International Conference
on CRAFTing Human-Tech-Society
International Conference on CRAFTing Human-Tech-Society
organized in conjunction with the Erasmus+ International Staff Week
13-17 April 2026
Contribution submission deadline: 7th March 2026
About iCHTS
We stand at a pivotal moment in history, where the lines between human experience, technological advancement, and societal structures are increasingly intertwined. This conference provides a unique and essential platform to explore and shape our collective future. We are thrilled to bring together a diverse community of academic researchers, businesses and startups, innovation ecosystem enablers, and policymakers to craft how our collective future would look like.
The conference aims to facilitate a vibrant dialogue and spark cross-disciplinary collaborations that address the complex challenges and opportunities at the intersection of three intertwined pillars: humans, technology, and society. Together, we will explore, critique, and co-create a future where technology serves as a responsible and empowering force for a more equitable, sustainable, and thriving global society.
Join us in CRAFTting this crucial synergy for generations to come.
Feel free to contact us for any queries or collaboration!
CRAFT inspiratiON
14th April 2026, Congress Hall of Wroclaw Tech, Janiszewskiego 8, 50-372 Wrocław (Building D20)
The genesis of CRAFT inspiratiON: A story of shared vision
The story of this event is a journey of how two distinct paths of thinking about personal growth converged to create a new quality in the academic environment. It began with a powerful realization: what we do outside the lecture hall is what truly defines our future.
The evolution of a student initiative
Last year, the Student Union launched a project called “Filiżanka Inspiracji” (A Cup of Inspiration). The goal was clear, to show people that their hobbies, side projects, and extra-curricular activities are the real engines of their personal development. The success of that first edition sparked a desire to evolve. The organizers felt that talking about motivation was no longer enough, they needed a format that was alive, interactive, and responsive to the actual needs of the community.
Connecting with the CRAFT vision
At the same time, the CRAFT organization was working on an idea called the CRAFT inspiratiON WALL. This wasn’t meant to be a place for people to brag about their success. Instead, it was designed as a space where people could be honest about their problems and help each other find solutions. The CRAFT goal was to build society based on empathy, mutual motivation, and authentic support rather than curated images of perfection.
Synergy and the Birth of the Living Lab
When the Student Union and CRAFT met, they realized they wanted the exact same thing. Instead of working alone, they decided to create something together. This partnership led to the creation of the Living Lab – the place on the event where theory stops and action begins.
The Living Lab is a zone designed to show the reality of innovation. It is a space filled with interactive booths and creative projects where you can see exactly how discipline, hardwork and teamwork turn an idea into a real solution. Instead of just listening to a lecture, you get to meet innovators face-to-face, participate in workshops, and experiment with new technology. It was built to prove that with the right support and tools, anyone can move from solving small problems to creating exceptional work.
CRAFT inspiratiON: The grand event
All these ideas come together under one name: CRAFT inspiratiON. It is a complete experience that combines inspiring lectures, the supportive CRAFT inspiratiON WALL, and the practical Living Lab zone. This collaboration between the Student Union and the CRAFT organization shows that the best things happen when we work together. We created this space so you can find the tools, the people, and the motivation to build your own future.
Experience Zones (Main Corridor D20, Wrocław Tech: 09:30 – 15:00)
- Living Lab: An interactive space featuring innovative projects, technology booths, and face-to-face sessions with creators.
- CRAFT inspiratiON Wall: A dedicated space for sharing challenges and co-creating solutions in real-time.
Doctoral & Masters’ Colloquium
CRAFT 180: Projects to Impact Competition
16th April 2026, 09:00 – 10:30, Aula of the Wrocław Tech (Building A1)
3 minutes. 1 speaker. 1 slide. One giant step forward.
iCHTS 2026 will host CRAFT 180: Projects to Impact, a competitive short-format event for Master’s students and Ph.D. candidates who want to demonstrate how their academic work can move toward meaningful societal impact.
