Towards a Just and Habitable World: Exploring the Role of Technology
Conference Announcement by the Centre des Politiques de la Terre
The Centre des Politiques de la Terre is pleased to announce its role as co-organizer of a major European conference entitled “Towards a Just and Habitable World: Exploring the Role of Technology”. This event will take place at the University of Lausanne from June 2 to June 5, 2026, and is jointly initiated with Future Earth and the University of Lausanne (Unil).
Call for Sessions Now Open
The Centre is inviting researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to submit proposals for sessions that will foster discussions on advancing sustainability through technology. The conference seeks to critically explore how technological systems—ranging from water and energy infrastructure, agroecology, and nature-based solutions to synthetic biology and digital technologies—can both support and potentially undermine wellbeing on Earth for humans and non-human life.
Proposals can be submitted for a variety of formats including:
- Thematic sessions
- Workshops
- Cultural events
- Poster presentations
The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2026. Interested participants can submit their proposals via the official call for sessions link provided by the organizers.
Emphasizing Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinarity
A core principle of the conference is the promotion of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration. The organisers encourage joint efforts that bridge:
- Natural sciences and social sciences
- Engineering and humanities
- Academic researchers and engaged practitioners
This approach aims to promote comprehensive understanding and innovations that foster sufficiency, equity, and resilience in socio-ecological and technological systems.
Organizers and Partners
This significant event is organized by:
- Centre des Politiques de la Terre, University Paris-Cité
- Future Earth Pathways Initiative
- University of Lausanne
Additional co-organizers include prominent research institutions:
- CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique)
- DKN (German Committee for Future Earth)
- INRAE (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment)
- IRD (Research Institute for Development)
Related Activities and Continuing Engagement
In the lead-up to the conference, the Centre des Politiques de la Terre is also hosting related academic activities focusing on the interplay between infrastructures and living systems. For instance, a study day on this theme is scheduled for February 18, 2026, in collaboration with the École des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC) and the University of Lausanne.
Previous and ongoing initiatives include research projects, interdisciplinary seminars, and collaborative programs like the Campus Anthropocène, all aimed at deepening knowledge about sustainability, technology, and environmental governance.
Join the Conversation
This upcoming conference represents a unique opportunity for the scientific community and practitioners to engage in shaping pathways toward a just and habitable planet through the lens of technology. Stakeholders are invited to contribute their expertise, innovative solutions, and critical reflections to this dynamic forum.
For more information on the call for sessions and to participate, please visit the Centre des Politiques de la Terre’s website.
Centre des Politiques de la Terre is committed to advancing research and dialogue on socio-ecological transformations, aiming to build sustainable futures for all inhabitants of Earth.
