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As we mark the 10th anniversary of the NEST Conference, we are presented with a valuable moment to reflect on the alignment between sustainability transitions research and the pressing realities of today’s world. Over the past decade, early-career researchers have contributed to a rapidly evolving field—one increasingly tasked with the challenge of driving transformative change in the face of complex socio-environmental polycrises. Yet, while the research has deepened our understanding of possible pathways towards sustainability, we must now question: To what extent does our work have real-world impact and connect with real-world needs? What kinds of (positive or negative) impact can we see, and what are the causal chains between research and the real world? Where are the important gaps in these causal chains, and how can these be bridged? Or stated otherwise: What is the role of ST research in our society and ST particularly? And on a more fundamental level: Should societal impact even be a preferable goal of ST research? If so, how do we want to achieve this goal, and what are the advantages and disadvantages?

This year, we invite you to collectively reflect on ST research by focusing on learning from the past, actions in the present, and imperatives of the future:

1. Looking at the past – Impact and Power of ST research(ers)
2. Looking at the present: Diversity and Plurality in ST
3. Looking to the future: ST in the context of Global Tensions

Considering the gravity and complexity of the challenges currently faced by humanity, we, as ST researchers, might sometimes feel powerless but simultaneously compelled to act. The theme Impact and Power aims to guide that effort by reflecting on the tangible effects of sustainability transitions research beyond academia. This also provides us with an opportunity to reimagine how research can connect with broader social change via methods such as activism or community engagement while also considering the possible challenges this might entail. The theme Diversity and Plurality invites researchers to reflect on the applicability of current frameworks across different political and economic contexts and the inclusion of different actors and groups, seeking a shift away from technocratic narratives toward more inclusive, adaptable approaches that reflect diverse interests and backgrounds. Finally, in the Global Tensions theme, we grapple with the shifting geopolitical landscape, exploring how sustainability research must adapt to address a future that might be shaped by increasing political and economic pressures on a regional and global scale.

We call for abstracts that critically examine the intersections between research and real-world happenings and push the boundaries of established frameworks. We welcome diverse perspectives from various disciplines and schools of thought to contribute to our collective understanding of this complex issue. Scholars and professionals are welcome (but not restricted) to explore topics related to forward-looking analysis, global power shifts, decolonizing approaches to sustainability, and the role of social movements in ST. Additionally, submissions with a classical focus addressing pressing issues within sustainability transitions are welcome. Let’s use this milestone anniversary to celebrate our achievements, inspire each other, and set a vision for a future where our research can meet the demands of a changing world. Submit your abstracts and session proposals and join us in making the next decade of NEST a catalyst for meaningful change.

Abstract submission (Registration is free)

Presentation: We invite all Ph.D. candidates, Master’s students, and ECRs working on sustainability transitions to submit a 250–400-word abstract (excluding references) for a 15-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute discussion. Please also provide five strong keywords that determine your area of research.

Poster: We also accepting poster submissions, which offer an excellent opportunity to showcase your work in a visual format and engage in discussions with fellow researchers and attendees. Please submit a 150–200-word abstract describing your poster, along with five relevant keywords.

Please note that due to the free-of-charge nature of the conference, we can only allow researchers who intend to contribute a presentation or poster to participate at the conference. Regarding multi-author papers, we request only one of the authors apply to the conference.

You can submit your abstract .

The deadline for abstract submission is January 8th, 2025. You will receive our notification of acceptance on January 31, 2025. We look forward to receiving your abstract! Please let us know if you need your notification of acceptance before the stated date for visa procedures.

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission: January 8th, 2025 (23:59 hrs GMT)
• Notification of acceptance: January 31st, 2025
• Registration period: February 2025
• Conference dates: May 29–30, 2025

Scholarships: We are currently seeking funding to provide scholarships for researchers from the Global South and thus hope to offer support for up to 10 outstanding applicants by covering part of their travel and accommodation expenses. We encourage eligible scholars to indicate their interest in this support on the submission form. The status of this scholarship opportunity will be updated in the call as soon as funding is confirmed, reflecting our commitment to enhancing inclusion, diversity, and global participation in sustainability transition research.

If you have any questions, please contact us: nestconference2025@gmail.com

Your NEST 2025 Organising Team

Organising Team

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Posted on behalf of: NEST - The Network for Early Career Researchers in Sustainability Transitions
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Last updated: Thursday, 5 December 2024