Konferenzen

Konferenz „Social Dynamics of Climate Policy and Sustainable Transformation“ 27.-29.6.2026 an der Universität Hohenheim

The transition toward sustainable societies is not only a technological challenge but also a deeply social one. How do different communities respond to climate policies? What drives polarization or cooperation in environmental debates? How can trust in key stakeholders be strengthened to foster effective action? These and related questions lie at the heart of our upcoming EASP-funded Small Group Meeting on Social Dynamics of Climate Policy and Sustainable Transformation – Acceptance, Conflict, and Cooperation, to be held 27–29 June 2026 at the University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany (immediately preceding the EASP General Meeting in Strasbourg).

With its baroque palace and botanical gardens, the University of Hohenheim has been ranked Germany’s most beautiful university campus and the most biodiverse campus in Europe. Stuttgart airport is only a stone’s throw away and Strasbourg can be easily reached from Stuttgart with a fast train connection (approx. 1.5h).

The meeting will provide a platform to discuss the psychological and social dynamics underlying the acceptance, resistance, and negotiation of climate policy and sustainable transformation. Bringing together researchers from social, environmental and political psychology as well as neighboring disciplines, the event aims to foster exchange across theoretical and methodological traditions, and to strengthen collaboration within this emerging interdisciplinary field.

We therefore invite submissions from researchers exploring the social psychological processes involved in climate policy, environmental communication, and collective action, with a particular emphasis on work that bridges social and environmental psychology. We especially welcome contributions from Postdocs and PhD students.

Next to the regular program, the conference will include a keynote by Prof. Matthew Hornsey (University of Queensland, Australia) as well as a social program and informal networking opportunities.

To apply, please submit an abstract (max. 1500 characters including spaces) including a title, author details, and a short summary of your research by 15 December 2025 via the following form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHzJwMBX0j4-6yusOUFsuW8P3utMDFdvlaWBzVq1ECHdV9iQ/viewform

The focus of presentations will be on empirical work, but we also welcome theoretical perspectives and/or ideas for future research. It should become clear from your abstract, if your talk is empirical (by mentioning number of studies and participants) or theoretical. In the submission form, you will be asked to indicate the type of contribution you prefer (long talk of 12–15 min, short talk of 5 min or poster).

The meeting is generously supported by the European Association of Social Psychology (EASP) and the University of Hohenheim. Conference fees cover accommodation (2 nights), coffee breaks, lunches, dinners, and the social program.
• EASP full members: 140€
• EASP postgraduate members: 100€
• Non-members: 160€
• Postgraduate non-members: 120€

We look forward to welcoming you at the University of Hohenheim for a stimulating exchange on how social psychology can contribute to understanding and advancing sustainable societal transformation.

Organisers:
Kevin Winter, Ronja Gerdes, Laura Henn, Adrian Lüders, Leonie Ströbele (University of Hohenheim, Germany)

For further information, please contact
Kevin Winter (kevin.winter@uni-hohenheim.de)