List of sessions
1. Multiple knowledges of the 21st century – towards strong sustainability in environmental decision making
2. Exploring the critical sustainability praxis: working with (in)visible power (structures)
3. Epistemic justice to Indigenous Peoples – how to promote it through research?
4. Political ecology in and from the global north: relational positionings of academics and activists
5. Transdisciplinary participation and co-production of knowledge in and for sustainability transformations
6. Navigating Hope: Affective Perspectives on Sustainability Transitions
7. Renewable energy and its acceptability in a changing landscape
8. Open discussion: Is there space to consider planetary boundaries in academia?
9. Ecosystem Restoration Storytelling Slam: Transdisciplinarity in Performance
11. Paradigms of well-being and the challenge of sustainability transformation
12. Religions, worldviews and lifestyles as reactions to environmental changes
13. Walking together to learn on environmental researchers' advocacy
14. The silent voices in the forest-based sector
16. Resilience research at the University of Oulu
17. Translating science into everyday language through playful approaches
How to submit an abstract
The call for abstracts closed on 8 September. If you have questions about a specific session, please send an email directly to the relevant session convenor.
1. Multiple knowledges of the 21st century – towards strong sustainability in environmental decision making
Submissions: Timo Haapasalo, University of Eastern Finland, timo.haapasalo@uef.fi
Other organisers: Anna Mustonen, University of Eastern Finland
The ongoing sustainability transformation and green transition call for urgent action towards strong sustainability, more efficiency in resource use and changes in policies overall (1). This creates pressure on all decision-making in natural resources governance, ranging from supranational to local level. However, urgency must not lead to hasty decision-making which violates the rights of vulnerable parties or nature itself. Therefore, the basis of environmental decision-making should be in comprehensive and transparent knowledge.
In addition to scientific knowledge, individual people and communities have lived expertise that can be reached in participatory processes (2). This type of knowledge is described as indigenous, traditional or experimental. Ultimately, a key question is how different types of knowledges are practically implemented throughout the decision-making processes. Additionally, some level of uncertainty always remains in decision-making due to the complexity of issues at hand (3).
This session focuses on the epistemic questions in environmental decision-making. We warmly invite research that explores both the scientific and non-scientific knowledge base related to the decision-making in extraction and utilisation of natural resources and nature. How do different epistemological beliefs influence the sustainability of resource use? What role does knowledge play in the consensus-oriented decision-making? How can participatory processes be developed further?
Session format
We welcome abstracts (max 300 words) in Finnish and English, ranging from theoretical to practice-oriented studies. The session will be organized as an open panel paper presentations (15 min) followed by a discussion (15 min). The number of accepted papers may be limited to ensure time (30 min) for the end discussion.
2. Exploring the critical sustainability praxis: working with (in)visible power (structures)
Submissions: Janne J. Salovaara, HELSUS/NAR, University of Helsinki, janne.salovaara@helsinki.fi
Other organisers: Linda Karjalainen, Finnish Environment Institute
In this session, we hope to facilitate an accessible conversation around power by combining a range of viewpoints for asking and answering questions together—for example; what is sustainability without redistribution of power; which issues of power appear in your research (conceptually, methodologically, and/or in practice); how do you argue for power structure changes within the entrepreneurial/neoliberal academia; when do you feel powerless? See Butcher et al. (2025, on epistemic justice and the academic precariat), Stein (2024, on universities engaged in hegemonic solutionism), Frame (2022, on sustainable development as an imperialist mechanism), Chagnon et al. (2022, on extractivist ideologies as an culture of power-differentiation), Arnstein (1969, on ladder of participation), or Lefebvre (1968, on the collective right to the city)—to name some, for additional context and inspiration. The workshop consists of 1) presentations that ground the, at times distant and abstract, notions of power in context-specific research, and 2) discussions guided by critical questions asked by the presenters, convenors, and other workshop participants. We focus on exploring types of visible and invisible power that appear to hinder, obscure, lack in, shift, mobilise, or galvanise the endeavours of sustainability–and discussions around sustainability transitions–in your experience. As a point of departure, the convenors will shortly present their respective takes on the subject as well.
