The EU GREEN Early Stage Researchers Conference 2026 will bring together Master’s and PhD researchers from across the Alliance for three days of interdisciplinary exchange, collaboration, and academic development at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo Campus, in Ireland.

Under the theme “EU GREEN Research & Sustainability, Insights Across Disciplines”, the conference will provide early-stage researchers with the opportunity to present their work to an international academic audience, receive constructive feedback, and connect with peers and experts from different disciplines and institutions. The event also aims to foster collaboration around sustainability-related research and strengthen the EU GREEN research community.

In addition to academic sessions, participants will have the opportunity to engage in networking, social, and cultural activities showcasing the West of Ireland. The conference is open to researchers from all EU GREEN partner universities.

 
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To celebrate the International Day for Biodiversity 2026, several EU GREEN universities will organise local activities connected through the BioUNIVERSITY initiative, encouraging students, staff, researchers, and citizens to actively engage with biodiversity on their campuses and surrounding environments.

Through citizen science activities using the iNaturalist platform, participants will contribute to documenting local flora and fauna while learning more about biodiversity, sustainability, and conservation. The initiative highlights how universities can act locally while contributing to a broader international effort to better understand and protect ecosystems.

The programme includes activities hosted by the University of Gävle, the University of Évora, the University of Parma, and Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, ranging from biodiversity walks and BioBlitz events to hands-on campus biodiversity labs. Participants will have the opportunity to explore nature, collaborate with researchers, and contribute directly to citizen science projects.

Activities include:

  • University of Évora (Portugal) – BioBlitz Herdade da Mitra
    📅 May 15–16, 2026
    A 24-hour biodiversity exploration at the University of Évora’s experimental farm.
  • University of Parma (Italy) – BioUNIVERSITY Lab
    📅 May 19, 2026
    Students and researchers will document biodiversity on campus using iNaturalist.
  • Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Germany) – BioUNIVERSITY Walk
    📅 May 22, 2026
    A biodiversity walk focused on citizen science and species observation.
  • University of Gävle (Sweden) – International Day for Biological Diversity
    📅 May 27, 2026
    Including a presentation on citizen science and biodiversity observation activities using iNaturalist.

Participants are encouraged to join the BioUNIVERSITY project by installing the iNaturalist app, contributing observations, and helping build a shared biodiversity record across EU GREEN campuses.

 
On behalf of the EU GREEN Alliance, it is a pleasure to welcome you to this session in the framework of World Harmony Day.
 
Harmony is not only about peaceful coexistence between cultures and communities—it also begins within ourselves. In the university context, fostering harmony means creating environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This is precisely the spirit behind the work developed within WP8: Campus Life, where mental health and well-being are central priorities.
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Today, we are glad to present an activity that reflects this commitment: the integration of relaxation and active breaks into university life.
We will begin with an introduction from the University of Évora, who has been leading important work in this area.
 
Following that, we will explore students’ perspectives through the study on “University Students’ Perceptions and Preferences Regarding Relaxation Breaks.” Understanding what students actually need and value is essential if we want to design effective well-being strategies.
 
We will then move beyond the lecture hall with a qualitative exploration of how short relaxation breaks can influence student well-being and focus. These insights highlight that even brief interventions can have a meaningful impact on attention, stress reduction, and overall academic experience.
 
To complement this, we will look at the broader picture:
 
What does the scientific literature tell us about active breaks among university students?
This joint contribution from the University of Évora, the University of Gävle, and the University of Extremadura brings together evidence that supports the integration of movement and relaxation into daily academic routines.
 
A key highlight of today’s session is the presentation of the aBREAK4you project—its origins, development, and the official launch of its video resources. This initiative represents a concrete tool that universities can adopt to promote healthier study habits and improve student well-being in a simple, accessible way.
 
We will also hear about the practical experiences of the University of Extremadura and the University of Évora in producing and implementing these videos. Their collaboration demonstrates how shared efforts within the EU GREEN Alliance can lead to tangible and scalable outcomes.
And, in the true spirit of today’s theme, we will not only talk about relaxation—we will also experience it together, with a short guided relaxation moment.
 
To conclude, this activity embodies what EU GREEN stands for:
collaboration, innovation, and care for the university community. By integrating small but meaningful practices into everyday academic life, we can move towards more balanced, inclusive, and harmonious campuses.

The EU GREEN Alliance proudly marks the International Day of Light (IDL), a UNESCO initiative celebrated annually on May 16th, through the EU GREEN Light Festival: Light for Sustainability, a vibrant, multi‑institutional programme of events across Europe.

