Call for Contributions
NSS considers contributions that showcase scholarship on sustainability topics, and feature case studies, best practices, collaborative interdisciplinary or cross-sectoral projects, or other works that connect to the NSS conference themes.
Our theme for 2025:
Transformative change for a just and sustainable future
Conference Subthemes
C: Workshop Contributions
1. Putting sustainability research to work
How can the sustainability science research be operationalized by communities, local governments, nonprofits, industry professionals, and others? How can these groups contribute to new research agendas in sustainability science? This theme welcomes case study contributions that explore sustainability programs, projects, and policies that transfer and apply knowledge, methodologies, and other tools to improve sustainability science development, industry application, and measurable outcomes.
2. Fostering collaboration for a just and sustainable future
Achieving sustainable solutions requires unprecedented levels of cross-sector, interdisciplinary, and multinational collaboration. This theme calls for contributions that explore innovative strategies and best practices for bridging challenging divides. Contributions may focus on: 1. Inter-sectoral collaborations between government, businesses, nonprofits, academia, and community organizations 2. Strategies for navigating changing and turbulent political landscapes, such as overriding regulatory hurdles, advocating for supportive policies, and engaging in constructive dialogue with policymakers 3. How challenges associated with urban-rural divides, such as equitable access to resources, can be ameliorated 4. Other differences/divides as identified and experienced in your work
3. AI for (or against?) sustainability
As AI is increasingly used as a tool to solve sustainability challenges, it is essential to proactively address the ethical, economic, social, and environmental implications of this technological tool. This theme explores how we can harness the power of AI for good, and how this can be balanced against the negative socio-environmental impacts of AI. Contributions in this theme may focus on: 1. Technological advantages, such as modeling for climate, agriculture, natural resources, and wildlife conservation 2. Technological disadvantages, such as resource extraction, energy consumption, and waste generation 3. Ethical considerations, such as data privacy and security, bias and fairness, and transparency and accountability 4. The social and economic implications of AI, such as job displacement 5. The digital divide or other topics related to the responsible development and deployment of AI for a just, equitable, and sustainable future
4. Cultivating transformative change in agriculture
The global food system faces unprecedented challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and social inequities. Addressing these requires a holistic and integrated approach that fundamentally embraces the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental systems. We welcome contributions that inspire bold and creative perspectives and actions that illustrate real transformations in our agricultural systems, as well as applied economic solutions in a sustainable marketplace. Contributions for this theme may explore collaborations among farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, researchers, nonprofits, and communities to advance sustainable agriculture. We also welcome submissions that leverage: 1. Traditional ecological knowledge, such as Indigenous knowledge or local expertise 2. Community-based initiatives, such as farmers’ markets, food banks, and community gardens 3. Climate-smart technologies, such as regenerative agriculture or blockchain
5. Moving forward with sustainable transportation
The transition to more sustainable transportation systems presents a complex set of challenges and opportunities that require interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral, and innovative thinking. This theme invites contributions that explore transformations in our transportation systems, from individual transportation through supply chain transport and logistics. Contributions may explore the costs, benefits, effectiveness, and limitations of: 1. Personal EVs 2. Public transportation 3. Ridesharing 4. Fleet electrification 5. Walkable/bikeable cities Case studies of innovative technologies, forward-thinking policies, and public-private partnerships that drive just and sustainable transformation in transportation systems are welcome.
6. Practical sustainability: leveraging insights from the humanities
The humanities, with their focus on human values, cultural narratives, identities, and ethical considerations, offer a unique and compelling perspective through which we can imagine, inspire, and bring to bear a just and sustainable future. This theme welcomes contributions from history, literature, philosophy, art, psychology, and other disciplines that envision and actively work toward sustainability by drawing insights from the human experience across time, space, and culture. Contributions may explore: 1. The use of historical narratives to inspire and guide our individual and collective actions 2. The ways in which ethical frameworks, cultural values, and artistic vision shape our understanding of and engagement with environmental issues and sustainability goals 3. The power of storytelling, art, and cultural expression to raise awareness, inspire action, and foster a sense of collective responsibility 4. Bridging gaps between science and society Scholars, practitioners, artists, and dreamers are invited to share their work, insights, experiences, and perspectives in this open format theme. (Please include a brief description of your desired format.) Traditional presentations are also welcome.
