At the end of August and beginning of September, Adam X. Hearn, Philipp Dunker and Iljana Schubertrepresented the Sustainability Research Group at two conferences dedicated to sustainability transformations.

At the SHiFT Final Conference 2026, held at the University of Basel on 27–28 August, the group contributed presentations on flexible energy demand, renewable energy communities and Positive Energy Districts, as well as energy justice perceptions of sustainable aviation fuels. The conference focused on “Urban & Regional Transformation Between Local Solidarity and Trans-Local Responsibility.”

A few days later, the team participated in the International Sustainability Transitions Conference (IST 2026) at ETH Zürich. Under the theme “Hope – in challenging times,” more than 600 researchers came together to discuss pathways towards environmental sustainability and social justice. The group presented research on energy flexibility and the drivers and barriers of public acceptability of alternative fuels.

Both conferences provided valuable opportunities for exchange with the international sustainability research community.