CRAFT 180 invites students to present any student project, not only theses, and to focus not just on what they did, but on why it matters beyond academia.
The format is inspired by the global Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) format, and 3-minute talks at the Business Intelligence Days at Faculty of Management, Wroclaw Tech – by Prof. Rafał Weron, the challenge is simple but demanding:
Present your research and its potential societal impact in just three minutes, using only one static slide.
No jargon. No complexity overload. Just clarity, relevance, and passion.
Why “180”?
CRAFT 180 has a double meaning:
180 seconds: A strict three-minute limit that requires clarity, focus, and accessibility for a non-specialist audience.
180 degrees: The first half of a full 360° societal impact.
CRAFT 180 represents the moment when academic work turns outward, from project to impact. The remaining 180°, implementation, uptake, policy, industry, and society, completes the circle beyond the competition.
CRAFT 180 marks the turning point, not the end point.
Why take part?
CRAFT 180 is more than a competition, it is a platform for visibility and reflection.
✨ Showcase student projects with societal relevance
🤝 Connect with researchers, practitioners, and innovation stakeholders
🚀 Strengthen communication skills beyond academic audiences
🌍 Reflect critically on how your work can shape society
Competition rules
👩🎓 Competition is open to Master’s students and Ph.D. candidates
A maximum of 7 Master’s students or 7 Ph.D. candidates present consecutively
⏱ 180 seconds per presentation (hard stop)
🖼 One static slide only, submitted in PDF format
🎤 Spoken presentation suitable for a non-specialist audience
Presentations are delivered without interruption, ensuring equal conditions for all participants.
👥 After all seven presentations in a category, all presenters take part in a moderated panel discussion
Questions are posed by the expert jury, and the audience (as time allows)
Judging Criteria
Each participant is evaluated by the jury using a 5-point scale (1–5) across three distinct dimensions.
🧠 Identification of impact
- whether the presenter clearly identifies what kind of impact the project could have
- whether the societal relevance is understood, not just stated
- whether the impact is framed in a concrete and meaningful way
🔍 Evidence of impact claims
- whether the proposed impact is realistic given the project’s scope
- whether assumptions are acknowledged
- whether the presenter avoids exaggerated or unsupported claims
🎤 Communication and engagement
- clarity and structure of the 180-second presentation
- effective use of the single slide
- ability to respond clearly and thoughtfully to questions from the jury and audience
📝 Grading scale
5
Outstanding: The criterion is addressed with clarity, confidence, and depth.
4
Strong: The criterion is addressed clearly and convincingly.
3
Adequate: The criterion is met in a clear and understandable way.
2
Limited: Some elements are present, but key aspects are missing or weak.
1
Unclear: The criterion is not addressed or remains confusing.
The jury
Presentations will be assessed by a multidisciplinary jury composed of academic experts, industry representatives, and innovation stakeholders.
(Full jury announcement coming soon.)
Ready to take the challenge?
If you believe your research, student project, or thesis has the potential to make a positive impact on society, this stage is for you.
Three minutes can change how the world sees your work.
Make them count. 🎤✨
How to participate?
- Go to the Submission and Registration System.
- Fill out the participant details, and make sure to mark your profile correctly (Bachelor or Master student or Ph.D. student)
- Next, select the type of participation
- If you want participate in the whole conference, including thematic sessions then select the option of conference as presenter or listener (Erasmus+ is only applicable to Ph.D. students from outside Poland, who have the option to avail Erasmus mobility for participating in International Staff Week from their home university). Then in the next question, mark “Yes” to the presenting and competing in CRAFT 180: Projects to Impact. (Participation in the conference required registration fee to be paid)
- In case you only want to participate in the session with CRAFT 180: Projects to Impact competition, select “Doctoral & Masters’ Colloquium – CRAFT 180: Projects to Impact” as the category of participation, and then mark “Yes” to the presenting and competing in CRAFT 180: Projects to Impact Talks. There is no Registration Fee for participating only in this session and competing.
