People and Planet: From Theory to Solutions 2026
The conference People and Planet: From Theory to Solutions will be organized in Lahti, Finland, for the third time from 24 to 26 March 2026
This multisectoral conference brings together researchers, specialists, decision-makers, and business representatives from Europe and beyond to find solutions for planetary health and regional vitality. The conference explores synergies and contradictions between biodiversity, health, and the economy, offering an opportunity to share and discuss new scientific findings and practical solutions in a transdisciplinary environment.
The overarching questions of this conference are: How can regional vitality and well-being be achieved while benefiting both people and the rest of nature?
Call for contributions
Whether you are a researcher or a practical actor, we invite you to submit your proposal (max. 300 words) no later than on 10 September 2025 via the conference website.
We invite three types of contributions, both scientific and practical:
- Oral presentations for sessions organized by the conference team
- Interactive sessions organized by the proposer
- Posters
The proposals may align with one or more of the following topics:
- From evidence to action: bringing nature’s health benefits into practice.
- Microbial exposure for good health. Has our life become too clean?
- Thriving local economies in harmony with nature: how to make it a reality?
- How can we support more inclusive decision-making for people and the rest of nature?
- How can we live meaningfully and sustainably in a world of uncertainty and contradiction?
Practice-focused contributions could address novel tools, metrics, and approaches related to the topics. We hope to see bold examples of how to not only minimize the harm but also improve the state of nature. Posters are encouraged and can be suggested by organizers as an alternative to a talk. See the conference website for more details on the theme and topics, as well as the general conditions for the proposal submissions.
Important dates:
- Deadline for the abstracts: 10 September 2025
- Notification of acceptance for talks and posters: 1 November 2025
Contact: peopleplanet-info@helsinki.fi
Website: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/conferences/people-and-planet-2026
Main organizer: Lahti University Campus