Session format
We ask the participants to contribute to the conversation on critical sustainability in the format they see best to convey their idea(s). From more typical “paper session proposals”, to all types of presentations, dialogues, expressions, and performances—within reasonable limits of time (10-15 min) and resources—are all welcome. Send us a short (at max 300 word) description on what you want to share, how is it relevant to critical sustainability, and how do you engage and inspire conversation around it (perhaps through a critical question) and the colloquium theme.
3. Epistemic justice to Indigenous Peoples – how to promote it through research?
Submissions: Anna Ott, Finnish Environment Institute, anna.ott@syke.fi
Other organisers: Liisa Varumo, Finnish Environment Institute; Tuija Seppälä, Finnish Environment Institute
This session explores the question of how environmental social sciences research focusing on Indigenous territories that challenges existing power structures that marginalize holders of more-than-scientific knowledge could look like? We invite actors from both within and beyond academia to share their experiences regarding successful and failed attempts to promote the recognition of Indigenous knowledge as valid and valuable knowledge. While involving Indigenous Peoples in research is an important prerequisite to addressing epistemic injustice, ‘research fatigue’ amongst Indigenous communities is a serious issue. Thus, the question of how to prevent burdening them arises. Further, involving Indigenous Peoples in research processes does not necessarily lead to empowerment and the recognition of Indigenous worlds. Fricker (2013) established that epistemic injustice occurs when the credibility of a person’s testimony based on their social identity is discounted or when a speaker has been marginalized in meaning-making activities and society thus lacks the interpretative capacity to make sense of that speaker’s experience. Thus, addressing epistemic injustice also requires overcoming the ‘Euro-modern ontology’ that has marginalized Indigenous ways of knowing and being (Blaser 2009).
References
Blaser, M. 2009. POLITICAL ONTOLOGY. Cultural Studies 23(5-6): 873–896.
Fricker, M. 2013. Epistemic justice as a condition of political freedom? Synthese 190(7) 1317–1332.
Session format
Within one session of 90 minutes there are going to be max. five presentations of each 12 minutes. A panel discussion involving all the presenters and facilitated by the session conveners is planned for the end of the session to promote reflections beyond one single presentation and exchange between researchers and projects. The presenters are encouraged to reflect on implemented or planned (academic or non-academic) projects, methodological approaches or theoretical frameworks informing research collaborations but academic paper presentations are also welcome.
4. Political ecology in and from the global north: relational positionings of academics and activists
Submissions: Eeva Houtbeckers, University of Eastern Finland, eeva.houtbeckers@uef.fi
Other organisers: Alejandro Pedregal, Aalto University; Janne Salovaara, University of Helsinki
The colloquium theme ‘Applied, Alongside, Against: Participatory, transdisciplinary, and critical approaches to environmental knowledge and action’ coincides well with approaches of political ecology (PE). PE as a field of research and practice focuses on studying politics and ecology together. PE scholars have various disciplinary backgrounds, e.g. anthropology, biology, cultural studies, design research, geography, political science, or sociology. We are particularly interested in hearing from colleagues who explicitly draw from and contribute to PE approach(es), including feminist political ecology. We also warmly welcome those who have worked with sustainability-related critical themes, such as knowledge production in sustainability science within the existing power structures, legitimising marginal thoughts and alternative signals under the current sustainability discourses, or institutional lock-ins and path-dependencies restricting transformation(s)—to name just a few.
While PE as a field is globally oriented, our session aims to materialise the PE research in the Nordics and explore what kinds of issues emerge from such contexts or origins. We hope this session supports a formulation of a collaborative network. Thus, this session is open to all interested YHYS participants to present their works—those already published to those in planning stages—to open their knowledge, plans or results for wider use.
Session format
In this session we continue the work initiated in March 2025, when a group of scholars in the field of Political Ecology (PE) convened for networking. This session invites political ecology scholars and colleagues from the vast YHYS community to work and develop Nordic PE research. Similar to the inaugural meeting, we expect that this session brings together scholars from numerous disciplines and backgrounds, all working with issues related to PE. The session serves as a further opportunity to map the landscape of ongoing research and possible future collaborations.
