«University Museums as actors for Sustainable Development»

Annual Meeting of ICOM-UMAC 

Science and Technology Museum of the University of Patras, Greece October 12th to 16th, 2026

From October 12th to 16th, 2026, ICOM-UMAC, the International Council of Museums’ Committee for University Museums and Collections, will hold its annual meeting hosted by ICOM-Greece and the Science and Technology Museum of the University of Patras, at the Science and Technology Museum of the University of Patras, Greece. 

The Conference, will be held on-site and online. 

The Conference languages are: English, French and Greek. 

Universities play a crucial role in advancing United Nations’ Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating them into their teaching, research and operational practices. They act as knowledge generators, leaders and drivers of cross-sectoral leadership, contributing to the pursuit of Sustainable Development. 

University museums and collections can align with the Sustainable Development objectives of Universities and also play a crucial role through their collections and museum practice. The integration of the SDGs into U-Museums and collections presents both challenges and opportunities and may affect their everyday life practice. 

University Museums and collections are valuable functions in the University and society. They may facilitate people’s access to and understanding of the University’s cultural, scientific, technological and environmental heritage while constituting important resources for education, lifelong learning and research. They can serve as valuable learning environments for University students, school students, teachers (Resolution 4 Empowering Museums in Achieving the SDGs through Youth, ICOM Dubai 2025) and the public providing hands-on experience fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable development issues. Through exhibitions and outreach programs focusing on museum education, they can approach, inform and engage different audiences in climate action, wellbeing and prosperity, human rights, inclusion and peace-related activities, building partnerships, promoting sustainable practices and behaviors, enhancing the effectiveness and implementation of the SDGs, and contributing to changing lifestyles.

Can University Museums become actors enhancing the role of universities for Sustainable Development? UMAC 2026 Conference will explore university museums’ & collections’ worldwide efforts to become powerful actors for Sustainable Development by serving as crucial sites for education, research, community engagement and showcasing university sustainability efforts, bridging academic knowledge with public understanding and action on issues like climate change, social justice, risk management and cultural heritage preservation, thereby enhancing the university's broader societal role. 

Sub-topics

1. The value of University collections in integrating the SDGs.
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2. University Museums and collections engaging in the educational community and the public for the SDGs.
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3. University Museums and collections at the forefront of the University’s strategy on Sustainable Development.
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4. University Museums’ contribution to educating on sustainable development in contexts facing security, environmental risks and climate challenges.
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5. North-South cooperation to strengthen the contribution of University Museums to the implementation of the SDGs.
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PAPER AND POSTER PROPOSALS

The organisers invite contributions on all aspects of the conference theme. We welcome proposals in the following formats:

Paper Presentations

Paper presentations may address any aspect of the conference theme and its five sub-topics. Speaking time is strictly limited to 15 minutes. Papers will be grouped into thematic panels with time for joint discussions at the end.

Flash Talks

Flash talks offer participants the opportunity to present projects, topics, and questions related to the conference theme in a concise format. Speaking time is strictly limited to 5 minutes. Flash talks will be grouped into thematic panels, with time for joint discussions at the end.

Posters

A poster session will showcase ongoing projects in the academic heritage community. All topics are welcome. Posters will be exhibited physically and should be printed in A1 portrait format (594mm × 841mm).

Project Speed Dating

This newly launched format offers individuals or teams the opportunity to present new projects or project ideas to potential partners or collaborations. All topics are welcome. Speaking time is strictly limited to 5 minutes. Presentations will be grouped into a panel, followed by time to connect one-to-one.

Round Tables

What is the framework in which cooperation can be developed for advancing the SDGs?Round tables offer the chance to approach key topics from a broader perspective. Short keynotes presented by speakers on stage will serve as points of departure for a joint discussion with the audience. We welcome proposals for keynotes addressing the following topics:

•    What is the framework in which cooperation can be developed for advancing the SDGs?University strategy on Sustainable Development and U-Museums 

•    What is the framework in which cooperation can be developed for advancing the SDGs?Educating on sustainable development in contexts facing security and climate challenges.

•    What is the framework in which cooperation can be developed for advancing the SDGs?Empowering youth to achieve the SDG’s

Speaking time for keynotes is strictly limited to 5 minutes. Each round table will feature 3 to 4 speakers.

WORKSHOPS

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EXCURSION

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TRAVEL GRANTS

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SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

What to submit

Proposals for paper presentations, posters, flash talks, project speed dating, and round tables should include:

- a title

- an abstract 

- a biographical note

- 3 to 5 keywords

Where to submit

Here 

Deadline

The deadline for abstract submissions is April 20, 2026.

All paper proposals will be considered by an international program scientific committee.

Successful applicants will be notified by May 30, 2026.

 

MORE INFORMATION

Questions regarding the event may be addressed to:
umac2026.greece@gmail.com