7. Spirituality as a catalyst for sustainability
This theme invites contributions that share research, insights, and lived experiences on the intersection of sustainability and religion/spirituality. We welcome a diverse range of systems, frameworks, and perspectives that explore: 1. The relationships between sustainability science and spirituality 2. Religious and spiritual knowledge, ethics, beliefs, teachings, and practices, as they relate to sustainability 3. Leveraging spirituality and community to influence climate action Contributions that offer an opportunity for reflection on the past, present, and future of sustainability through spiritual belief systems and movements for a just and sustainable world are welcome.
8. A just and circular future
The transition to a circular economy is crucial for a sustainable future. However, this transition must be grounded in principles of justice and equity to ensure that its benefits are shared by all and that it does not exacerbate existing disparities. This theme welcomes contributions that critically examine the challenges and opportunities presented by implementing circularity. Contributions could address: 1. Theory and practice: how do we measure circularity across scales and sectors? 2. Policy and business models: what innovative policy frameworks and business models support a transition towards circularity? 3. Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion: What are the ethical implications of circular economy practices, including resource extraction, waste management, and technological development? How might we ensure that circular economies benefit all members of society? 4. Collaboration in circularity: How can collaborations between businesses, governments, nonprofits, and communities accelerate the transition?
Guidelines: Please read carefully!
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Below you will find descriptions for each type of contribution.
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All contributions should be 2000 characters max (350-400 words); workshop proposals must submit an additional workshop proposal, as an uploaded pdf. See template below.
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You may submit multiple abstracts.
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Paired contributions such as an introductory Sustainability Flash Talk and a Poster are welcome. Please submit one contribution for each type.
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Where multiple oral presentations are submitted, the conference organizers may allocate one oral presentation per presenter, and accept others as posters.
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Your contribution title should be as brief as possible but long enough to indicate clearly the nature of the study (60 characters maximum length). Capitalize the first letter of the first word ONLY (place names excluded).
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Contributions will be reviewed by the Conference Planning Committee based on fit with the selected contribution type and the NSS conference themes.
A: Individual Contributions
Oral Presentation
Your abstract should open with a jargon-free sentence that provides a basic introduction to your work that is understandable to a broad, cross-sectoral audience. It should clearly state the sustainability-related issue and focus on a key conference theme. Next, provide more detailed information about the situated/on-the-ground context and relevance of your work that a diverse audience can understand. Summarize the methodology and/or approach, and the main question and/or findings. Lastly, explain the scholarly significance and/or practical application (the “so what”) of the work, especially as compared to what is already known and framed by a relevant conference theme. Presentations will be organized into meaningful sessions, with ample time for discussion. Approximate presentation time: 10 minutes.
Sustainability Flash Talk
Sustainability Flash Talks are three-minute presentations. Slides are optional. Your talk should be intriguing and open up new ideas and conversation. Your abstract should open with a jargon-free sentence that provides a basic introduction to your work that is understandable to a broad, cross-sectoral audience. It should clearly state the sustainability-related issue and focus on a key conference theme. Next, provide more detailed information about the situated/on-the-ground context, approach, and relevance of your work that a diverse audience can understand. Lastly, explain the scholarly significance and/or practical application (the “so what”) of the work, especially as compared to what is already known and framed by a relevant conference theme. Above all, your contribution should be accessible to all audience members. Talks will be organized into meaningful (but fast-paced!) sessions, with ample time for discussion. Presentation time: 4 minutes.
Poster
Your abstract should open with a jargon-free sentence that provides a basic introduction to your work that is understandable to a broad, cross-sectoral audience. It should clearly state the sustainability-related issue and focus on a key conference theme. Next, provide more detailed information about the situated/on-the-ground context and relevance of your work that a diverse audience can understand. Next, summarize the methodology and/or approach, and the main question and/or findings. Lastly, explain the scholarly significance and/or practical application (the “so what”) of the work, especially as compared to what is already known and framed by a relevant conference theme. Posters will be displayed for the duration of the conference, and presenters will have the opportunity to share their work during a designated poster session. You are welcome to submit an additional contribution for a Sustainability Flash Talk, as a way to introduce your poster.
