From September 19-20, Queen’s University and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee co-hosted the 2nd International Symposium on Innovative Design for Excellence, Affordability and Sustainability (IDEAS 2026).
Held in Kingston under the theme “Sustainable Innovations and Technologies for Humanity,” the conference brought together researchers, students, practitioners, and community partners from around the world to explore solutions to global challenges in sustainable infrastructure, healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, and inclusive design. These discussions directly supported several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
Over the course of the conference 40 research presentations showcased contributions from participants across Canada, India, Nepal, Senegal, Ghana, and beyond. Keynote speakers included Dr. Nemkumar (Nemy) Banthia (University of British Columbia), Dr. Myra J. Hird (Queen’s University), and Dr. R. Kerry Rowe (Queen’s University), who highlighted topics ranging from low-carbon construction materials to engineering for humanity and sustainability in practice.
Across eight technical sessions, presenters shared research on sustainable architecture, resilient infrastructure, biomedical engineering, humanitarian technologies, assistive devices, community co-design, and smart materials.
The Office of the Vice-Provost, Global Engagement was pleased to help support IDEAS 2026 alongside Smith Engineering as an initiative reflects Queen's goals to deepen global partnerships and foster opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative research in support of a more sustainable and equitable future.