Speakers

Kate Goldsworthy is Professor of Circular Design and Innovation at University of the Arts London, where her research explores how design can drive systemic change towards more sustainable and regenerative material futures.

With a background bridging design practice and research in an industry context, she brings a holistic perspective to the challenges of transitioning to a circular economy in the textiles, fashion and materials sectors.

Having worked in the denim industry for over ten years, in 2012 she completed the first UK practice-based doctorate focused on ‘designing textiles for the circular economy’. Since then she has continued to explore future manufacturing and recovery contexts through transdisciplinary, collaborative research funded through UKRI and the EU Commission . Her creative work has been exhibited & collected internationally and commissions include The Science Museum, The V&A and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

At UAL, Kate leads research and teaching initiatives that integrate circular design principles into creative practice, equipping the next generation of designers with the tools to rethink material use, product lifecycles, and business models. She has contributed to influential reports and policy dialogues on sustainability, and partnered with industry, NGOs, and public sector organisations to co-develop strategies for innovation rooted in circularity. She is committed to making design a force for positive change through creative and collaborative approaches.