- You will also be given options to participate in other FREE sessions of the conference, you can select any that might be of interest to you, or skip them.
- Next, fill in the title and abstract of your Talk (CRAFT 180: Projects to Impact). This is what will be used to shortlist the final list of candidates (7 master’s and 7 Ph.D. students) who will present their research and compete.
- Lastly, access to the participation conditions and privacy policy, and submit.
- Your registration and submission will then be processed by us, and we will get in touch with you with further steps.
- In case you have any questions, do not hesitate to write to hts.craft@pwr.edu.pl
Call for Contributions
The International Conference on CRAFTing Human–Tech–Society is built on a simple but deliberate premise: complex societal challenges at the intersection of humans and technology cannot be addressed in disciplinary or sectoral silos. Rather than separating academic research, business practice, and policy perspectives into parallel tracks, this conference intentionally brings them into the same thematic sessions, panels, and discussions. Scientists, business leaders, policymakers, and academic practitioners will engage with the same questions, from complementary angles, in a shared space. The purpose of the conference is not only to present knowledge, but to co-create understanding, challenge assumptions, and shape future-ready approaches to innovation that are socially responsible, measurable in impact, and grounded in real-world constraints. All selected presenters will have a 10 minute talk, followed by 5 minus Q&A. We invite you to contribute through your perspective.
We invite contributions from:
- Researchers and scientists (all career stages)
- Doctoral students
- Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovation practitioners
- Policymakers, regulators, and public-sector leaders
- Academic leaders and practitioners engaged in collaboration with society, industry, or policy
Contributors may come from academia, business, government, NGOs, international organizations, and innovation ecosystems.
Conference Themes
All accepted contributions, scientific and practice-oriented will be integrated into shared thematic sessions built around the following core themes:
- CRAFTing metrics to assess true societal impact of innovation – How can we meaningfully measure the societal value of innovation across organizations, sectors, and scales?
- CRAFTing social simulations to understand and accelerate innovation – How can models, simulations, and foresight tools help us understand diffusion, adoption, and unintended consequences?
- CRAFTing pathways from science to business and society – How does knowledge move—or fail to move—from research into practice, policy, and societal benefit?
- CRAFTing responsible innovation – How can ethical, social, and human considerations be embedded into innovation processes from the outset?
- Doctoral and masters Colloquium – “3MT Talks” – Short, high-impact presentations by early-career researchers focusing on future relevance and societal contribution.
Types of contributions
This is a single call with differentiated contribution formats.
1. Scientific abstracts (Research-oriented contributions)
Intended primarily for researchers and students, these contributions present:
- Empirical research
- Conceptual or theoretical work
- Methodological advances
- Critical or reflective analyses
2. Speaker proposals (Practice, policy and academic leadership)
Intended primarily for contributors from:
- Business and industry
- Policy and public administration
- Academic leadership and practice-oriented roles
These contributions may take the form of:
- Case studies (including failures and lessons learned)
- Policy perspectives and regulatory insights
- Strategic reflections on innovation, governance, and societal impact
- Practice-based insights grounded in real-world experience
What makes this conference different?
- No parallel silos: Academic, business, and policy contributions are discussed together.
- Dialogue over dissemination: Sessions are designed to maximize discussion, not just presentation.
- Impact-oriented: Emphasis on societal consequences, responsibility, and future readiness.
- Interdisciplinary by design: Contributions across disciplines and sectors are actively encouraged.
Publication and visibility
- All accepted abstracts and speaker summaries will be published in an official Book of Abstracts, available to all participants and published open access on CRAFT’s website. Each abstract and speaker summary shall also have its own dedicated webpage where there would be provision for registered users to comment publicly.
- Selected contributions may be invited for post-conference publication opportunities (details to be announced separately).
