Rise and Design: Designing a Just Transition Towards Net Zero

Advancing sustained research, design, and innovation is essential to achieving our regional decarbonisation objectives. These efforts must be supported by proactive strategies that ensure a just transition to net zero, addressing sociotechnical disparities, empowering communities, and promoting long-term regional growth. 

Join us for this special Rise and Design event, part of Tyne Design Week 2025, as we explore the role of design and the potential for collaboration with regional Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in developing innovative solutions that advance regional initiatives and drive sustained economic growth. 

We will hear from leading researchers and creatives operating at the intersection of design, research innovation, and social justice, as they address the challenges of achieving regional decarbonisation and highlight funding opportunities for future collaborative efforts. From circular economy initiatives and low-carbon transport to community-led environmental projects, this event will demonstrate how purposeful design can contribute to building a greener, more equitable future for all. 

Whether you're a designer, policymaker, academic or activist, this event will leave you with fresh ideas, practical insights, and new connections to support your work on the road to Net Zero. 

Part of Tyne Design Week 2025 | In partnership with Newcastle University and the Northern Net Zero Accelerator 

Agenda

The morning will include: 

• Inspiring talks from experts, designers, and leaders in the public sector 

• Case studies and group discussions 

• Opportunities to network and connect  

About Rise and Design

Rise and Design

Design Network North

Design Network North supports innovative companies, helping them to utilise high quality design skills and processes.

We accomplish this by offering specialised product design, industrial design and new product development support. Good design is the key to future competitiveness. At a time when product quality standards are universally high and costs have been driven relentlessly downward, design and improved functionality have become the most important factors in the marketplace.

Intended to enhance regional companies’ ability employ high-quality design, skills and processes, Design Network North works closely with other regional, national and international design projects, and helps those without access to the relevant design skills, achieve their aspirations for growth. Design Network North also holds regular networking events, 'Rise & Design', and delivers onsite Design Performance Workshops to embed good design within your business.

The Northern Design Centre is a  regional focal point for use of design by North East England’s businesses and service providers. Throughout each year, the Design Centre will feature work not just from local product designers but examples from all areas of design. Funded by the European Union, the network is co-ordinated by RTC North Ltd in Sunderland.

About the speakers

Professor Ian Head

Professor of Environmental Microbiology, Newcastle University

Ian Head is Professor of Environmental Microbiology in Newcastle University’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. Since 2019 he has been Dean of Research for the Faculty of Science Agriculture and Engineering. He has over 30 years’ experience in inter-disciplinary research working with engineers, Earth scientists and environmental researchers. His most recent research has focussed on microbial fuel cells for energy and resource recovery from wastewater and environmental monitoring applications. He has sat on numerous national and international panels and advisory boards and has held senior editorial roles on world-leading academic journals. Ian was a member of a core, multidisciplinary group of senior colleagues who initiated the development of the NNZA Place-Based Impact Accelerator.

Peter Riddell

Programme Manager Net Zero

North East Combined Authority

Peter is a Programme Manager (Net Zero and Energy) with the North East CA and has more than 20 years' experience working with private industry, local authorities and the charity sector on decarbonisation, active travel, micromobility and net zero projects.

Peter is currently leading on the development and launch of the UK’s first regional Carbon and Nature Marketplace.

About the venue

You can find further details about this venue here.

Connect with the organiser!

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