Towards a Just and Habitable World: Exploring the Role of Technology
Centre des Politiques de la Terre announces European conference at University of Lausanne in June 2026
The Centre des Politiques de la Terre is pleased to announce its co-organization of a major European conference titled “Towards a just and habitable world: exploring the role of technology”, scheduled to take place at the University of Lausanne from June 2 to June 5, 2026. This interdisciplinary event is convened jointly with Future Earth and the University of Lausanne (UniL), aiming to critically engage researchers and practitioners in sustainability sciences on the transformative potential and challenges of technology in building equitable and resilient societies.
Call for Sessions Now Open
Interested academics, experts, and stakeholders are invited to submit proposals for sessions to be included in the conference program. The call welcomes a wide variety of contributions including thematic sessions, workshops, cultural events, and poster presentations. Submissions should focus on how diverse technological systems—ranging from water and energy infrastructures, agroecology, and nature-based solutions to synthetic biology and digital technologies—can simultaneously support and threaten wellbeing for humans and non-human life.
The conference emphasizes interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging dialogue between natural and social scientists, engineers, humanities scholars, as well as engaged practitioners. This approach seeks to foster rich critical reflections on pathways to transform technological systems in alignment with sufficiency, equity, and resilience principles.
Deadline for session proposals: January 9, 2026
Proposals can be submitted and further information accessed via the conference’s official call for sessions link.
Organizers and Partners
The event is organized by the Centre des Politiques de la Terre (Université Paris-Cité), the Future Earth Pathways Initiative, and the University of Lausanne. Key co-organizing institutions include:
- CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique)
- DKN (German Committee for Future Earth)
- INRAE (Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement)
- IRD (Institut de recherche pour le développement)
This collaboration reflects a strong commitment to integrate diverse expertise and research networks to address critical sustainability challenges involving technological systems.
Context and Related Activities
The conference builds on the Centre des Politiques de la Terre’s established research axes and activities, notably emphasizing socio-ecological approaches to health, urban habitability, and the socio-ecological transformation of territories. The Centre regularly hosts seminars, research projects, and events such as the Campus Anthropocène series and thematic colloquia on habitability.
For instance, ongoing interdisciplinary projects like NAPALAIR investigate groundwater impacts vis-à-vis ecological and political dimensions, while also engaging in community participatory research. The Centre also contributes to podcasts and workshops that explore environmental transformation levers.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
Researchers, practitioners, and members of the broader academic and sustainability communities are encouraged to follow the Centre des Politiques de la Terre’s communications channels for updates on the conference and related initiatives. Opportunities for collaboration and participation in shaping sustainable and just futures continue to grow through such interdisciplinary engagements.
For more information and to submit session proposals:
Visit the Centre des Politiques de la Terre website or the official conference portal.
Together, this conference aims to advance critical understanding and responsible innovation towards a just and habitable planet through the lens of technology.
Contact Details and Social Media
Centre des Politiques de la Terre
Université Paris-Cité
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