On September 11-13, 2025, the Faculty of Biology of the Jagiellonian University hosted the “III IASNR European Hub Conference,” co-organized by researchers from the Jagiellonian University (Socio-Environmental Research Team), Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the Environmental Sociology Section of the Polish Sociological Association.
International Association for Society and Natural Resources (IASNR)
The International Association for Society and Natural Resources (IASNR) is an international organisation of scientists from different disciplines – natural and social sciences – a studying interdisciplinary problems concerning the environment and natural resources. The organisation has been active for 25 years and has more than 4,000 members, including the world's leading scientists. Among its various activities, IASNR publishes the journal Society and Natural Resources and has been organising global conferences for many years and has been developing regional sections for several years.
The IASNR European Hub was established in 2023 with an inaugural conference in Berlin in March 2023. The second regional conference was held in March 2024 in Wageningen. The activities of the section continue in the form of online meetings, as well as the third hub conference in Krakow, organized at Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University.
Conference organisation
The conference was prepared in the spirit of sustainable development, in accordance with the “Guide for Organizers of Sustainable Conferences on the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the Jagiellonian University Revival” developed by the Team.
In order to reduce material consumption and waste, plastic ID badges were not purchased (participants received paper stickers instead), and participation certificates and paper versions of the abstract book were not printed. Participants did not receive any conference gadgets, as the organizers' experience shows that they are often not used afterwards. Participants were also encouraged to make more environmentally friendly choices (public transport, use of reusable cups).
In addition to traditional paper sessions, participants could take part in activities aimed at ensuring their well-being and entertainment, such as walks in the surrounding natural areas, yoga classes, mindfulness sessions, and a game developed by one of the team members.
Conference report
Based on surveys distributed to conference participants via QR code (70% response rate) and scientific and industry data, it was estimated that the total carbon footprint of the event was approximately 11.7 tons of CO₂. The calculations took into account both participant-dependent factors, such us travel to and from Krakow, transportation within the city, accommodation, length of stay, and meal choices, and organizational factors such as material and electricity consumption and refreshments.
Travel accounted for the largest share of total emissions (71%), followed by accommodation (21%) and food (7%). As many as 65% of participants chose plant-based meals, and over 60% arrived in Krakow by train. Most participants traveled around the city on foot or by public transport. The average carbon footprint per participant was 0.2 tons of CO₂ – about five times less than the lower limit of estimates for typical international scientific events.
Our conference shows that thoughtful and responsible decisions by organisers and the promotion of sustainable choices among participants can realistically reduce the environmental impact of scientific events.
Full conference report can be downloaded below.