annual CivicLAB Conference, building on the success of our sold-out conferences in recent years. CivicLAB is based at the University of Derby, a UNESCO City of Life Long Learning and home to a fantastic selection of World Heritage Sites. It has been designed to support academics, creative and cultural industry professionals and freelance creatives to share their insights on research and practice through a place-based approach to knowledge generation.

Since our inception, we have co-created over 125 events, with more than 30 partners and over 14,500 participants. The CivicLAB conference is a flagship event, bringing together practise leaders, partners and local stakeholders to celebrate and discuss the sector-leading work CivicLAB is engaged in, and to discuss how research, partnership and civic engagement can create impact both locally and nationally.

This year, our conference will be chaired by Dr Cara Courage a globally renowned placemaking leader, cultural and creative sector consultant-director and researcher and creative and organisational change agent, named in the top 10 of place-thinkers worldwide and a ‘strategy angel’ for the arts sector.

CivicLAB Conference, 2025 is proudly in partnership with Artcore and Socitm (Society for Innovation, Technology and Modernisation). 

Socitm work to maximise the effective use of technologies and data to deliver improved public services and outcomes. They support their members to develop professionally, share best practices, and provide resources that help organisations and improve social outcomes in the communities they serve. Socitm collaborate across the public and private sector to drive positive change and innovation.

Socitm - Why we’re partnering with CivicLAB

At Socitm, we believe in the importance of actively engaging with like-minded organisations to drive meaningful change. Our partnership with CivicLAB reflects our shared commitment to a place-based approach to improving outcomes for all. By collaborating with an institution like CivicLAB, we demonstrate how public sector organisations can benefit from innovative research, fresh insights, and a focus on delivering real public value. Together, we aim to support and inspire transformation that makes a tangible difference in the communities we serve.

Key information

On the evening of 25 June, we will be the conference opening event, in partnership with our long-term conference partner Artcore. CivicLAB is committed to supporting Derby and Derbyshire, our place, our people and its rich and diverse community. This event is a great opportunity to hear about the impact CivicLAB and our partners have created, to network with fellow conference attendees, and to engage with some of the fantastic arts and culture that Derby has to offer. You will also be able to connect with key dignitaries and our national civic stakeholders. Food and refreshments will be provided.

The main day of the conference will then take place on 26 June at University of Derby. 

Conference Organising Committee

• Callum Bate, Civic Operations Officer
• Jordan Carr, Civic Coordinator
• Dr Rhiannon Jones, Associate Professor Civic Practice. CivicLAB Lead, Head of Civic and Communities
• Professor Ian Whitehead, Head of PIER and Chair of Civic Operations Board  

Conference dates

• 25th June – Conference Opening Event (Artcore Gallery) 
• 26th June – Conference full day (University of Derby, Keddlestone Road, OL2)  

Venue capacities

• Artcore - 100 capacity
• University of Derby - 150 capacity

Book your place

Call for abstracts

The conference programme committee is calling for abstract submissions. To present your research at the conference your abstract must first pass a double-blind peer review. 

• Abstract submission deadline: 17 March 2025
• Results of abstract review returned to authors: 2 April 2025
• Full conference proceedings published: 24 June 2025 

Call for papers