The International Sustainability Transitions conference (IST) is the yearly scientific gathering of the global community of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working on socio-technical transitions for sustainability. IST is organized under the auspices of the Sustainability Transitions Research Network (STRN). Each year, a different institute, chosen by the STRN Steering Group, organizes IST. STRN strives for a broad and balanced geographic representation in the choice of IST hosts. Institutes that host IST are expected to be actively engaged and deeply embedded in sustainability transitions research and the community.
We are now accepting proposals to host IST in 2028!
The following criteria are used by STRN to choose IST hosts:
- Embeddedness in transitions research: The host institute’s links to transition research and the STRN community
- Feasibility: Resources of the host institute (personnel, space, infrastructure, etc.)
- Diversity: We seek variety and diversity amongst hosts
- Content: main theme of the conference and practitioner engagement?
Key considerations:
- Length: three full conference days, pre-conference ECR welcome day, and post-IST activities (organized by STRN)
- Capacity: about 500 participants
- Mode of delivery: in-person (some hybrid functionality possible)
- Format: the conference should offer a mix of traditional conference talks, keynotes, plenaries, workshops, and dialogue sessions, and potentially other activities
- Funding: the conference is expected to be revenue-neutral
- Timing: the conference is traditionally hosted in late June/early July or late August/early September. The exact timing should be discussed with the STRN Steering Group
- Organization & support: The host is responsible for organizing the conference. The STRN Secretariat, Steering Group, and Board provide advice, guidance, and input
Key dates:
- Deadline to submit application: Friday, July 3rd, 2026
- Notification: We aim to make our selection in late September / early October 2026
Download the following document for dedicated instructions on how to apply: Short guide for applying to host IST
To submit your proposal or for any questions, please email: info@transitionsnetwork.org
We are looking forward to receiving your applications!