The Grand Challenges Conference 2026 invites researchers, practitioners, and changemakers to come together under the theme Joint Research for Better Futures. In an era defined by complexity and transformation, we believe that collaboration – across disciplines, institutions, and sectors – is key to generating knowledge that matters and action that lasts. At the heart of the conference are the following six topics:

Addressing Grand Challenges – exploring approaches, concepts, and visions for researching major societal issues

• Social Cohesion – strengthening trust, participation, and democratic resilience
• Global Health – advancing equity and preparedness in a changing world
• Responsible Innovation in Times of Transformation – ensuring that technological and social innovation serves people and the planet
• Climate + Water under Change – adapting to and mitigating the impacts of environmental transformation
• Quantum Technologies – unlocking the transformative potential of quantum systems to tackle tasks of information processing and communication

We welcome submissions for presentations of research papers and posters that present fresh insights, share inspiring examples, or demonstrate innovative approaches. Contributions should show how joint research – across disciplines, perspectives, and professions – can help create more inclusive, sustainable futures.

The event is addressed to Researchers, students, practitioners, policy makers, research managers

Further information: https://gc-conference-bua.de/