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 2026:
Courage, Credibility, and Collective Action in Sustainability
Academics
Share your research, leadership, and emerging academic directions with NSS's cross-sectoral and intersectional audience.
Public Sector & NGO
Looking to scale your work and impact? You'll find an audience of mission-driven professionals looking to create systemic change.
Industry
Engage a broad, diverse audience with your sustainability successes, lessons learned, and the challenges your sector faces.
Students & Early Career
Join a professional society where you can learn, contribute, and connect with some of the leading voices in sustainability and just transition.
Submission Details
JANUARY 13 - FEBRUARY 16
Open Symposium Proposals
-
A symposium is composed of 4-5 complementary oral presentations or 8-10 ignite talks.
-
An open symposium proposal offers a core thematic idea or question and invites individuals to submit their abstracts in the call for individual contributions (below).
-
Cross-sector and multidisciplinary topics and teams are especially encouraged.
FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 31
Closed Symposium or Roundtable Proposals
-
A symposium is composed of 4-5 complementary oral presentations or 8-10 ignite talks.
-
A closed symposium proposal has all the speakers identified and confirmed for 4-5 complementary oral presentations or 8-10 ignite talks.
-
Roundtable sessions are interactive and discussion-based. All speakers or co-facilitators are identified and confirmed. See guidelines for examples.
-
For both types of proposals, cross-sector and multidisciplinary topics and teams are especially encouraged.
Individual Contributions
-
Oral presentation (can be to an open symposium) 10-12 minute talk, with slides
-
Ignite talk (can be to an open symposium) 4-5 minute talk, with or without slides
-
Poster. Can be submitted alone or with a complementary oral or ignite submission
Workshop Proposals
-
Workshops are 2 hours in length and will be held on Monday, August 17th, the first day of the conference. Workshops are an optional opportunity for participants to gain in-depth knowledge about a topic or tool for tackling sustainability challenges through an interactive seminar experience.
Key Dates
Contribution Categories
Case Studies
Share your story and amplify your impact!
The NSS conference fosters a critical dialogue among practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. We encourage submissions from all sectors undertaking sustainability projects, programs, and initiatives including (but not limited to) in public policy, transportation, agriculture, health, law, private equity, retail, energy, construction, consulting, education, environmental justice and community organizing.
Research
Showcase new knowledge that contributes to understanding sustainability
The NSS conference showcases research that bridges theory, empirical analysis, and practical application, from all fields undertaking sustainability research and application, including (but not limited to) environmental science, economics, policy, communications, business, law, engineering, public health and the humanities.
Collabs
Facilitate partnership and collective action
The NSS conference creates space for interaction and dialogue that are critical to sparking collective action, direct engagement, and long-term partnership. Any sustainability theme, topic, or problem can benefit from open discussion. What questions are most challenging? What solutions are most promising? Topics that range from research and education to practice and policy are all welcome.