Submission guidelines
All contributors (scientific and speaker proposals) should be submitted via the registration form. The form is configured to provide the option of adding:
- Indication of contribution type:
- Scientific Abstract (Research-Oriented Contribution)
- Speaker proposal (Practice, Policy & Academic Leadership)
- Title of contribution
- Abstract/summary of contribution (max. 3000 characters including spaces)
For Doctoral & Masters’ Colloquium – 3MT talks, those who wish to participate in the competition will have to submit their abstract also via the registration form. Please note that in the registration form you have to select the “Doctoral & Masters’ Colloquium – 3MT talks” and then indicate that you would like to present your research. Then appropriate options within the form will be active and you will be able to submit your abstract and register.
Important Dates
- Contribution submission deadline: 7 March 2026
- Notification of acceptance: ongoing basis, latest by 28th February 2026
- Early bird registrations deadline: 14 March 2026
- Regular registrations deadline: 30 March 2026
- Pre-conference workshops: 13 April 2026
- CRAFT inpiratiON: 14 April 2026
- Main conference: 14-16 April 2026
- Post conference brainstorming session: 17 April 2026
The International Conference on CRAFTing Human–Tech–Society is an invitation to step outside traditional boundaries and engage in a shared, critical, and constructive conversation about how humans, technology, and society can—and should—be shaped together. We look forward to your contribution.
Registration Options
Registration options and fees
- Erasmus+ ISTW 2026 + CRAFTing HTS 2026 Conference as Presenter: Participation in conference as a presenter and in Erasmus+ International Staff Training Week (for participants from outside Poland).
- Participation Fee: 150 Euros / 635 PLN.
- Submission of Title and Abstract/Summary of contribution required.
- All sessions and activities in the schedule are included. Additionally, Erasmus team will organize job shadowing (if required) and a visit to a museum.
- Erasmus+ ISTW 2026 + CRAFTing HTS 2026 Conference as Listener: Participation in conference as a listener and in Erasmus+ International Staff Training Week (for participants from outside Poland).
- Participation Fee: 150 Euros / 635 PLN.
- All sessions and activities in the schedule are included. Additionally, Erasmus team will organize job shadowing (if required) and a visit to a museum.
- CRAFTing HTS 2026 Conference as Presenter: Participation in conference only, as a presenter (for participants from Poland and abroad).
- Participation Fee: 150 Euros / 635 PLN.
- Submission of Title and Abstract/Summary of contribution required.
- All sessions and activities in the schedule are included.
- CRAFTing HTS 2026 Conference as Listener: Participation in conference only, as a listener (for participants from Poland and abroad).
- Participation Fee: 150 Euros / 635 PLN.
- All sessions and activities in the schedule are included.
- CRAFT inspiratiON: This is a special event co-organized by CRAFT and Student Union of Wroclaw University of Science and Technology. All conference participants already have the registration for this event included in their registration. If you would like to attend only this event, please opt for this registration type. Additionally, you can opt-in to attend the keynotes, panel discussions and the 3MT colloquium.
- Participation is free.
- Open for all, but registration is mandatory.
- Doctoral & Masters’ Colloquium – CRAFT 180: Projects to Impact: This is a special session where Masters and Doctoral students will be competing to show the societal impact of their research. If you are a Masters or Doctoral student, and would like to present, then you have to opt for this option and submit title and abstract of your research. Shortlisted candidates will be announced by 5th March. If you wish to only attend, then you indicate “no” when asked about presenting your research.
- Participation is free, both for presenters and attendees.
- Competing in CRAFT 180: Projects to Impact competition is open and free for all Masters and Doctoral students from any discipline.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their research during the colloquium.
- Open for all to attend, but registration is mandatory.
- Keynotes and panel discussions: The keynotes and panels in the conference are open for all to attend on first come first serve basis, after reserving the seats for participants indicated in points 1 to 4 above.
- Participation is free.
- Open for all, but registration is mandatory.
Call for Partners
We invite organizations to become partners of this interdisciplinary conference, bringing together researchers, business leaders, policymakers, and practitioners to address key societal challenges at the intersection of Human-Tech-Society.
Why partner with us?
Connect with a global, cross-sector community and position your brand as a leader in responsible innovation.
