EnglishFrenchGermanItalianPortugueseSpanish
  1. You are here:
  2. Homepage
  3. Events
  4. Prison Design and Technology Conference
  5. Call for Papers
ICPA Event

Prison Design and Technology Conference

21 – 24 April 2026 Rabat, Morocco

Call for Papers: Prison Design and Technology Conference 

Theme: Humane and Resilient Futures: Rethinking Prisons through Innovation, Infrastructure, and Technology. 
 
The International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) invites submissions for the inaugural Prison Design and Technology Conference (PDTC) to be held in Rabat, Morocco, from 21 – 24 April 2026.  
 
PDTC 2025 will explore how smart planning and design, and digital innovation can be tailored to specific regional, social, economic, environmental, and cultural realities. With a focus on sustainable construction, scalable innovation, climate-adaptive facilities, and rights-based approaches, the conference aims to reimagine correctional infrastructure for a more humane and resilient future. 
 
A dedicated sub-theme will spotlight the unique challenges and opportunities facing correctional jurisdictions across the African continent, fostering dialogue and collaboration to support context-specific solutions. 
 
As many countries face the dual pressures of modernizing outdated infrastructure and integrating emerging technologies, PDTC will bring together architects, correctional leaders, technologists, policymakers, practitioners, and human rights advocates to co-design the next generation of prison systems under the theme: Humane and Resilient Futures: Rethinking Prisons through Innovation, Infrastructure, and Technology. 
 
From strategic infrastructure planning and energy-efficient design to digitalized justice processes, resilient security systems, and technology-enabled rehabilitation tools, PDTC 2026 will serve as a vital platform for shaping correctional systems that are humane, secure, and future-ready. 
 

Sub-Themes 

 
PDTC 2026 welcomes proposals under four core sub-themes that reflect the building blocks of humane and resilient correctional futures. These themes will guide the programme and stimulate cross-sector dialogue and innovation. 
 
  1. Smart Design for Safer, More Effective Environments 
In sub-theme one, Smart Design for Safer, More Effective Environments, we welcome submissions that explore how correctional facility design can support safety, dignity, rehabilitation, and operational efficiency. Responses to this theme may examine the role of spatial design in fostering healthy and supportive environments for staff and residents, enabling positive routines, and facilitating service delivery aimed at rehabilitation and successful reintegration into the community. Sessions may include topics such as participatory planning, retrofitting existing facilities, climate-responsive architecture, and integrating design standards that reflect local contexts and cultural values. The Programme Committee specifically welcomes papers that consider the current human resource challenges facing many correctional jurisdictions and the need for modern facilities to continue to facilitate human interactions between staff and residents.  
 
  1. Humane Technology for Human-Centered Corrections 
In sub-theme two, Humane Technology for Human-Centered Corrections, we welcome submissions that focus on technologies that enhance dignity, transparency, and access within corrections, with consideration to how technology can enhance normality rather than replace human interactions. Responses to this theme may address how innovation can meaningfully contribute to positive outcomes and consider practical, scalable approaches that reflect institutional realities. Discussions should balance innovation with ethics, digital equity, data protection, and alignment with international human rights standards. 
 
  1. Sustainable Impact through Resilient Systems and Partnerships 
In sub-theme three, Sustainable Impact through Resilient Systems and Partnerships, we welcome submissions that investigate how infrastructure and technology investments can deliver long-term value, socially, economically, and environmentally. Responses to this theme may consider issues such as renewable energy solutions, low-carbon construction, lifecycle planning, digital continuity, interagency data sharing, and partnerships that enable scalability and regional collaboration. The goal of this theme is to support prison systems that are resource-conscious, adaptable, and rooted in sustainable development principles. 
 
  1. African Realities, African Solutions 
In sub-theme four, African Realities, African Solutions, we welcome submissions that delve into the unique dynamics shaping corrections across the African continent, including rapid urbanization, limited infrastructure budgets, extreme climates, and evolving rehabilitation needs. This theme will spotlight locally developed responses, such as modular construction for overcrowded facilities, climate-adaptive building materials, and community-based rehabilitation models. Discussions will emphasize policy alignment with regional development goals, the role of traditional justice systems, and the power of African-led innovation to inform global best practice. 
 

Who Should Present? 

 
We encourage submissions from a broad range of contributors, including: 
  • Public sector leaders, researchers, analysts, and operational staff working in justice and corrections. 
  • Not-for-profit and third-sector organizations. 
  • Architects, Correctional Planners, and others involved in the design and delivery of correctional projects. 
  • Academic researchers in corrections and related fields such as criminology, psychology, social work, public health, education, or design. 
  • Private sector providers engaged in delivering correctional programs or services (note that specific products will not be provided with a program slot. For opportunities to showcase specific products, please consider ICPA’s sponsorship and exhibition opportunities). 
  • Cross-sector collaborations involving practitioners, researchers, and individuals with lived experience. 
Where possible, ICPA encourages presentations that include public sector experience, especially for private sector submissions.  
 

Types of Presentations

PDTC 2026 will offer a variety of presentation formats to support different kinds of contributions and encourage engagement across disciplines: 
 
  • Plenary presentations, keynote sessions delivered to all attendees (45–60 minutes), typically by leading researchers, senior practitioners, or collaborative panels addressing strategic issues. 
  • Workshops (30–45 minutes), designed to share innovative practice, policy recommendations, case studies, or research findings, in an engaging and accessible way. 
  • Panel discussions (30–60 minutes), featuring multiple presenters offering different perspectives on a common topic, followed by moderated discussion or audience Q&A. 
  • Roundtables (30–90 minutes), emphasizing dialogue, knowledge sharing, and participation from all attendees. 
  • Posters, that allow students and emerging researchers an opportunity to connect with attendees from across the conference.  
  • Showcase sessions, that allow presenters to speak in a more informal setting to all participants during conference breaks. This format is especially targeted at NGOs, NFPs, and the discussion of specific projects and programs.  
When submitting an abstract, applicants will be asked to indicate their preferred presentation format/s. Please note that final format assignments will be made by the Programme Committee based on content, balance, and overall program structure. 
 
PDTC - 400 x 300 px.png
 
 
Key Dates
  • Abstract Submission Deadline: 7 November 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance (Round One): 19 December 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance (Round Two): January 2026