Sustainability, Open Science & Public Engagement

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 also provide 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:

  • The Book of Abstracts will be made freely available online with full open access for all participants and non-attendees, and will also be deposited in the open-access repository HAL to ensure long-term visibility and dissemination of conference contributions.
  • Plenary lectures will be recorded and made available online after the conference to ensure broad dissemination of knowledge.
  • A dedicated workshop on open-access publishing and open science practices will be organized during the meeting.
  • 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 feature an ambitious program of public engagement activities designed to bring entomology out of the conference venue and into the heart of the city.

A full day dedicated to outreach and science communication activities will take place on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026, in the Prefecture Garden, located next to the conference centre. Organized in partnership with research institutes, museums, scientific associations, and local organizations, this event will be entirely free and open to the public.

Under the theme “Amazing Insects: Come Explore the Fascinating World of Insects!”, visitors of all ages will be invited to discover the essential roles insects play in ecosystems and society through a wide range of interactive activities and exhibitions.

The program will include:

  • Interactive workshops and activities for all ages, addressing topics such as insect metamorphosis and life cycles, as well as discussions on the concepts of “beneficial” versus “harmful” insects.
  • Discovery stands and meetings with scientists and naturalists, involving partners such as the Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte (IRBI – CNRS/University of Tours), the Natural History Museums of Tours and Paris (MNHN), naturalist associations, local stakeholders and entomological/ecological research organizations such as INRAE.
  • Immersive photo exhibitions dedicated to insect biodiversity, insect architecture, and the diversity of careers in research and science.
  • Public talks and debates throughout the day on themes such as citizen science initiatives, wild wasps, edible insects, and pine processionary caterpillars.
  • Bilingual social media coverage in French and English via LinkedIn, Bluesky, and Instagram using #ECE2026Tours.

These activities are designed to strengthen connections between researchers and citizens, promote scientific dialogue, and raise awareness of the ecological and societal importance of insects.

This outreach initiative will be complemented by dedicated sessions within the main scientific programme, including “Entomological Education and Citizen Science in Entomology” and “From Research to Impact: Translating Entomological Science into Policy and Practice.” Additional workshops will also focus on communication in insect science, public engagement, and training opportunities in entomology and insect-related research.

Naturalist outings and biodiversity walks, organized in collaboration with the local association Entomologie Tourangelle et Ligérienne, will take place on Friday 3 July afternoon, immediately after the end of the conference. For more information, please visit the “Field Trips” page in the “Social Events” section. Please note that the number of participants is limited.

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 celebrate the flavours, wines, and convivial spirit of Touraine in a unique and welcoming setting.
  • 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.