International Conference on Quality Innovation and Sustainability (ICQIS)
Date : Wed 10 Jun - Fri 12 Jun
Cork Road campus, Waterford, X91 K0EK
South East Technological University (SETU) will host the 7th International Conference on Quality, Innovation and Sustainability (ICQIS 2026) from 10–12 June 2026 at the Cork Road campus in Waterford.
Taking place within the Faculty of Business, ICQIS 2026 will bring together researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers to share knowledge, explore emerging trends, and exchange best practice across the interconnected fields of quality, innovation, and sustainability.
Conference overview
The conference aims to support meaningful collaboration between academia and industry, with a strong focus on real-world application and impact. The programme will include:
- Keynote addresses from international experts
- Industry panel discussion
- Parallel conference sessions
- Cultural entertainment
- Industry excursion
- Conference gala dinner
The conference will be chaired by Dr Patrick Lynch of RIKON and LI4.
Keynote speakers confirmed include Professor Peter Hines and Richard Dawson, with more to be announced.
Conference themes
ICQIS 2026 will explore a broad range of topics, including but not limited to:
Quality
- Continuous improvement
- EFQM Model
- Human factors and ergonomics
- Lean management and Lean Six Sigma
- Occupational safety and health
- Quality 4.0 and 5.0
- Quality engineering and management
- Services engineering
- Total Quality Management (TQM)
- World Class Manufacturing
Innovation
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Business process management
- Engineering education and management
- Industry 4.0 and 5.0
- Innovation ecosystems
- Innovation business models
Sustainability
- Circular economy
- Clean production
- Energy sustainability
- Financial engineering
- Green sustainability
- Smart management systems
- Additive manufacturing
Programme highlights
Wednesday, 10 June – Welcome event
The conference will open with a welcome from the Faculty of Business at SETU, followed by an evening event at Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum.
This session will include the first keynote address, a panel discussion, an исторic talk, and light refreshments in a unique cultural setting.
Thursday, 11 June – Industry excursion and gala dinner
Delegates will take part in an industry visit to Lean Industry 4.0 (LI4) and a partner organisation, offering insight into quality and innovation in practice.
The day will conclude with a conference gala dinner at the Tower Hotel Waterford, located in the heart of the city.
Further information
For more information, please visit the conference website or contact: [email protected]