Our Ecological and Sociological Commitments: Sustainability, Open Science & Public Engagement

At ECE 2026, we believe that scientific gatherings must not only serve the research community, but also act as ethical, sustainable, and socially engaged events. Our commitments go beyond carbon reduction—they reflect a broader responsibility toward the planet, society, and the future of science.

This page outlines how we are integrating ecological awareness, social responsibility, open science principles, and engagement with the wider public into the very fabric of ECE 2026.

⚠️ Please note: Many initiatives listed here are in active development with our partners. Final formats, locations, and dates are subject to adjustment as we co-construct a dynamic and inclusive congress experience.

Rethinking Environmental Impact

ECE 2026 is designed with a clear eco-responsible framework, in partnership with:

• Tours Événements, operator of the ISO 20121–certified Palais des Congrès,
• and VERTCOM, our local congress organizer, both committed to responsible event planning.

Key actions include:

• Low-carbon access: The venue’s central location (adjacent to Tours train station) encourages rail travel and walkability—no shuttles needed.
• Eco-friendly catering: Menus emphasize seasonal, locally sourced and largely vegetarian options (≥50%), reducing our environmental footprint while celebrating Loire Valley cuisine.
• Minimal waste & smart signage: All congress signage will be made with recyclable materials and plant-based inks.
• Sustainable materials: Recycled and recyclable materials (e.g. kraft paper, PET-based textiles) will be used across all printed and distributed items.

We are also planning a carbon footprint assessment of the event in partnership with our providers, to guide future improvements.

Social Responsibility in Action

Sustainability is not only environmental—it’s also social. Our choices aim to empower individuals and include all communities:

• Conference kits will be assembled by an ESAT (French social enterprise supporting people with disabilities).
• Leftover meals and materials will be redistributed through local solidarity networks, avoiding waste and supporting people in need.
• Service providers (catering, logistics, production) are all 100% local and committed to ethical business practices.

We are also working to integrate friendly spaces, rest areas, and accessibility solutions for diverse attendee needs, in coordination with the inclusivity committee (see Inclusivity).

Promoting Open Science & Transparent Knowledge

ECE 2026 is committed to a culture of open, transparent, and accessible science:

• All proceedings and communications will be shared via open-access channels (in partnership with non-predatory publishers).
• A selection of symposium-based thematic articles and special issues will be developed with participating editors.
• No paywalls: All ECE 2026 scientific content will be freely available to those who could not attend.

In this spirit, we also support and promote preprint culture, data transparency, and critical thinking around science-society relations.

Science With and For Society

ECE 2026 will include an ambitious program of public-facing events that bring entomology out of the lab and into the city:

• Naturalist outings and biodiversity walks in collaboration with local associations and the Société Entomologique de France.
• A public conference and debate evening (in French – under discussion with the Mairie and the Guinguette de Tours).
• Art-science exhibitions in open-access areas (in discussion with CentreSciences).
• Citizen science content via dedicated sessions and contributions from science communication professionals.
• Social media coverage in French and English via LinkedIn, Bluesky, and Instagram using #ECE2026Tours.

These activities are designed to create bridges between researchers and citizens, and to raise awareness of the ecological and societal importance of insects.

Celebrating Local Culture & Gastronomy

ECE 2026 is also a chance to discover the cultural and culinary richness of the Centre-Val de Loire region:

• Our ice-breaker poster sessions will feature tastings of local products and regional specialties.
• Lunches and coffee breaks will showcase sustainably sourced food from the Loire Valley.
• Our gala dinner will take place in an exceptional heritage site—La Grange de Meslay—combining fine food, music, and architectural history.
• A diverse set of excursions and cultural tours (see Excursions) will offer participants the opportunity to explore the area’s castles, vineyards, and natural heritage.

Bridging Science, Innovation, Industry & Society

ECE 2026 fosters dialogue across academic, industrial, educational, and political sectors through:

• A dedicated exhibition area open to industry, start-ups, NGOs, and institutional partners.
  👉 Interested in exhibiting? Join us here
• Thematic sessions connecting entomology to technological innovation, including:
  • Insect monitoring: smart traps, sensors & infrastructure in field entomology
  • Biomimetics: bioinspired photonic and sensory materials
  • AI and machine learning in ecology and taxonomy
• Interdisciplinary tracks linking entomology with:
  • Policy and governance (From research to impact: Translating entomological science into policy and practice)
  • Education and outreach (Entomological education and citizen science in entomology)
  • Global cooperation (Global Entomology: Strengthening North–South Cooperation)

We see ECE 2026 as a platform to foster impactful research, inclusive education, responsible innovation, and meaningful societal engagement.

Join the Movement

ECE 2026 is not just a congress. It is a collective commitment to reshape how science is done, shared, and connected to the world around us.

Let’s build together a collaborative, regenerative, and inclusive space—rooted in the values of shared knowledge, environmental responsibility, and collective care.

We welcome questions, partnerships, and ideas. Contact us at secretary@ece2026.org.