Aligned with the 2026 theme, “Light for a Sustainable Future”, the festival showcases the transformative role of light and light‑based technologies in advancing scientific innovation, cultural expression, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a diverse mix of in‑person and online activities, EU GREEN partner universities invited students, researchers, and communities to explore how light contributes to sustainability, education, and societal wellbeing.

 

Festival Highlights

University of Évora, Portugal (14–15 May)

Light, Science and Society: From Cultural Heritage to Global Atmospheres

The University of Évora will deliver a multidisciplinary programme combining scientific research, environmental action, and cultural heritage.

Date: 15 May

Time: 10:00 GMT

  • “From Light to Actions: How Spectroscopy Saved the Ozone Layer”
    A public lecture by Dr. Daniele Bortoli exploring how light-based analysis has supported global environmental protection efforts.

Link to the conference:
https://zoom.us/j/96115289132?pwd=awXKORbVwRNcmPHEfhYLDEMKibeQUa.1

 

Date: 14 May

Location: Local Public Event in Évora District Court and Library

 

“Haja Luz!” Public Engagement Programme will take place in Évora, featuring guided tours and talks at the District Court and Library. These sessions will highlight how light-based techniques are used in art analysis, manuscript preservation, early photography, and scientific investigation.

These activities highlight the intersection of science, culture, and society through light‑based innovation.

 

University of Parma, Italy (21 May)

Illuminating Sustainability: The Future of Optical Networks

The University of Parma will host a high‑level seminar event under the patronage of the IEEE Photonics Society Italy Chapter, exploring the critical role of optical fibre technologies in sustainable communication systems.

Date: 21st May

Time: 10.30-12.30pm (CET)

The programme will feature two expert-led sessions:

  • Dominique Chiaroni (Nokia Bell Labs) – Key directions for In-building Sustainable Optical Networks
  • Gudrun Gudmundsdottir (Technical University of Denmark) – Toward sustainable data transmission: Environmental impact of a fixed telecommunication network in Sweden 2024

This event will provide participants with valuable insights into how light-based technologies are shaping sustainable digital infrastructure.

To participate, you must register at this link:

Seminars International Day of Light – May 21st

The event is also part of the national Sustainable Development Festival.

University of Oradea, Romania (12–16 May)

SDG Glow‑Up Challenge 2026 – “Light Up the Future”

The University of Oradea will host a creative competition challenging students to transform sustainability concepts into innovative light‑based installations using recycled materials and simple circuitry or digital tools.

Participants will create original artworks representing one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, submitting a digital project package including:

  • A final illuminated image or video
  • A short explanation of their concept
  • Evidence of sustainable material use

Winning projects will be announced on May 16th and transformed into professional digital campaign materials and showcased in a virtual “Hall of Light” gallery, highlighting student innovation across the EU GREEN Alliance.

 

Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland

Illuminating Discovery: Research Image Competition

The ATU EU GREEN Team, in collaboration with the ATU Library, will host a Research Image Competition inviting undergraduate, postgraduate, and staff researchers to visually demonstrate how light drives discovery.

Submissions will explore themes such as:

  • Light as a scientific tool
  • Revealing invisible phenomena
  • Natural light and the universe
  • Data visualisation through light and colour

Winning images will be announced on 18th May, awarded prizes and featured across EU GREEN and ATU platforms, showcasing the visual power of research.

This masterclass offers an exploration of the One Health (OH) concept. This integrative and federative approach aims to consider human, animal, and environmental interactions for solving health concerns and crises. After defining the concept, the session will offer an interactive activity supported by educational tools that can be adapted for use within your university. Finally, this masterclass will examine how the OH concept provides a systemic perspective and places health at the heart of sustainable development, which should be a positive driver of change.

 

This masterclass will be led by:

  • Camille Savary, Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology ; Professor of Environmental health ; Project manager for ecological transition focusing on the educational aspect.
  • Matthieu Eveillard, PhD in Microbiology and Education ; Professor of Microbiology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Angers ; and Vice- President teaching transformation, University of Angers.
  • Nicolas Papon, Ph.D. in Molecular biology ; Professor in Parasitology and Medical Mycology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, UA ; Head of the Fungal Respiratory Infections Research Unit ; Head of the Federative Structure for Research in Health Science ; University Hospital of Angers
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The Campus Live Days – Sustainable & Healthy Campus Workshop will take place at the University of Évora, Portugal, from June 16 to 18, 2026. This three-day event will bring together EU GREEN staff and students to review achievements, share lessons learned, strengthen collaboration, and plan the next steps for sustainable and healthy campuses across the Alliance.

