Conference Venue
Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham was the UK’s first civic university, where students from all religions and backgrounds were accepted on an equal basis. Today, it continues in the same innovative spirit as a World Top 100 University and a leading research institution.
The 20th Regional Innovation Policies 2026 Conference will be held in the Alan Walters Building. Please see the 'Travel' page for more information on how to get to the venue.
The nearest car park is the North East Multi-Storey Car Park, you can access Floors 1-5 (the ground floor is strictly for hotel guests only). This is a less than 5 minute walk to the conference venue. This is a pay and display car park.
What to do on Campus
On campus, the university offers a wide range of attractions for you to enjoy during your stay, all of which boast great history and culture.
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Enabling visitors to explore life over the past 3.5 billion years, the Lapworth Museum of Geology showcases exceptional objects from one of the UK’s most outstanding geological collections, with state-of-the-art galleries and a range of innovative and interactive exhibits - all completely free of charge. From rocks and fossils to volcanoes, earthquakes, and even dinosaurs, the Museum captures the imagination of all ages.
Located within the Aston Webb A Block building - the building is marked as R4 on the campus map
Opening Times: Monday - Friday - 10:00 - 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 - 17:00
Admission is Free
Winterbourne House and Garden
Restored to it's Edwardian Arts and Crafts splendour, Winterbourne House and Garden is a unique heritage attraction set within seven acres of beautiful botanic gardens. Winterbourne is a hidden gem, home to beautiful antiques and over 6,000 plant species from around the world. Wander along the woodland walk, stroll through the hazelnut tunnel, cross the 1930’s Japanese Bridge or simply soak up the tranquillity of this perfectly English Edwardian home.
Located on Edgbaston Park Road, a few minutes’ walk from Edgbaston Park Hotel.
Opening Times: 10:30am – 5:00pm
Delegates are entitled to a 50% discount on the admission fee. The discounted price is £3.60.
University of Birmingham Blue Plaque and Sculpture Trails
There have been many influential achievements by brilliant men and women who have worked at the University of Birmingham since its earliest days. The Blue Plaques highlight these special achievements and celebrate those who have helped to shape our heritage as a research university.
The Campus Sculpture Trail allows you to explore the range of styles, subjects and shapes of sculpture on the University’s Edgbaston campus. The Faraday Bronze Sculpture was commissioned to mark the centenary of the University of Birmingham’s Royal Charter, this is located near the train station.
As part of the organisation of this conference, the University of Birmingham is collecting income via registration fees and sponsorships on behalf of the
RegInnoPol 2026 organising committee.