This program will bring together design researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry partners for a two-week international learning initiative — week one in Brisbane and week two in Dubai.
The program features keynotes, design sprints, roundtables, and industry site visits with leading partners including ARM Hub, Dubai Health, and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU).
Stay tuned — Registrations will open soon!
Overview
The Design for Change: Sustainability in Healthcare CPE program is a two-week international, in-person, and flexible professional learning initiative developed and organised by the School of Design at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Delivered as part of the Design Strategy and Leadership masterclass, the program strengthens participants’ ability to apply design methods while building the creative confidence needed to lead effectively within contemporary organisations.
This program brings together design researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry partners to address the pressing challenges of planetary health and healthcare sustainability. Across keynote presentations, interactive roundtables, design sprints, and industry site visits, participants will engage with real-world healthcare innovation opportunities and co-develop cross-sectoral solutions that promote resilience, inclusivity, and well-being.
The first week in Brisbane introduces participants to global perspectives on design-led healthcare innovation. The second week in Dubai features an intensive design sprint, equipping participants with the tools to generate and rapidly prototype innovative solutions to pressing healthcare challenges.
Evolve with QUT
As global healthcare systems face mounting pressures from climate change and environmental challenges, this program equips participants to understand and apply design and innovation processes for healthcare transformation. It provides the tools and networks needed to reimagine more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive models of care.
Guided by experts from QUT, MBRU, Dubai Health, and ARM Hub, participants will:
- Learn design-led approaches to sustainability in healthcare.
- Connect with leaders across design, health, and technology.
- Explore cross-cultural and cross-sectoral perspectives in Brisbane and Dubai.
- Gain insights into emerging strategies for innovation, resilience, and inclusive practice.
- Develop, pitch, and prototype innovative solutions to real healthcare challenges.
Who should participate
This program is tailored for professionals and leaders across:
- Healthcare & Clinical Practice: clinicians, hospital administrators, healthcare policy advisors.
- Design & Innovation: service designers, product developers, digital health innovators.
- Industry & Government: decision-makers seeking sustainable and scalable healthcare solutions.
- Academia & Education: researchers and educators in design, health, and sustainability.
No prior design experience is required. Participants should have a keen interest in innovation, healthcare, and sustainability.
Core concepts
Participants will build both knowledge and practical skills in:
- Applied design methods – hands-on experience with design sprints, rapid prototyping, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Healthcare innovation – exploring strategies to improve outcomes and strengthen healthcare systems.
- Design for sustainability in healthcare – approaches to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare delivery.
- Cross-sector and cross-cultural collaboration – fostering partnerships between design, health, industry, and government at both local and global levels.
Details
Program Dates:
- Week 1: 27–30 January 2026, QUT Kelvin Grove Campus, Brisbane, Australia (In person/Online)
- Week 2: 2–6 February 2026, MBRU, Dubai, UAE (In person)
Cost:
- AUD $1700 (workshop fee)
Highlights:
- International keynotes and academic presentations.
- Roundtable on Designing for Health and Planetary Resilience.
- Industry engagement and site visits (ARM Hub, Dubai Health).
- Networking opportunities with global experts and local leaders.
Hosts & Partners:
- QUT: Professor Lisa Scharoun, Dr. Leo Rezayan
- MBRU: Dr. Yacine Hadjiat, Scott Rutherford, Anna Berbenyuk
- Industry Partners: ARM Hub, Dubai Health
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is this program about?
The Design for Change: Sustainability in Healthcare program is an intensive two-week professional learning experience. It brings together global leaders in design, healthcare, and policy making to tackle the urgent challenges of our healthcare industry. Through keynotes, design sprints, roundtables, and site visits, participants will co-create practical solutions to make healthcare more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.
Q: What is the cost of the program?
The program fee is AUD $1700, payable to QUT. This covers access to all sessions across both weeks, including keynotes, design sprints, roundtables and industry site visits.
Q: Can I attend just one week (Brisbane or Dubai)?
No. Registration is for the full program, as the two weeks are designed to build on each other. Week 1 in Brisbane sets the global context; Week 2 in Dubai takes this learning into an intensive design sprint and industry-led innovation challenge. Week 1 is offered via online delivery mode, and on campus at QUT, Kelvin Grove.
Q: What’s included in the program fee?
Your registration includes:
-
- Full participation in all sessions in Brisbane and Dubai.
- Access to global keynote speakers and roundtables.
- Guided design sprints and prototyping workshops.
- Industry engagement and site visits with partners such as ARM Hub and Dubai Health.
- Networking with leading international experts, innovators, and peers across healthcare and design.
- A certificate of completion from QUT.
Q: Are there additional costs should I plan for?
Participants cover their own travel and accommodation. Indicative costs are:
-
- Return flights Brisbane–Dubai: approx. AUD $2000.
- Accommodation in Dubai (31 Jan – 7 Feb): approx. AUD $1600–$1800 (we recommend you stay in Novotel Bur Dubai or Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights)
- Overall, the total outlay is estimated at around AUD $5500, with only the $1700 program fee payable to QUT.
Q: Who should attend?
This program is tailored for professionals and leaders in:
-
- Healthcare & Clinical Practice – clinicians, administrators, and policy advisors seeking new tools to drive sustainable change.
- Design & Innovation – service designers, digital health innovators, and product developers looking to apply design in healthcare contexts.
- Industry & Government – decision-makers and executives focused on scalable and sustainable models of care.
- Academia & Education – researchers and educators in design, health, and sustainability.
Q: Do I need design experience?
No prior design background is required. The program is built for people with a passion for healthcare innovation and sustainability. You’ll be guided by world-class facilitators through design methods that can be applied immediately in your professional context.
Q: What will I take away from the program?
-
- A toolkit of design-led methods for healthcare innovation.
- Hands-on experience in rapid prototyping and collaborative problem-solving.
- Fresh insights into global health challenges and strategies for sustainability.
- New international networks across healthcare, design, industry, and government.
- A stronger capacity to lead change and create impact within your organisation.
Q: Who will I learn from?
The program is guided by world-class experts including:
International leader in design strategy and education –
QUT
MBRU
Details:
| Start Date: | 27/01/2026 [add to calendar] |
| End Date: | 06/02/2026 |
| Cost: | A$1,700/- |
| Organiser: | QUT School of Design |
| Enquiries: | Dr Leo Rezayan - l.rezayan@qut.edu.au |
| Register: |