We ask for at max 500 word abstracts of the contributions. In addition to conventional presentations, we encourage creative or experimental presentations that challenge traditional academic conventions. The presentation time is approximately 15 minutes depending on the total number of presentations.
5. Transdisciplinary participation and co-production of knowledge in and for sustainability transformations
Submissions: Jani Lukkarinen, Finnish Environment Institute, jani.lukkarinen@syke.fi
Other organisers: Antti Silvast, LUT University; Sampsa Hyysalo, Aalto University; Sonja Nielsen, Aalto University; Satu Lähteenoja, Demos Helsinki
The participation of diverse actors – stakeholders and citizens alike – in sustainability transformations has gained increasing attention. The ’post-normal’ nature of environmental problems has led to a surge in co-production of knowledge between scientists, policy makers and citizens. However, the bulk of research on co-production and participation in environmental governance has remained aspirational and methodological, although it is well established elsewhere that such approaches are mired by (participation) paradoxes that render multiple fronts of critique constitutive to their nature. For instance, engagement activities in public processes at different levels are viewed as policy failures or only achieving partial success rather than being taken to offer policy complements. Similarly, participation has been considered a privilege of engaged communities and citizens to pursue changes and geared towards those most interested in participating. As such, participation and co-production are not immune to routinisation and bureaucratisation and thus similar initiatives persist without broader learning on how to reorganise participation. Inspired by systemic and material approaches to participation, this workshop aims to address the question of participation and discuss diverse approaches to developing participation and knowledge co-production in the governance of sustainability transformations.
We invite submissions of methodological, theoretical and empirical contributions. We accept abstracts up to 250 words and full papers.
Session format
The session consists of paper presentations of 15 minutes followed by 5 minutes for comments and discussion and an additional predeveloped 20 minutes co-creation moment at the end of the session.
6. Navigating Hope: Affective Perspectives on Sustainability Transitions
Submissions: Johanna Ahola-Launonen, Aalto University, johanna.ahola-launonen@aalto.fi
Other organisers: Olli Tiikkainen, Aalto University
Hope plays an ambivalent role in sustainability transitions. While it can energize action and sustain engagement, it can also foster naïve optimism or obscure structural challenges. This session invites contributions that explore how hope is produced, mobilized, and experienced in transitions—not only as an individual stance or a cognitive belief but as an affect that circulates, attaches, and performs through bodies, institutions, imaginaries, and discourses—often in complex and contested ways.
We are interested in how different actors—including researchers, policymakers, activists, and publics—navigate and shape hope in the context of environmental and societal change. How is hope attached to particular futures, visions, or strategies? In what ways does it support, distort, or complicate transition processes?
We welcome both conceptual and empirical work that examines the affective dynamics of hope across various sites of sustainability work—from grassroots organizing to institutional planning, and from climate policy to technology-driven initiatives. Particular interest is given to contributions that:
- Offer conceptual or methodological insights into studying hope as affect;
- Analyse the ambivalences of hope in specific case contexts;
- Reflect on the positionality of researchers as affective actors;
- Explore how more situated, critical, or democratic hopes might be cultivated.
Session format
After a 5 minute introduction by the conveners to the themes of the session, presentations of 15+5 (discussion) min will be carried out. 4 presentations thus fit the 90-min session, with closing remarks of 5 min by the conveners.
7. Renewable energy and its acceptability in a changing landscape
Submissions: Lasse Peltonen, University of Eastern Finland, lasse.peltonen@uef.fi
Other organisers: Rauno Sairinen, University of Eastern Finland
Finland's energy system is undergoing a major transformation. With the green transition, renewable energy production is expected to increase significantly, and the associated land use needs will grow. The transition will change the structure and operation of the energy system: electricity production will require new areas of land, and related infrastructure will alter the landscape. Production facilities also impose local impacts on people and nature, some of which combine with other activities to produce unpredictable and cumulative effects, and related tensions.
The session addresses the acceptability of renewable energy, its contributing factors, patterns of variation and dynamics of change. The focus is on wind and solar energy. The acceptability of renewables can be examined from societal-political, market and local/community perspectives. Local acceptability includes factors such as the impacts of projects, processes and procedures, as well as the local context and historical experiences. Acceptability therefore varies over time and between projects and locations.
