Achieving Resilience through Sustainable Digitalization and Ecological Engineering in the 21st Century.

In the year 2023, we find ourselves in a world transformed by rapid advancements in digital technology. Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), exemplified by models like ChatGPT, has emerged as a transformative force that is reshaping industries and revolutionizing the way we approach problem-solving, creativity, and sustainability. Generative AI, with its ability to generate human-like text and assist in complex decision-making processes, has found applications far beyond its origins. In 2023, industries spanning from healthcare to finance, from education to entertainment, have witnessed significant shifts in the way they operate. AI-driven insights, automation, and creative assistance have become the new norm, empowering professionals across sectors.  In the field of ecological engineering, generative AI plays a pivotal role in the design and optimisation of sustainable solutions. It enables engineers and researchers to simulate and model intricate ecological systems with unprecedented accuracy, leading to more efficient resource management and environmentally friendly designs.

At the nexus of digitisation and sustainability, we find an evolving landscape where technological advancements not only complement but also enhance the core tenets of Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS). While we embrace the vast potentials of digital technologies in improving efficiency, predictive capabilities, and data-driven decision-making, it is crucial to integrate these tools without losing sight of the fundamental principles of ecological design. These principles—centered around harmony with nature, resource conservation, and sustainable development—remain as relevant today as they ever were. The challenge and opportunity for SEEDS 2024 lie in marrying the innovation and agility of these advancements with the wisdom and foresight of ecological design. This integration aims to foster solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also deeply rooted in ecological responsibility and sustainability.

Thus, this year’s conference serves as a bridge between three essential elements:

  • Embracing cutting-edge innovations
  • Preserving time-tested ecological wisdom
  • Fostering resilience in our communities and ecosystems

This year, we ask:

How do we leverage the advancements in digital technology and industry 4.0 to promote sustainable and ecological engineering for society?

To answer this key question, the conference themes will encompass:

  • Digital Transformation for Sustainability: Exploring the role of digitalization, industry 4.0, and generative ai in ecological engineering.
  • Resilient Communities in a Changing World: Strategies for building societal resilience and adapting to environmental challenges.
  • Nature-Inspired Engineering and Biomimicry: Harnessing the wisdom of nature for innovative sustainable solutions.
  • Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Integrating time-tested practices with cutting-edge technologies for ecological sustainability.
  • Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability: Navigating the moral and ethical dimensions of sustainable ecological engineering.
  • Urban Sustainability and Smart Cities: Promoting sustainable urban planning, infrastructure, and digital solutions for future cities.

 

Key Dates

  • 1st Call for abstract submissions                 17 November 2023
  • 2nd Call for abstracts submissions               4 December 2023
  • Final call for abstracts submissions            15 January 2024
  • Abstract submission deadline              11 March 2024
  • Notification on abstract                            18 March 2024
  • Paper submission deadline                  22 April 2024
  • Notification on full paper                          20 May 2024
  • Final paper submission deadline               10 June 2024

AUDIENCE

The SEEDS community is a confluence of experienced and early-career researchers from across the world and from diverse disciplines.

This melting pot encourages exciting conversations and opportunities to collaborate.

Members of the SEEDS community, who have met during previous years of the conference, are now working on projects and submitting research papers together.

Submissions are encouraged from researchers at all levels, including doctoral students.

So, if you're passionate about your research and eager to connect with a diverse community of like-minded individuals, the International SEEDS conference is for you.

Please submit Abstracts by 11 March 2024, via the SEEDS MyPortal platform, using the instructions below:

  1. If you have not already created an account, please click here to signup.
  2. Once your account is created and your email address has been verified, Click here to login to your account:
  3. Select ‘submit new abstract’
  4. Complete the details of your abstract and co-authors
  5. Press submit, and wait for the portal to acknowledge the delivery of your application. 

Further information can be obtained from: lsiconference@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Full research papers, posters, reviews, and case studies will be considered through the review process.

You are encouraged to submit abstracts as early as possible in order to receive prompt feedback. Early acceptance will enable you to take advantage of the ‘early bird’ rate for the conference

Format of the Conference:

The conference will follow a hybrid delivery model. The first day of the conference (27 Aug) will be online only, and the following two days (28 & 29 Aug) held in-person at Leeds Beckett University’s City Campus.

There will be a gala dinner and awards ceremony hosted nearby on the 28 Aug, which you are welcome to attend as part of the full conference pricing option.

Early Bird rate applies up until 1 July 2024.

