In the late 2010s, many universities worldwide positioned themselves as pioneers of a broad societal shift toward sustainability. By 2026, the landscape has evolved: crises, skepticism toward science, economic priorities, digital disruption, and climate fatigue have shifted sustainability from a dominant agenda to one among many priorities. The international conference "Sustainability in Higher Education: Between Transformation and Vibe Shifts" from September 21 to 23, 2026 at Campus Dahlem (Holzlaube, Fabeckstr. 23-25, 14195 Berlin) addresses these shifting dynamics through the lens of a Whole Institution Approach. It aims to critically examine the current status of sustainability in higher education, tracing how the rhetoric of “transformation” has given way to more complex modes of negotiation, adaptation, and resilience. The program offers a self-reflective engagement with the role of science communication, and higher education institutions in advancing climate action, fostering biodiversity, and social responsibility.
What’s next when “transformation” becomes yesterday’s vibe?