B: Session Contributions
Pre-organized Panel Sessions
Pre-organized panels offer the opportunity for a panel of sustainability thought and action leaders to showcase a collection of ideas, projects, collaborations, solutions, and other elements that would benefit from a shared, organized discussion and an in-depth exchange with the audience. Panel organizers are responsible for organizing and publicizing the proposed session, soliciting panelists, and submitting a single abstract that describes the session, including some sample discussion questions for the panelists, and lists the panelists (3-5 panelists). Your proposal should open with a jargon-free sentence that provides a basic introduction that is understandable to a broad, cross-sectoral audience. It should clearly state the sustainability-related topic and focus on a key conference theme. Next, provide more detailed information about panelists and what they will speak on, as framed by a conference theme. Lastly, explain the scholarly significance and/or practical application (the “so what”) of the work, especially as compared to what is already known and framed by a relevant conference theme. In your proposal be sure to include the name and affiliation of the person who will moderate the session. Session length: 75 minutes
Pre-organized Symposia Sessions
Pre-organized symposia sessions are a set of connected oral presentations. They can focus on a single topic or be a collection of related topics. We especially encourage symposia that bring together people and ideas from academic and professional perspectives. Symposia session organizers are responsible for organizing and publicizing the proposed session, soliciting abstracts, and selecting the abstracts for a single submission to the NSS. The symposia organizers must notify the submitters of their decision to accept or decline the abstract within 5 days of the NSS abstract deadline. This allows any declined submitters to submit as an individual oral presentation, if not chosen for your organized session. One symposia session typically includes 4 oral presentations (approximately 10 minutes each). 5 may be allowed, with reduced presentation time for each presentation. Other arrangements or modes of presentation/engagement are also welcome (please elaborate in the panel abstracts). Each abstract should follow the oral presentation guidelines above. Submit all abstracts INDIVIDUALLY. Each symposia will have a "main contribution" description and a set of individual contributions. The "main" contribution must be a symposia description, describing the overall focus of the pre-organized symposia session. Each symposia presentation must be submitted separately, as a "Symposium_Individual" contribution Session length: 75 minutes
Sustainability Spark Sessions
This contribution provides a space to spark participant-led creative thinking, conversation, innovation, and learning. Do you have a sustainability-related idea, question, challenge, pain point, or bottleneck that others might identify with and would benefit from informal conversation, collaboration, and peer input? Pitch your idea here! If accepted, your topic will be offered as a half-session for you to lead. The session leader initiates the discussion or activities with 2-10 minutes of prepared remarks to set the stage. The organizer is responsible for identifying a moderator, either before the session or by asking for volunteers from the audience. The moderator then facilitates discussion amongst attendees, ensuring all voices are heard and ideas considered. The contribution proposal should include 2-3 sample discussion prompts, as well as the names of the session leader and moderator. Session length: 35 minutes
Contribution Types
C: Workshop Contributions
Workshops are 2-hour skill or tool-based sessions. They are organized and facilitated by the person(s) submitting the abstract, with some assistance from the NSS Resource Team. Attendance is typically capped at 30 participants (not including a maximum of 3 facilitators). Workshops will be held on Monday, October 20th for an extra fee. Workshop abstracts should follow the description structure below to convey the most salient features of your workshop. Open with a jargon-free introduction that provides a basic introduction to your workshop, so that it is understandable to a broad audience (students, scholars, practitioners, policy-makers, non-government organization representatives, etc.) interested in sustainability issues. Provide a statement of the practical objectives of your workshop. For example, are you introducing a specific tool, skill, dataset, or methodology, or facilitating an interactive discussion/debate around an emerging topic, tool, etc)? What will participants take away and be able to use after your workshop? Lastly, summarize the workshop methodology and provide a draft agenda. Please include the specific learning/participatory activities and expected outcomes. You must also upload a preliminary agenda for the workshop (500 words, pdf). Please see the workshop offerings from the 2024 Annual Conference: https://www.thenss.org/2024conferenceworkshops
Key Dates
Important Dates
Conference Planning
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Arun Agrawal, University of Notre Dame
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Nicole Ardoin, Stanford University
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Ashley Bennett, University of Notre Dame
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Alisa Bonsignore, Clarifying Complex Ideas
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Dan Brown, University of Washington
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Maggie Davis, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
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Jim Hanna, Microsoft
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Jay Golden, Syracuse University
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Garrick Louis, University of Virginia
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Shelie Miller, University of Michigan
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Tanis Marquette, TRC Companies
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Cassidy O'Block, University of Notre Dame
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Cristy Watkins, University of Notre Dame
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April Toler, University of Notre Dame
Advisory
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Bill Clark, ,Harvey Brooks Research Professor of International Science, Public Policy and Human Development, Harvard University
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Howard Frumkin, Professor Emerita, former Dean of Public Health, University of Washington
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Stephen Hammer, New York Climate Exchange
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Lolita Jackson, Perry World House, University of Pennsylvania, and Sustainable Development Capital LLP
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Pamela Matson, Professor of Environmental Studies and Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute, Emerita, Stanford University
Local Host
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Geory Kurtzhals, Senior Director, Sustainability, University Operations, Events, and Safety, University of Notre Dame
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Zach Shrank, Director, Center for a Sustainable Future, Indiana University South Bend