Alternet Conference 2025

Achieving Transformative Change for Biodiversity

13 – 16 May 2025 – CESAM, University of Aveiro (Aveiro, Portugal)

The 2025 Alternet Conference will be hosted by our partners at CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (Univ. Aveiro) and held in Aveiro, Portugal from 13-16 May. The theme of this conference will be “Achieving Transformative Change for Biodiversity.”

Biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate, threatening all life on Earth and, ultimately, many of the processes and functions of Earth itself. Addressing this crisis requires deep, systematic shifts in policies, institutions, behaviours and economics – far beyond incremental improvements (IPBES 2024). 

The 2025 Alternet Conference, themed “Achieving Transformative Change for Biodiversity” will explore how to address the root causes of biodiversity decline and how to drive fundamental changes needed for a just and sustainable future. Sessions will examine how we study, teach, govern, protect, restore, and include nature in human society again, inviting participants to actively engage in shaping transformative solutions. 

Through diverse session formats, the conference will address strategies for mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors (e.g., business, agriculture and forestry), highlighting nature’s diverse values and the factors that shape everyday societal decisions. The question on how to strengthen the transformative change in the science-policy interface will be central to the conference, as well as biodiversity governance and how to foster a fair, inclusive and effective dialogue between scientists and decision-makers. Transdisciplinary research, education and citizen science will be highlighted as essential tools for engagement and impact. The conference will also showcase innovations in biodiversity monitoring, collaborative approaches in nature conservation and restoration, and nature-based solutions as drivers of systematic change. Discussions will examine how to build resilience to climate extremes, address the biodiversity-climate-society nexus and understand the crucial role of soil biota in ecosystem stability. 

By bringing together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, the conference aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and inspire meaningful action for biodiversity.

No calls are currently open.

Conference Sessions:

1. Advanced biodiversity monitoring in eLTER and other research infrastructures and networks  [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters]
2. Transformative change for co-creation of nature restoration [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters]
3. Engaging in the science-policy interface: addressing capacity needs to meet their transformative potential [Not accepting abstracts; accepting posters for dedicated poster session]
4. Nature Based Solutions for transformative change: Catalysing systemic shifts toward sustainability [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters]
5. Building resilience to climate extremes [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters]
6. Leveraging the diverse values of nature for transformative change [Accepting abstracts for posters]
7. Hidden Guardians: The crucial role of soil biota in resilient ecosystems for transformative change [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters]
8. Mainstreaming Biodiversity: A condition for transformative change [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters – this session particularly welcomes contributions that addresses challenges and opportunities for mainstreaming biodiversity]
9. Transformative spatial governance of biodiversity protection in Europe [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters]
10. Unravelling lock-ins: barriers & levers for transitioning agricultural systems to support biodiversity [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters]
11. Transformation of, through and for nature conservation – How to foster transformative change in the science-policy interface [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters]
12. Can governmental reporting on the state of nature be transformative? [Accepting contributions from Alternet partner institutes – see description]
13. Transdisciplinary education and biodiversity research [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters]
14. Transdisciplinary Pathways for Addressing the Biodiversity-Climate-Society Nexus: Insights and Collaborative Opportunities [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters]
15. Shaping Biodiversity Futures: Stories of Action, Reflection and Change [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters]
16. Values in Action: Co-Imagining Ethics for Transformative Interfaces and Communities [Not accepting abstracts]
17. Citizen science for transformative biodiversity action: concept and empirical examples [Accepting abstracts for oral presentations and posters]
18. Transforming Forests: Integrating Conservation and Production for a Sustainable Future [Accepting abstracts for posters]

• Ingrid J. Visseren-Hamakers (Radboud University, NL)

• Vera Helene Hausner (Arctic University of Norway)

• Alex Franklin (Coventry University, UK)

• Toke Thomas Høye (Aarhus University, DK)

• Sebastian Villasante (University of Santiago de Compostela, ES)

• Alexandra Aragão (UC, PT)

• Gilles Doignon (European Commission)

Map of Univ. Aveiro

Registration is open for the 2025 Alternet Conference.

• Register here

Early bird registration has been extended! Early bird registration fees: (until 28/02/2025, inclusive):

• Non-Alternet members: €260
• Alternet members: €210
• Students: €150

Registration pricing (valid from 28/02/2025 until 25/04/2025):

• Non-Alternet members: €290
• Alternet members: €230
• Students: €165

After 25/04/2025, including on-site:

• Non-Alternet members: €350
• Alternet members: €300
• Students: €200

One day registration fee:

• One-day early bird fee: €175 (valid till15/02/2025)
• One-day fee after February 15^th (including onsite): €190 (after 16/02/2025)

Important registration info:

1. Payment and Invoicing
   On the registration platform, you will find the different payment methods available for the Conference. Please note that the participant is responsible for filling in the details for the invoice (Please confirm with your Entity if you need to enter the VAT number and/or requisition/purchase number). Once you have filled in the invoice details, a proforma invoice will be available if required. After payment, your receipt will also be available on the platform. After the early bird, the registration platform automatically assumes the values defined for payments after the date defined as early bird. It does not include any insurance.
2. Registration Cancellation and Refund Policy
   The following refund rules apply:
   – Till March 30^th, there will be a refund of 50% of the fees, minus the bank processing charges (if any). Between April 1^st and April 30^th, there will be a refund of 25% of the fees, minus the bank processing charges (if any). After April 30^th, there is no fee refund.
   – Cancellations must be made by writing to:  confalternet2025@ua.pt
3. Certificate of Attendee
   One week after the end of the conference, your Certificate will be available on the registration platform.
4. Insurance and liability
   The registration fee does not include personal or property insurance . The 2025 Alternet Conference Organisation will not assume any responsibility for injury or damage to person or property throughout the duration of the event. Participants are therefore advised to make their own insurance arrangements as pleased (e.g., travel, valuable items, medical assistance, etc.) before travelling to the conference venue. If the conference is postponed or cancelled in its whole due to force majeure events, or due to circumstances not imputable to wrongful intent or gross negligence from the conference Organisation, the participants cannot hold the 2025 Alternet Conference Organisation liable for any damages, costs or losses incurred, such as (but not limited to) travel and accommodation costs or other indirect losses and consequential damages.
5. Privacy Policy
   Information on data processing: Personal data will be collected and processed in the strictest confidentiality and under the legislation in force, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), 2016/679 of the 27th of April 2016. The 2025 Alternet Conference organizers act as the controller regarding the processing of personal data. Identifying information such as name and email will be collected and processed for participation management and provision of additional event services (e.g., sending participation certificates). Data will not be shared with third parties under any circumstances. It will be stored in a secure database assessed only by authorized personnel. Under the GDPR, you have the rights of access, erasure, rectification, restriction of processing, portability, objection, and not to be subject to automated decision-making. Any questions can be addressed to confalternet2025@ua.pt. Advice on data protection matters can also be obtained from the Data Protection Officer (DPO) of the University of Aveiro (epd@ua.pt). By registering in the 2025 Alternet Conference, you acknowledge having read and understood this Privacy Policy and accept how we collect and use your personal data.Throughout the 2025 Alternet Conference the organizer and authorized media representatives may take photographs as well as audio and video recordings of participants and their works. These materials may be published, reproduced and exhibited in print/online media to report on the 2025 Alternet Conference or announce future Alternet Conference events. Audio recordings will be limited to public speaking contributions. With your registration you agree to the production and use of these materials as detailed above.

Learn more about CESAM (Univ. Aveiro)