Options Attendance modes Attendance rates Prices
1. Online (27/08/2024) and in-person (28/08/2024 & 29/08/2024) Early bird rate £350
2. Online (27/08/2024) and in-person (28/08/2024 & 29/08/2024) Early bird rate for 
students		 £200
3. Online (27/08/2024) and in-person (28/08/2024 & 29/08/2024) Standard rate £450
4. Online (27/08/2024) and in-person (28/08/2024 & 29/08/2024)  Standard rate for 
students		 £300
5. In-person (28/08/2024 or 29/08/2024) Single day rate £250
6. In-person (28/08/2024 or 29/08/2024) Single day rate for 
students		 £175
7. Online only (27/08/2024) Online (Early 
Bird)		 £150
8. Online only (27/08/2024) Online for 
students (Early Bird)		 £100
9. Online only (27/08/2024) Online £200

10.

 Online only (27/08/2024) Online for 
students		 £150
11. Gala dinner and RISE Awards ceremony only (28/08/24) Individual £90
12. Gala dinner and RISE Awards ceremony only (28/08/24) Individual +1 £175
13. Gala dinner and RISE Awards ceremony only (28/08/24) Half table (5 people) £425
14. Gala dinner and RISE Awards ceremony only (28/08/24) Full table (10 people) £800

Accommodation and travel:

This year’s International SEEDS Conference 2024 is being held in the vibrant city of Leeds, UK. The main conference will be hosted in The Rose Bowl at Leeds Beckett University’s city campus, with the gala dinner and awards ceremony venue yet to be decided but within walking distance of the city centre.

The Rose Bowl building is located in the north of the city, around a 15-minute walk from Leeds Train Station. If you need more information about the location, please see the Leeds Beckett campus map.

If arriving internationally, Leeds Bradford Airport is around 9 miles from the city center, with a frequent and affordable bus service offered by the A1, A2, & A3 Flyers.

There are many accommodation options within the vicinity, including the following:

  • The Clayton Hotel, Leeds City Centre
  • Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre (0.2 miles)
  • Premier Inn Leeds City Centre (Leeds Arena) hotel (0.3 miles)
  • ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena (0.4 miles)
  • Dakota Leeds (0.4 miles)
  • Mansio Suites Headrow (0.4 miles)
  • easyHotel Leeds City Centre (0.5 miles)

 

Themes for Abstracts

Digital Transformation for Sustainability:

  • Digital Twins and Sustainability: Leveraging Industry 4.0 for Ecological Engineering.
  • AI-Driven Sustainable Design: From Concepts to Real-World Applications.
  • Data-Driven Ecological Engineering: Enhancing Sustainability through Digitalization.
  • Industry 4.0 and Environmental Monitoring: A Path to Greener Futures.
  • Generative AI in Ecological Engineering: Innovations for Sustainable Practices.

Resilient Communities in a Changing World:

  • Building Resilient Societies: Strategies for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation.
  • Community-Centered Resilience: Engaging and Empowering Local Populations.
  • Adapting to Environmental Challenges: Resilience through Innovation and Collaboration.
  • Case Studies in Resilience: Lessons from Communities Worldwide.
  • Resilient Infrastructure Design: Safeguarding Communities for the Future

Nature-Inspired Engineering and Biomimicry:

  • Biomimetic Solutions for Sustainable Design: Learning from Nature's Innovations.
  • Ecological Engineering Inspired by Ecosystem Services: A Biomimicry Approach.
  • Bionics in Engineering: Translating Biological Insights into Sustainable Solutions.
  • Lessons from the Wild: Nature-Inspired Materials and Structures.
  • Biomimicry in Urban Planning: Creating Sustainable, Nature-Inspired Cities.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation:

  • Traditional Wisdom in Ecological Engineering: An Essential Component of Sustainability.
  • Innovation and Tradition in Sustainable Organisation: A Holistic Approach.
  • Integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Modern Technology for Ecological Sustainability.
  • Traditional Building Techniques Meet Modern Sustainability Standards.
  • Case Studies in Sustainable Development: Finding Harmony between Old and New.

Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability:

  • Ethical Dilemmas in Ecological Engineering: Navigating Sustainability's Moral Landscape.
  • Responsible Innovation in Sustainable Design: Ethical Considerations and Best Practices.
  • Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Creating Equitable, Eco-Friendly Solutions.
  • Environmental Justice in Ecological Engineering: Ethical Dimensions of Community Impact.
  • Codes of Ethics for Ecological Engineers: Ensuring Responsible Practices.

Urban Sustainability and Smart Cities:

  • Sustainable Urban Planning: Balancing Growth with Ecological Preservation.
  • Smart Cities and Environmental Sustainability: The Role of Digital Solutions.
  • Future-Proofing Cities: Sustainable Infrastructure for Growing Urban Populations.
  • The Human-Centric Smart City: Enhancing Quality of Life and Sustainability.
  • Sustainable Transportation in Urban Environments: Smart Mobility Solutions.

Publications

The conference has a powerful reputation for working with established publishers. Papers will be put forward for publication with our publishing partners, including Emerald Publishing and Springer Nature.

SEEDS abstract and paper guidance 2024 ( Download)