We welcome papers that discuss the acceptability of renewable energy, especially wind and solar power, with links to factors such as changing attitudes and values, planning and participation processes, spatial contexts and variation, political divides and decision-making, institutional changes including legislation and regulation, and societal transformation.
Session format
The session includes 10 minute presentations with 5 minutes of discussion, plus 30 minute summary discussion at the end of the session. The session builds on research in two UEF research projects, but is organised in open format for any interested researcher to join. The primary language in the session is Finnish, but presentations in English are more very welcome.
8. Open discussion: Is there space to consider planetary boundaries in academia?
Submissions: Henna Juusola, Tampere University, henna.juusola@tuni.fi
Other organisers: Marc Perkins, University of Jyväskylä
Universities are increasingly seen as responsible for leading the way in ecological sustainability by taking planetary boundaries into account in their operations. Although incorporating sustainability concepts into curricula is becoming more common, universities still have room for improvement; climate neutrality targets, for example, have not yet been met. At the same time, both the pace of academic work and life in society as a whole feel increasingly accelerated and pressured, with multiple demands and tasks being stressed at once. This raises questions about whether there is still time for reflection, and whether we can recognise what truly matters. In this session, we will explore the role of planetary boundaries in academia by briefly introducing the concepts of planetary citizenship and slow academia (and how these two potentially intersect). We welcome everyone with an interest in these topics to join the discussion, whether you are an experienced researcher or simply curious to learn more. No preparation is needed - just come for a friendly and welcoming conversation!
9. Ecosystem Restoration Storytelling Slam: Transdisciplinarity in Performance
Submissions: Monica Vasile, Oulu University, monica.vasile01@gmail.com
Other organisers: Anna Krzywoszynska, Oulu University
What does it mean to do transdisciplinarity, rather than theorize it? This two-hour session proposes a live experiment: a Restoration Storytelling Slam, an open mic format where researchers share 15 minute stories drawn from their work on ecosystem restoration. No slides, just stories that bring listeners into the live texture of restoration work: field days spent in bogs and forests, species returning after years of absence, uneasy collaborations, the frictions, uncertainties, failures, and breakthroughs. The slam format is low-tech and high-voice. It aims to show the performative, affective, and relational aspects of transdisciplinary work—features often lost in tidy diagrams, conceptual frameworks or output metrics. Storytelling is both method and intervention, and it makes space for emotional and intellectual resonance across disciplinary and professional divides. Rather than presenting storytelling as a tool to explain transdisciplinary research, this session allows for the practice itself to unfold as a form of participatory knowledge production. We aim to showcase the initiative of Oulu University’s SAFIRE project, but the session is open-ended and inclusive—we invite others to step in. The stories can be freely performed, or written and read out loud.
For inspiration to get started with storytelling, here are some links to check out:
The basics: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-tell-a-story-effectively
Engagement and Storytelling: https://tinyurl.com/wawcy8sr
Storytelling techniques: https://tinyurl.com/3hv58h49
Session format
Our session will be 120 minutes. We aim for 1) 5-10 minutes introduction, 2) then 15 minutes presentations with 6 presentations in total, and 3) a final discussion of 20 minutes take-away and feedback.
11. Paradigms of well-being and the challenge of sustainability transformation
Submissions: Annika Lonkila, University of Jyväskylä, annika.p.lonkila@jyu.fi
Other organisers: Teea Kortetmäki, University of Jyväskylä; Liia-Maria Raippalinna, University of Jyväskylä; Miikka Salo, University of Jyväskylä; Linda Majander, University of Jyväskylä
Significant societal transformations are needed to realize sustainable future supporting planetary well-being (Kortetmäki et al. 2023). This requires uprooting the existing paradigms underlying unjust and unsustainable systems (Hirvilammi & Helne 2014). The role of paradigms in sustainability transformations has been emphasized in the leverage points theory (Abson et al. 2017), decolonial turn (Grosfoguel 2007), and the criticism of anthropocentrism (Purser et al. 1995). Paradigms represent widely shared and taken-for-granted beliefs about the nature of reality and desirable state of affairs. They are often unspoken, even unconscious and their elements appear as common sense or ‘beyond politics’.
