Attempting to envision what a conference should address two years from now is in itself a matter of trust. The sheer speed of developments and transformations taking place in the current times brings with it unprecedented levels of volatility: from AI-mediated decision-making to the return of radical ideologies, from evolving civic dynamics to emerging forms of superstition, the erosion of trust has been marking our present days, and most likely will keep doing so in the foreseeable future. In such shifting terrain, how can design research strengthen and regenerate the foundations of trust? This question inspires the theme of EAD 2027 as the overall topic bringing together the full range of epistemological interests around design research and practice.

The 16th European Academy of Design Conference — EAD27: Trust__Distrust — is an international scientific event organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Porto (FBAUP) and the ID+ Research Institute for Design, Media and Culture, taking place in Porto, Portugal, from 3 to 7 May 2027.

The conference brings together researchers, practitioners, educators, and students to advance knowledge in design research, with a particular focus on the theme of trust: its role in shaping digital, social, cultural, and civic life, and its intersections with transparency, accountability, ethics, and emerging technologies.

EAD27 aims to foster international scientific exchange through peer-reviewed paper presentations, workshops, doctoral colloquium, and keynote sessions, contributing to the consolidation of a global design research community and to the visibility and impact of Portuguese design research institutions at the European and international level.

Conference Chairs: Susana Barreto and Cláudia Lima (ID+ U.Porto)