Call for Abstracts
(Deadline: April 1, 2026)
International Conference on “Justice Dimensions of Sustainability Transformations in Rural Areas“ organized by the Ph.D. college at the University of Vechta, Germany
8–9 July 2026
Sustainability transformations have become a central topic in current scientific and societal discourses and are largely perceived in a positive light. However, they always come with social effects (including “transformation pains”) and raise questions of social justice that are, so far, insufficiently understood, empirically researched, and reflected upon. This has consequences for the legitimacy of shaping and governing such processes. As part of the kick-off event of the doctoral programme “Justice Dimensions of Sustainability Transformations in Rural Areas“ funded by the Hans Böckler Foundation, we are hosting a conference under the same title at the University of Vechta.
On July 8, a kick-off event for the Ph.D. college will take place, featuring two keynote lectures followed by a panel discussion related to the program’s overarching topic. The doctoral fellows will also present their research topics.
On July 9, a scientific conference will be held.
We welcome submissions for presentations related to the following thematic strands, and beyond, until April 1, 2026:
• Transformation of the energy sector, energy affordability, and new (in-)justice relations between urban and rural areas;
• Spatial justice: equivalent living conditions, social places, and local resilience;
• Justice implications of socio-technical transition and innovation processes (e.g., through digitalization or bioeconomy);
• Supra-regional conservation policies and local justice implications (e.g., regarding urban-rural relations or between the Global North and South);
• Gender justice in shaping transformation processes; 1
• The role of trade unions in shaping just sustainability transformations;
• Uncertainties regarding the “right” ethical standard (normative uncertainty) as a practical and theoretical challenge in shaping just transformations;
• Risk and risk perception in transformation processes;
• among others.
The call for abstracts is now open.
Submissions (approx. 300 words) may be sent to Dr. Judith Maruschke at judith-maria.maruschke@uni-vechta.de until April 1, 2026. Abstracts may be submitted in English.
Presentations can also be given in English.
Participation is free of charge.
Registration for the kick-off event will be possible on our website from 15 April 2026 until 15 May 2026: https://www.uni-vechta.de/vistra/promotionskolleg