- Maximum visibility: Premium logo placement on the conference website, the Book of Abstracts, and selected event materials.
- Digital reach: Featured mentions across the conference’s and CRAFT social media channels.
- Live recognition: Acknowledgment during opening and closing ceremonies, keynote panels and at different sessions throughout the conference.
- Exclusive access: Delegate passes for your representatives to attend the conference, networking sessions and selected workshops.
A partnership tailored to you
We understand that every organization has unique goals. We do not believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Whether you are looking for brand awareness, talent acquisition, or thought leadership, we will tailor a partnership offer specifically for you.
We welcome diverse forms of cooperation, including:
- Financial support: Direct sponsorship of the event.
- In-kind sponsorship: Branded delegate packs (welcome packs), technology support, or prizes for speakers.
- Service promotion: Exclusive offers or product showcases for our participants.
Ready to make an impact?
By partnering with the International Conference on CRAFTing Human-Tech-Society, you are supporting a platform dedicated to meaningful dialogue and measurable societal impact.
Let us discuss how we can customize a package for your organization.
Conference Schedule
Monday, April 13th, Day 1: Pre-conference workshops and evening walking tour
Location: To be announced
09:00-10:00
Arrival, registration & welcome
10:00–10:30
Ice breaker event (with ongoing coffee)
10:30–13:00
Workshop: Translating science into business and societal value – Part 1(To be announced)
Location: To be announced13:00-14:00
Lunch break
14:00-16:00
Workshop: Translating science into business and societal value – Part 2(To be announced) Location: To be announced16:00-17:00
Coffee and networking
17:30 onwards
Wroclaw walking tour
Tuesday, April 14th, Day 2: CRAFT InspiratiON and iCHTS 2026 Inaugural
Congress Hall of Wroclaw Tech, Janiszewskiego 8, 50-372 Wrocław (Building D20)
9:00-9:30
Arrival, registration and morning program
9:30-10:15
CRAFT inspiratiON Opening
10:15–11:00
Panel Discussion 1: The modern student in a dynamic reality: what do they need from universities to grow and stay inspired?
Speakers: To be announced
Moderator: To be announced
11:00 – 11:50
Coffee break and activity time: Posting challenges
More details about the activity to be announced
11:50-12:10
Panel Discussion 2: Inspiration without borders: how different cultures view growth, the future, and the path to success.
Speakers: To be announced
Moderator: To be announced
12:10-12:50
Activity Time: Writing solutions
More details to be announced
12:50-13:10
Panel Discussion 3: Finding inspiration in difficult moments: the psychology of pressure, choices, and overcoming crises.
Speakers: To be announced
Moderator: To be announced
13:10 – 14:10
Lunch and continued collaboration – Developing solutions
More details about the activity to be announced
14:10 – 14:30
Panel Discussion 4: Long-distance inspiration: how leaders and entrepreneurs face challenges and continue to grow.
Speakers: To be announced
Moderator: To be announced
14:30 – 15:00
Live poll on Menti and CRAFT inpiratiON wrap up
15:00 – 17:30
Networking and/or free-time
17:30 – 18:00
Registrations for late arrivals
Location: Aula of the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (Building A1), Wybrzeże Stanisława Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław
18:00 – 18:30
Inauguration of the International Conference on Human-Tech-Society(By Guests – to be announced)18:30 – 20:00
Inaugural Keynote speeches and panel: CRAFTing human values in research, innovation and development
Speakers: To be announced
Moderator: Yash Chawla
This session will feature 3 speakers, with 20 minute talks followed by a 30 minutes panel discussion and Q&A.
20:00 – 22:00
Mocktails, business & research speed dating, taste of the world Location: Student Culture Zone, Hoene-Wrońskiego 10, 50-376 Wrocław View on Map
Access for ISTW 2026 participants, iCHTS 2026 participants, and invited guests.
