Symposium 'Sustainability Research and Teaching in a Time of Polycrisis'
The event is organised as a collaboration between the BUP National Centre at Södertörn University in Sweden and the BUP National Centre at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg. Photo: Anna Hartvig
This event will explore innovative approaches to sustainability education, research methodologies that account for complexity, and strategies to translate knowledge into real-world impact. It takes place on 18-19 August 2026 and the deadline for abstract submission is 15 May 2026.
The world currently faces a polycrisis—a convergence of climate change, biodiversity loss, geopolitical instability, economic inequality, and social disruption—that threatens global sustainability. These interconnected crises demand urgent, transdisciplinary responses in research and education. Yet, academic institutions often operate in silos, struggling to bridge gaps between disciplines, policy, and practice. Meanwhile, students and educators grapple with how to prepare future leaders for systemic challenges that defy traditional solutions.
This symposium seeks to address these gaps by fostering dialogue among researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners.
The event will take place on 18-19 August 2026 at Södertörn University. The symposium is organised by the BUP National Centres in Sweden and Germany at Södertörn University and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, in cooperation with the BUP Coordinating Secretariat.
Accepted presenters affiliated with a BUP participating university may apply for a grant to cover the participation fee. The number of grants is limited and applies to one person per accepted abstract; apply via the registration form.
Some of the key themes to be discussed during the Symposium are:
- Systems thinking in sustainability education: how can curricula better reflect interconnected crises?
- Climate justice and equity in research: whose knowledge counts in sustainability science?
- Decolonising sustainability, integrating Indigenous and local knowledge systems.
- Resilience and adaptation strategies: learning from communities on the frontlines of crisis.
- The role of universities in sustainability transitions: are institutions doing enough?
- Digital tools for sustainability teaching: leveraging AI, big data, and virtual collaboration.
- Policy-relevant research: how can academia influence climate and sustainability governance?
- Ethical dilemmas in sustainability science: balancing urgency with long-term justice.
- Youth engagement and activism in academia
- Mental health and well-being in a polycrisis world: addressing burnout and eco-anxiety.
- Future-proofing sustainability degrees: what skills will graduates need in 2030 and beyond?
The deadline for abstract submission is 15 May 2026.