Fire safety engineering conference
SFPE UK Chapter Conference 2026: The Science Behind the Guidance
Join fire engineers in Manchester on 14–15 October 2026 for an evidence-led examination of the guidance, assumptions and engineering judgement that shape fire safety practice.
14–15 October 2026 · Manchester, United Kingdom
The first SFPE UK Chapter Conference
Conference theme
“This guidance makes no sense.”
A conference for professionals prepared to investigate why guidance says what it says—and whether the evidence supports it.
Question assumptions
Examine inherited provisions critically
Follow the evidence
Connect guidance to science and research
Strengthen judgement
Move beyond compliance-led thinking
Exchange perspectives
Discuss practice with fellow engineers
Why this conference matters
Looking behind fire safety guidance
Most fire engineers eventually encounter a provision that prompts a simple question: why do we do it this way? The answer may lie in research, experience or an earlier regulatory context—but it may also be buried beneath decades of inherited assumptions.
The SFPE UK Chapter Conference creates a dedicated space to explore those questions. Participants will discuss what sits behind the guidance, where provisions perform well, where the evidence is limited and how professional judgement can support safer, more defensible decisions.
For professionals who investigate research, test assumptions through modelling or debate alternative design approaches with colleagues, Manchester offers an opportunity to continue that conversation across the wider profession.
This conference is about understanding why we do things the way we do—and how the profession moves forward when guidance dominates engineering thinking.
Dr Simon Santamaria, President, SFPE UK Chapter
Conference details
Theme
The Science Behind the Guidance
Date
14–15 October 2026
Location
Manchester, United Kingdom
See the ticket page for the latest venue information.
Conference programme
Keynote speakers
Kate Grange KC, leading counsel to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, is confirmed as a keynote speaker.
Further keynote announcements will follow through SFPE UK.
Panels
Panel discussions will bring different professional perspectives together to examine guidance, competence, evidence and engineering decision-making.
Agenda
The detailed two-day agenda and session timings will be published by the organiser. Check the official ticket page for the latest information.
Topics shaping the conversation
The conference focuses on the scientific foundations, development and practical use of fire safety guidance. Relevant areas include:
- Challenges, advances and research relating to current guidance.
- Fire safety in sustainable construction, including mass timber, green walls, photovoltaics and retrofits.
- Performance-based design tools such as CFD, structural modelling, evacuation modelling and artificial intelligence.
- Modern challenges including wildfires, e-bikes and electric vehicles.
- Case studies, innovation, best practice and lessons from historic buildings and real fires.
Join the discussion in Manchester
Reserve your place at the first SFPE UK Chapter Conference and take part in an evidence-led conversation about the future of fire safety engineering practice.
Frequently asked questions
When is the SFPE UK Chapter Conference 2026?
The conference takes place on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 October 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
What is the conference theme?
The theme is “The Science Behind the Guidance”. The conference will examine the evidence, assumptions and professional judgement behind fire safety guidance and established practice.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available through the official SFPE UK Chapter Ticket Tailor booking page linked throughout this article.