We call attention to paradigms that influence and define what well-being means and requires, how it can be promoted, and the goals and values of the welfare state. Paradigms of well-being significantly influence the possibility of sustainability transformations and the types of transition pathways considered just and desirable. So far, no country has achieved the criteria for social well-being within planetary boundaries (Fanning et al. 2022). We ask: are the paradigms of well-being sustainable and can all well-being claims be justified? Whose well-being claims are recognized?
We invite theoretical and empirical presentations from various fields, exploring the concept of sustainable well-being and the research gap between paradigms of well-being and sustainability transformations.
Session format
This is an open panel with paper presentations followed by a discussion. Exact details can only be decided after we know how many presentations are offered and can be accepted to our session. But in general, we would prefer to have 4-6 presentations (12-20 minutes in length), with 5 minutes after each presentation for short comments/question, and 15-20 minutes reserved at the end for overall discussions.
12. Religions, worldviews and lifestyles as reactions to environmental changes
Submissions: Laura Wickström, The Polin Institute, Åbo Akademi University laura.wickstrom@abo.fi
In recent decades, the growing awareness of global environmental problems such as climate change and mass species extinction, has prompted secular and religious communities alike to reevaluate their relationship with the natural world around them and to seek ways to establish a culture based on a more sustainable way of life. The challenge posed by the Anthropocene can also be viewed as a challenge to our worldview. This makes studying of different worldviews, lifestyles, beliefs and religious traditions, as well as their relationship to the environment, particularly important and interesting.
For this open session, a wide range of presentations examining the relationship between religions, worldviews and/or beliefs and the environment, as well as the changes or crises that have occurred within it, are welcomed. Presentations may offer different perspectives and examine different time periods. Presentations may include empirical case studies and/or a thematic, multidisciplinary, or interdisciplinary methodologies. One question that will be addressed in the session is whether forms of religion, spirituality, and worldviews support, inspire or even prevent social solutions of sustainable development issues? The languages of this open session are English, Finnish and Swedish.
Session format
In a 90-minute session, there are either three 20-minute presentations followed by 10-minute discussions, or four 15-minute presentations followed by seven-minute discussions. If a second session is needed, it will have the same setup as the first session, with 20-minute presentations and 10-minute discussions. Depending on the number of presentations, there may be a joint discussion after the last presentation in the second session. The session is open, so there are no presenter names yet.
13. Walking together to learn on environmental researchers' advocacy
Note: This workshop is not open for abstracts. Please let us know if you plan to attend.
Session contact person: Anna Salomaa, LUT University, anna.salomaa@lut.fi
Other organisers: Anni Arponen, University of Turku; Iryna Herzon, University of Helsinki; Panu Halme, University of Jyväskylä
The aim is to share experiences on efforts and ideas to impact policy to be more sustainable, to introduce the newly established Finnish Environmental researchers’ advocacy network (Ympäristötutkijoiden vaikuttamisverkosto), and to collect ideas and volunteers for its functions. The starting point of the walkshop is that sustainability advocacy is a necessity in the present crises. To advance these activities, our discussion has the normative premise that advocacy by scientists is justified and needed; we aim not to engage in discussions around the “neutrality myth” of science. In the walkshop participants will grow their networks and learn successful and non-successful practices on creating impact. The participants walk together outside and stop to listen to a brief introduction about the newly established Environmental researchers’ advocacy network, which aims to help individual environmental researchers to create evidence-based impact for sustainability, for example creating contacts and sharing best practices on how to react and impact topical political questions. The walkshop will help researchers to navigate in the interdisciplinary science-policy-society interface when not being policy neutral.
Session format
This workshop is organized in the form of a walking meeting (“walkshop”).
14. The silent voices in the forest-based sector
Please pre-register as a workshop participant by emailing Tutta Oittinen at tutta.a.oittinen@jyu.fi – yet we welcome all interested people on-site to join in the discussion and empower all voices in the forest-related decision-making!
