ReNoN Project Workshop 2026
2026-07-10 08:00 - 17:30 (Europe/Rome) | UNIBZ – B1.1.01 – NOI Techpark, via Volta-Voltastrasse 13/A, Bolzano/Bozen, South Tyrol, 39100, Italy
Powering the future through smarter, connected energy systems—discover how integrated networks can accelerate Europe’s path to climate neutrality
The ReNON Workshop 2026 aims to explore advanced methodologies, planning strategies and optimization tools supporting the transition towards decarbonized and resilient energy systems.
Achieving the European carbon neutrality targets by 2050 requires a profound transformation of traditionally independent infrastructures such as electricity grids, district heating networks, water systems, transportation and energy storage. In this context, the ReNON project introduces the “Network of Networks” paradigm, promoting the coordinated integration of multi-energy systems and the active involvement of prosumers and energy communities.
Event website: ReNoN Project Workshop 2026 / Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

Bridging Levels and Voices: Public Participation in EU Climate Governance
2026-10-14 11:30 - 13:00 | Hybrid on MS Teams and Eurac Research, Conference Hall, Drususallee 1/Viale Druso 1, Bolzano/Bozen, South Tyrol, 39100, Italy
The event is part of the “Lecture Series on Social-Ecological Transformation – 2026 Edition”

This year’s lecture series, taking place on May 13th, June 10th, and October 14th, will explore key dimensions of socioecological transformation in the context of climate change.
Socio-ecological transformation requires continuous dialogue, meaningful participation, and strong institutional commitment across all levels of governance.
The first lecture examines climate citizens’ assemblies as bottom-up initiatives within participatory democracy, highlighting their potential to foster more inclusive and democratic climate decision-making. In addition, it will investigate limitations in advancing environmental justice and challenges to ensuring that deliberative outcomes are effectively integrated into governance and institutional processes.
The second lecture investigates conflict as a driver of transformation, focusing on how tensions among actors can generate knowledge, perspectives, and more equitable solutions.
The third lecture broadens the perspective to public participation in climate governance, emphasizing both its promises and limitations across different institutional contexts.

11:30

Welcome and introduction
Lydia Pedoth, Center for Climate Change and Transformation, Eurac Research Mariachiara Alberton, Institute for Comparative Federalism, Eurac Research

11:30-12:00

Public participation in EU climate governance: promise and limitations
Prof. Sebastian Oberthür, Director of the Research Centre for Environment, Economy and Energy, and Professor for Environment and Sustainable Development at the Brussels School of Governance
Public participation in environmental decision-making is widely considered a core element of ‘environmental democracy’. It has also been heralded as a major remedy for the EU’s ‘democratic deficit’. Yet, public participation can take many forms and can produce outcomes of varying quality. This talk will take stock of what we know about how public participation can contribute to addressing the societal challenge of climate change and which factors support or undermine meaningful participation. On this basis, it will review mechanisms of public participation available for EU climate governance and how to enhance their effectiveness.

12:00-12:30

Climate Pact Ambassadors: Bridging Europe’s Governance Levels
Prof. Jale Tosun, Professor of Political Science, University of Heidelberg
As an outcome of the European Green Deal, European Climate Pact Ambassadors (ECPAs) were established to promote climate action within their networks at both a local and an EU level. This lecture focuses on the volunteers who commit to the role of ECPA and unpacks who steps up, how they advocate for policy change and what they experience along the way. Bridging political sociology, policy analysis and multi-level governance, the lecture offers a rare insight into EU-level civic participation.

12:30-13:00

Open discussion
Moderation: Mariachiara Alberton, Eurac Research
Language: English (no translation will be provided)
Registration: no registration required
Program: 1778161029-lectureseries-2026.pdf
Event website: Lecture Series on Social-Ecological Transformation – 2026 Edition – Eurac Research
Connection link: MS Teams

Eurac Research to Host the 14th Annual Conference of the Italian Society for Climate Sciences (SISC)
2026-11-02 - 2026-11-04 | Eurac Research, Drususallee 1/Viale Druso 1 – Italy, Bolzano/Bozen, Italy
Eurac Research will host the 14th Annual Conference of the Italian Society for Climate Sciences (SISC) in Bolzano from 2 to 4 November 2026, bringing the international climate science community to the heart of the Alps.
the Italian Society for Climate Sciences (SISC) will take place in Bolzano from 2 to 4 November 2026, hosted at the Eurac Research premises.
SISC is one of the leading interdisciplinary platforms in Italy dedicated to the study of climate change, its impacts, and related policies. The annual conference brings together scientists, researchers, economists, practitioners, business leaders, and policymakers working across different dimensions of climate science and climate action. The official language of the conference will be English.
The 2026 edition aims to foster dialogue across disciplines and sectors, encouraging the exchange of new research results, methodological advances, and practical experiences in the science and management of climate change. Hosting the conference in Bolzano underscores the importance of mountain and Alpine regions as key laboratories for understanding climate impacts and developing adaptation and mitigation strategies.
IMPORTANT DATES
– Deadline for abstract submission: 29 May 2026
– Notification of abstract acceptance and participation grants: 15 July 2025
– Deadline for registration for presenting author to be included in the programme: 11 Sep 2026
– Preliminary programme: Early October
By hosting SISC 2026, Eurac Research strengthens its role as an international hub for climate research and dialogue, and looks forward to welcoming the climate science community to Bolzano
More information on the conference website: https://www.sisclima.it/conferenza-annuale-2026/
