The conference,"Sustainability in Higher Education: Between Transformation and Vibe Shifts", will be opened by the President of Freie Universität Berlin Prof. Dr. Günter M. Ziegler.

Participants will learn about the latest developments in sustainability from keynote speeches, such as by Prof. Dr. Katrin Böhning-Gaese, Scientific Director at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Dr. Felix Chr. Matthes, Research Coordinator Energy & Climate Policy at Öko-Institut Consult GmbH – Institute for Applied Ecology, and Lena Partzsch, Professor of Comparative Politics with a focus on Environmental and Climate Politics at Freie Universitaet Berlin.

We will discuss the role of science communication and research in dealing with important issues such as climate protection, resource conservation, and social justice. We will also explore different governance models and strategies and ask how sustainability is being put under pressure.

Panel and group discussions have been expertly designed to facilitate exchange within the community by offering a range of insights from scientific and practical viewpoints.

Workshops will be offered on a variety of thematic areas, including: University Sustainability Governance, Education for Sustainable Development, Sustainability Communication, Handprint and Nature Positivity for Biodiversity, Responsible Research, and a Student Project Incubator. These workshops serve to refine the participants' comprehension of both the possibilities and limitations inherent to the subject matter, thereby fortifying their active involvement in the collaborative design process. The workshops address the question: What response, if any, could be considered appropriate and decisive in response to vibe shifts from universities?

The networking program will give participants the chance to connect with others and expand their professional networks. Guided tours will offer participants the opportunity to discover exciting places on our campus and learn about their history.

The conference is linked to the development of an edited volume that highlights international existing sustainability projects, reflects on their interactions, and discusses them in light of participatory negotiation processes. This volume is intended for stakeholders in academia, administration, civil society, and schools. It is designed to promote the dynamic development and international networking of sustainability initiatives.

We look forward to three days of plenary talks, discussions, and dedicated networking events that will enrich the program.