BUP Student Conference 2026

This event brings together students, researchers, and practitioners for an immersive three-day journey into the interconnected dynamics of biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable land use.

The conference is co-organised by The Baltic University Programme’s Coordinating Secretariat at Uppsala University and Lund University. This year’s conference is entitled 'The Complex Equation: Climate, Land use and Biodiversity - Understanding Conflicts, Designing Solutions'. The event takes place on 9-12 June in Lund, Sweden.

The conference is free of charge and open to bachelor's and master's students studying at BUP participating universities.

Event content

Through lectures, field experiences, workshops, and interactive group work, participants will explore how ecological, social, and political systems interact and how synergies and trade-offs shape decisions for a more sustainable and resilient future. A central element of the program is the UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve Storkriket, which is a living example of these intricate relationships. As a newly recognised biosphere reserve, Storkriket highlights the region’s unique natural and cultural values and its potential to serve as a model for sustainable development.

Throughout the conference, the biosphere approach will be applied to examine how people and nature can thrive together, and what it means to manage landscapes in ways that support both ecosystems and human wellbeing.

Students will learn from teachers and facilitators who are leading experts in climate change, land use, and biodiversity. As a participant, you will be part of a learning environment deeply committed to advancing both sustainability knowledge and action.

During the event, the participants will visit the UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve Storkriket. Photo: Storkriket

Apply

Submit your application.

Preliminary program

9 June – Arrival, keynotes, icebreaker activities

10 June – Fieldtrip to Storkriket, lectures, cultural party

11 June – Workshops, poster presentations, Students' Parliament

12 June – Departure day

Quick information

Dates: 9-12 June 2026
Place: Lund, Sweden
Open for bachelor and master students at BUP participating universities
Application deadline: 23 March 2026, 23:59 (CET)
Free of charge

Students' Parliament 2026

The Students' Parliament aims to increase the participation of students from participating universities in the planning and decision making of The Baltic University Programme. Students accepted to the conference will automatically become members of the Students' Parliament.

The parliamentary session is a chance for the students to run as a candidate as the BUP Student Representative to the BUP's International Board. It is a chance to make your voice heard by submitting motions (proposals), which, if approved, will be forwarded to the BUP International Board.

Students taking part in a vote during a Students’ Parliament session. Photo: Brian Kipruto

Practical information

Cost and location

The conference will take place on-site at Lund University in Sweden.

The conference does not have any participant fees.

Each student has to fund their travels to and from Lund by themselves. The BUP would encourage students to look for potential grant opportunities at their university.

If you don't show up or cancel your participation with late notice (after 5 May), we hold the right to charge you or your university department the cost of your participation (250 €). We only accept late cancellations due to illness, family-related matters or force majeure, if sufficient documents can be provided (doctor's certificate, etc.).

Accommodation and food

Accepted students will be accommodated in Lund in shared hotel rooms for the duration of the conference, with check-in on 9 June and check-out on 12 June. All meals will be provided during the conference period.

Students who study at Lund University will be expected to stay in their own accommodation, but are very welcome to attend lunches and dinners.

Selection of students

After the application deadline on 23 March 2026, The Baltic University Programme’s Coordinating Secretariat and the BUP National Centres will select the students based on their motivation, field of study and background. Selected students will be offered a place, while additional students will be put on a waiting list. At the time of the event, you must be enrolled at a BUP participating university. Only applications written in English will be considered. At the latest by 3 April 2026, all students will have been contacted.