The programme will include working sessions on future priorities, evaluation, reporting, partner commitments, and upcoming initiatives such as EUGREEN2, BioUniversity, and COP2. Participants will also take part in MindBody moments, collaborative discussions, a Healthy Campus workshop, and a field trip to explore local sustainability-related experiences in the Évora region.

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The EU GREEN Alliance invites students and staff to take part in the Train the Trainer programme  hosted at the University of Angers from May 11 to 13, 2026. This 2.5-day course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to facilitate inclusive, democratic, and co-creative learning processes, with a strong focus on participatory methodologies.

Throughout the programme, participants will engage in hands-on activities, collaborative sessions, and practical workshops aimed at developing facilitation skills and designing participatory learning experiences. After completing the training, participants are expected to transfer and replicate these methods within their home institutions by organising local workshops and initiatives, contributing to the broader impact of EU GREEN’s approach to sustainability and engagement.

The course will take place at the Université d’Angers – Campus Saint Serge and will include interactive formats such as World Café sessions, participatory design activities, and simulated workshops, offering a dynamic and experiential learning environment. 

Registration open until April 19

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The EU GREEN Alliance warmly invites you to COP2, the second Conference of the Parties, a key milestone in our joint work towards sustainable and healthy campuses and regions.

Building on the outcomes of COP1, COP2 will bring together universities, cities, and regional stakeholders from across the alliance to strengthen collaboration and accelerate concrete action in line with the ambitions of the EU Green Deal.

  • Date: 3 December 2026
  • Location: University of Gävle. Sweden
  • Format: Onsite with opportunities for hybrid participation

Key Highlight

A central moment of COP2 will be the official signing of a joint commitment between universities, cities, and regions. This agreement will formalize a shared commitment to collaborate on addressing pressing sustainability challenges with particular attention to climate action, aligning efforts across sectors, and advancing sustainable development within and beyond our campuses.

What to Expect

• Inspiring best practice presentations from across the alliance
• Interactive discussions with university leaders, city representatives, and regional actors
• Co-creation of joint actions and long-term collaboration frameworks across macroregions
• Networking and exchange across the EU GREEN ecosystem

COP2 represents a unique opportunity to move from dialogue to formalized commitment and collective action.

We warmly encourage stakeholders from academia, public authorities, and partner organizations to save the date and be part of this important step forward.

Further details, including registration and programme, will be shared soon.

As part of the United for Mental Health and Wellbeing Webinar Series 2026, this session aims to raise awareness about the mental health challenges experienced by members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly within academic environments. The webinar supports EU GREEN’s commitment to inclusiveness, diversity, and well-being, promoting a deeper understanding of how universities can foster supportive and respectful spaces for everyone.

During the session, participants will explore the concept of minority stress and the specific stressors often faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. The webinar will also highlight practical actions that individuals and institutions can take to support mental health and well-being within the community. The session will be led by Julia Wołczańska, psychologist at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, whose research interests include sexology, positive psychology, and third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies.

The webinar is open to students, researchers, academic staff, and anyone interested in learning more about mental health, inclusion, and diversity in higher education.

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As part of the EU GREEN Alliance, the Otto von Guericke University of Magdeburg will host the international conference Growing up the Future from the 5th to the 6th May 2026.

About the Conference

The international and interdisciplinary conference “Growing up the Future: Education for Sustainability” (GROUFES 2026) invites researchers, lecturers, teachers, and students to contribute to a focused discussion on how education can respond to pressing global sustainability challenges.

Climate change, biodiversity loss, digitalisation, migration, demographic shifts, and social inequality are reshaping our societies and our education systems. GROUFES 2026 provides a platform to examine how education can equip learners with the knowledge, competences, and values needed for sustainable futures, while also rethinking educational practice itself.

The conference is open to participants worldwide and particularly welcomes members of the EU GREEN Alliance. The conference language is English.

Conference Themes

This conference offers the following panel discussions:

  1. What do we know and think about sustainability?

  2. How can we transform and imagine both university teaching and living on the campus for the future?

  3. How can Ecofiction and Ecocritique develop and enrichen pedagogic strategies in teacher training programs? And can they be a new paradigm in teacher training?

  4. How can we transform and imagine both university teaching and living on the campus for the future?

  5. What does it mean to live and to teach in a postmigrant and inclusive society?

  6. How can teacher training programs be designed to foster social, cultural, economic and environmental sustainability and awareness?

  7. How can we learn to live in a multispecies community?

  8. How can we bring different generations together in education for sustainability?

  9. How can we realise ESD at universities / in society: Talk about good/best-practices
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