Session contact person: Annukka Näyhä, University of Jyväskylä, annukka.nayha@jyu.fi
Other session organisers: Tuomo Takala, University of Eastern Finland; Anu Laakkonen University of Eastern Finland; Hannes Pasanen, University of Eastern Finland; Katri Rusanen, University of Eastern Finland; Mirkka Rovamo, University of Eastern Finland; Tutta Oittinen, University of Jyväskylä.
Forests and the utilisation of forest resources play a central role in the sustainability transformation. However, forests are subject to a wide range of views, hopes, and objectives, which are often difficult to reconcile. Consequently, discussions on forests are often polarised and many voices and views remain obscured, both in public and scientific discussion.
Actors and their relations – the power of politics and regime dominators – play an important role in forest-related transition. However, it is noteworthy that many less visible, marginalised actors can potentially create collective voice and power to challenge dominant actors. The theory of agonistic pluralism sees that post-political governance and the ways we have learned to understand democracy, is the core problem why we do not hear the silent voices. Thus, a key challenge for the societies striving for sustainability transformation is how to bring marginalised voices to decision-making when the established ways of doing and thinking resist. Future research should pay attention to the roles of marginalised societal actors when studying the sustainability transformation.
In this workshop, we 1) identify the marginalised voices in the governance of Finnish forests, 2) ponder how to empower these voices and 3) discuss whether this kind of repoliticisation could facilitate sustainability transformation.
The session is structured as a participatory workshop with introductory talks and engaging discussions with the conference participants. The session has three sections:
1. Introductory talks on silent voices in the forest-based sector by invited speakers
- Kaisa Vainio (University of Turku): Voice of Multi-Species Justice
- Jelena Salmi (University of Jyväskylä): Relational Care, Situational Stewardship, and Quiet Conservation: Silent Forest Owner Practices in Sustainability Transformation
- Tuulikki Halla (University of Eastern Finland): Forests Between Expertise and Belonging: Lived Spaces and Cultural Tensions in Professional Relationships with the Forest
- Janne Säynäjäkangas (University of Eastern Finland): Deliberation in the Woods: Why Ecological Sustainability calls for the Democratization of Forest Management
-
Reflective discussion on marginalised voices and power relations by session chairs
-
Workshop discussions in small groups formed by session participants
-
Take away messages and conclusions
16. Resilience research at the University of Oulu
Session organiser: Aleksi Räsänen, University of Oulu
Resilience has long been a buzzword and an analytical tool in socio-ecological change research. In the University of Oulu, Frontiers of Arctic and Global Resilience (FRONT) research program advances the understanding of resilience related to human-environment, human-economy, and human-society relations through transdisciplinary research and novel methodological approaches. FRONT fosters knowledge on the needed governance transformations and for finding solutions to the wicked problems we are currently facing. At the same time, it uses a critical lens on how resilience is and can be conceptualized in socioecological research. This session will give a short introduction to FRONT research program and showcase environmental social science resilience research conducted in the University of Oulu. The thematic focus of the presentations will be related to rural socioecological systems, transformative water management, tourism geography, and Saami studies.
17. Translating science into everyday language through playful approaches
Session organisers:
Georgina Guillen-Hanson, University of Tampere, georgina.guillen@tuni.fi
Daniel Fernandez Galeote, University of Tampere, daniel.fernandezgaleote@tuni.fi
Michael Lettenmeier, University of Helsinki, michael.lettenmeier@helsinki.fi
This creative scientific communication workshop will start with a brief introduction to playfulness as an engaging approach for knowledge generation, exchange, translation, and communication to different stakeholder groups. Then, participants will create their own playful way to present their work in a non-academic, yet highly engaging format. We will discuss together the experience and reflect on science communication possibilities for our future.
We will also demonstrate a board game specifically designed to communicate sustainable living, opening the floor for further discussion about how scientific data can be presented in an interactive, engaging, and informative way. If you have developed a game in this context by yourself, you are welcome to bring and show it!
Workshop participants, please think in advance what would be the (max.) five key aspects of your research. Try to summarize them into 3 to 5 short sentences using plain vocabulary (what your grandma would understand, in Finnish or English). And please bring a laptop with you!