Vibe shifts pose significant challenges for traditional life cycle assessment (LCA). They force LCA practitioners to transition from retrospective analyses to dynamic, forward-looking models. Additionally, geopolitical changes in recent years have impacted the availability of raw materials and, consequently, the reference framework of an LCA. A stronger focus on regional and national raw materials strengthens the spatial aspects of sustainability considerations and circularity approaches.

Considering these challenges for forecast models as well as assessment under these dynamic conditions we invite researches from different disciplines and regions to submit a proposal for this workshop by May 31, 2026. 

Please find here the available Call for Proposals [PDF] with further information.

This workshop is organized by:

Prof. Dr. Rainer Haag is Professor for Organic und Macromolecular Chemistry at Freie Universität Berlin and is investigating the application of ionic liquids for the production of basic chemicals/polymer networks from biomass.

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Hasenstab-Riedel is Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at Freie Universität Berlin, founding director of CSR|Berlin and responsible for the further development of chlorine technology.

Dr. Ponnapat Watjanatepin is pursuing his doctoral studies in the Sustainability Assessment of Materials and Circular Economy research group of Prof. Karel Van Acker on the topic of the sustainability assessments of carbon capture storage and utilization technologies for agricultural activities (Ponnapat Watjanatepin — Departement Materiaalkunde).

Dr. Susanne Stein is the coordinator of the interdisciplinary Center for Sustainable Resources CSR|Berlin and supports several projects in the field of sustainable material development at Freie Universität Berlin. With her background in geography, agriculture and soil sciences she is responsible for involving the ecological dimension of materials.at CSR|Berlin.

Dr. Dagmara Weckowska is an interdisciplinarily trained scholar with research interests in innovation system dynamics, sustainability transitions, and responsible innovation. She is based at the School of Business & Economics, Freie Universität Berlin, where she currently serves as Research Group Leader for “Responsible and Sustainable Innovation". Her current research focuses on alternative protein innovations and changes in protein production and consumption patterns.

*To participate in this workshop, please register via our conference registration platform.