The Zurich University of Applied Sciences is delighted to be hosting the fifth Transdisciplinary Workplace Research (TWR) Conference, from 2-5 September 2026 in Zurich, Switzerland. There will be a mix of keynotes, short paper presentations, and abstract-only presentations as well as a conference dinner. All academics, researchers, students and professionals interested in workplace matters are welcome.

The Conference is an initiative of the Transdisciplinary Workplace Research (TWR) Network, which brings together experts in all the workplace environment disciplines, giving academia and practice the perfect occasion to meet and share insights and ideas.

• Explore cutting-edge workplace innovations.
• Opportunity to showcase your research.
• Networking opportunities with academics, researchers, and practitioners of the field.
• Best Paper Award.
• Conference dinner in a scenic Zurich location.

To submit your proposal, register in the dedicated conference management platform www.conftool.com/twr2026 and upload your Abstract including:

• Title
• Keywords (max. five)
• Topics (from the list below or additional)
• Abstract (no more than 300 words)

Papers may include, but are not limited to, research on work environments in terms of:

• Physical and ambient environment (e.g., architecture, interior design, IEQ including visual, thermal, acoustic comfort and air quality, building physics)
• Social environment (e.g., human resources, organisational behaviour, business and management, neuroscience, psychological aspects, human cognition, philosophy, culture, workplace user experience)
• Sustainability in terms of environmental, social and economics (e.g., energy conservation programmes, energy efficient renovation and refurbishment, social and governance (ESG), corporate social responsibility (CSR), quality of life)
• Digital work environment (e.g., digitalisation, information and communication technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), Building Information Modelling, Digital Twins)
• Facility management, corporate real estate management
• Pedagogical research (e.g., educational environments, change drivers for workplace education, pedagogical shifts in delivery of education for workplace practice, campus and academic work)
• Occupational health and wellbeing (e.g., health and safety, pandemic issues, mental and physical wellbeing)
• New ways of working (e.g., new working spaces and strategies, design for adaptability, hybrid and flexible working, co-working)
• Inclusion, diversity and human rights in the workplace
• Compliance (e.g., risk and business continuity, standards, statutory compliance)

• Deadline for Abstract submission: 14^th November, 2025
• Communication of acceptance: 16^th December, 2025
• Deadline for Paper submission: 10^th April, 2026
• Review of Papers back to the Authors: 22^nd May, 2026
• Deadline for revised Paper submission: 11^th July, 2026
• TWR Conference: 2^nd-5^th September, 2026.

Early Bird Price Deadline: 15.06.2026, Regular Price Deadline (Full Price): 15.07.2026

• Tickets Early Bird Academic & Professionals: 400 CHF
• Tickets Early Bird PhD, MSc, BSc Students: 250 CHF
• Tickets Early Bird Full (non-presenting): 650 CHF
• Tickets Early Bird PhD, MSc, BSc Students (non-presenting): 250 CHF
• Tickets Accompanying Adults (relatives): 200 CHF
• Tickets One Day Pass: 350 CHF
• Tickets Regular Academic & Professionals: 550 CHF
• Tickets Regular PhD, MSc, BSc Students: 300 CHF
• Tickets Regular Full (non-presenting): 800 CHF
• Tickets Regular PhD, MSc, BSc Students (non-presenting): 300 CHF
• Tickets Accompanying Adults (relatives): 250 CHF
• Tickets One Day Pass: 450 CHF
• Additional Donations to the TWR Network

TWR 2026 is organised by the Research Group Workplace Management of the Institute of Facility Management of the Zurich University of Applied Science

To be announced.

There are many different aspects that help create alignment between employees and their workplace which helps to ensure satisfaction, wellbeing and productivity. These aspects fall into categories such as social, physical, technological and managerial. There has been growing awareness of the vital role of workplace in mental and physical wellbeing, which has coincided with a shift in the way that work is done to embrace more hybrid forms of working.

This has led to the need for a transdisciplinary approach to advance workplace research and practice, involving many stakeholders. Practitioners and academics have been working independently, leading to little implementation of research into practical solutions in the workplace. These challenges led to the TWR network forming in 2017, bringing together workplace researchers and professionals from various disciplines to share research, practice and ideas. The network holds a biannual conference, which will be hosted in September 2026 by Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW.

For an overview and detailed information go to the Official Zurich City Guide.

Detailed information is available on the section Getting There and Mobility on Location of the Official Zurich City Guide.

Zurich offers a broad offer of sightseeing, cultural venues, events and activities: have a glance at Sightseeing in Zurich | Welcome for a full overview.

For additional information contact us at Twr2026.ifm@zhaw.ch.