Wednesday, April 15th, Day 3: Conference keynote panels and thematic sessions
Keynotes and panel discussions to be organized in Aula of the Wrocław Tech (Building A1), and thematics sessions will be organized in Building H-14.
9:00-10:30
Plenary keynote and panel 1: CRAFTing metrics to assess true societal impact of innovation
Speakers: To be announced
Moderator: To be announced
This session will feature 3 speakers, with 20 minute talks followed by a 30 minutes panel discussion and Q&A.
10:30-11:00
Coffee and networking
11:00-13:00
Thematic Session 1: Methods and frameworks to measure societal impact of innovation
How do organizations (Universities, Businesses, Governments, International Organizations, NGOs etc) design, implement, and operationalize inclusive, effective metrics?
Session Chair: Dimitrios Sotiros
All talks will be listed here after the submissions are selected.
13:00-14:00
Lunch break
14:00-16:00
Thematic Session 2: Social simulations to understand and accelerate the spread of innovations
How can social simulations be designed and used to better understand, predict, and influence the pathways for new technologies, products, or policies to be adopted by different societal stakeholders?
Session Chair: To be announced
All talks will be listed here after the submissions are selected.
16:00-17:30
Plenary keynote and panel 2: CRAFTing social simulations for innovation
Speakers: To be announced
Moderator: To be announced
This session will feature 3 speakers, with 20 minute talks followed by a 30 minutes panel discussion and Q&A.
Thursday, April 16th, Day 4: Conference keynote panels and thematic sessions, evening conference dinner
3MT Talks, Keynotes and panel discussions to be organized in Aula of the Wrocław Tech (Building A1), and thematics sessions will be organized in Building H-14.
09:00 – 10:30
Doctoral & Masters’ Colloquium: “3MT talks”
CRAFTing Human-Tech-Society
Session Chair: To be announced
Award for top three presenters that demonstrate that their work has a potential for positive impact on society.
10:30-11:00
Coffee and networking
11:00-13:00
Thematic Session 3: Taking science to business and society
What are the successes, failures, and unsolved challenges from all sides on technology transfer, public buy-in, regulatory compromise, and multi-stakeholder engagement in taking science to business and society?
Session Chair: To be announced
All talks will be listed here after the submissions are selected.
13:00-14:00
Lunch
14:00-16:00
Thematic Session 4: Responsible innovation
What is the current state, methods, new developments and collaborations for embedding ethical and societal concerns in tech innovation from the outset?
Session Chair: To be announced
All talks will be listed here after the submissions are selected.
16:00-16:30
Coffee and networking
16:30-18:00
Plenary keynote and panel 3: CRAFTing responsible innovation and technology, and closing of the conference
Speakers: To be announced
Moderator: To be announced
This session will feature 3 speakers, with 20 minute talks followed by a 30 minutes panel discussion and Q&A.
20:00 onwards
Conference Gala Dinner
Location to be announced
Friday, April 17th, Day 5: Post conference brainstorming session
9:30-11:00
CRAFT B.E.E.R: “Future Readiness”
Moderator: Dr. Yash Chawla
Brainstorming and Exchange for Ethical Recommendations: Foresights, policy, and societal readiness for technological disruption.
Key themes and topics
human–technology–society interactions
responsible and ethical innovation
societal impact assessment
science-to-business and science-to-society translation
interdisciplinary collaboration
stakeholder engagement
global research partnerships
talent development in research and innovation
innovation ecosystems
social simulations for technology adoption
metrics and governance for innovation
policy and foresight for emerging technologies
Why join?
- engage with distinguished international scholars and experts
- network and foster collaborations with peers from academia & industry
- participate in interactive workshops & thematic sessions
- contribute to advancing interdisciplinary research and technology assessment
- explore cutting-edge methodologies and frameworks for societal
- impact evaluation to gain insights into responsible and ethical innovation practices
- access Erasmus+ mobility funding and institutional support for international participation
- enhance professional and academic development
- establish long-term research and innovation partnerships
- exchange best practices across global innovation ecosystems
Organizers
Co-organizers
