23–24 March 2026 | Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham

#TUKFS26

About the conference

Join us for the 2026 Annual Conference of the UKRI Transforming UK Food Systems Programme, a two-day gathering of researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders committed to shaping a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable food future.

Building on the momentum of last year’s meeting, which explored the “politics of possibility,” #TUKFS26 will continue to challenge assumptions, foster collaboration, and showcase the very best research from the TUKFS programme.

What to expect

  • Themed scientific sessions
  • Engaging keynotes and panels
  • Interactive workshops
  • Posters and displays
  • Networking opportunities
  • Conference dinner on 23 March

Venue: Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre

Located within the University of Birmingham’s leafy campus, the venue offers modern facilities and a welcoming atmosphere for immersive discussion and collaboration.


Call for abstracts

We invite submissions for the Transforming UK Food Systems Annual Conference 2026. Chosen abstracts will showcase the very best from the TUKFS programme and will be featured as a workshop, symposia, or single paper.

All parallel sessions will be 90 minutes in length. All submissions will be assessed by our scientific panel and ranked. The highest scoring abstracts will be included in plenary and parallel sessions. All submissions will also be considered for poster displays, which can be viewed throughout the conference and showcased in themed poster sessions.

Please read our submission guidelines, and submit your research via the button below:

Help shape the programme

We also welcome suggestions for keynote speakers who can inspire and challenge our thinking around transforming UK food systems.

Please email your ideas to TUKFS26@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk.


Accommodation & Transport

Accommodation options:

  • Edgbaston Park Hotel – 175 rooms available at £136.50 per night (includes breakfast)
  • Peter Scott House – Budget-friendly option across the road at £90.00 (includes breakfast)
  • Other Options – Hotels in Birmingham city centre and nearby Airbnbs, including Ibis Budget Hotel at £ 37.48

Transport options

  • By Train. Birmingham University Station is 10 minutes walk from the venue, with direct connections to Birmingham New Street, Nottingham and Cardiff. Birmingham New Street is one of the most well-connected railway stations serving London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and beyond.
  • By Car. Limited on-site parking available is available for those with priority needs –  details to follow
  • By Air. Birmingham Airport is approximately 30 minutes and connected via Birmingham International Station to New Street Station

Stay Connected

Follow updates on social media using #TUKFS26 and check back soon for registration details, speaker announcements, and the full programme.