ICEM 2026 — International Conference on Environmental Mindfulness

About ICEM

Where science and contemplation meet

📅 Provisional Program

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ICEM is an international forum dedicated to exploring the intersection of mindfulness practice and environmental behavior. Building on the success of the first edition (Rome, November 2023), the 2026 conference continues to bridge the scientific communities of mindfulness research and environmental psychology.

With a focus on how inner transformation can drive sustainable action, ICEM brings together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Each day of the conference begins and closes with a guided meditation on interconnectedness, ecology, and human–nature interaction.

Keynote lectures from leading experts are paired with talks from contemplative practitioners within the same sessions — a unique format that has made ICEM a distinctive voice in the global mindfulness and sustainability conversation.

Call for Abstracts

Share Your Research

We invite researchers, practitioners, and scholars to submit abstracts for oral presentations and poster sessions. Contributions bridging mindfulness, environmental psychology, contemplative science, and sustainability are especially encouraged.

Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words and include a clear statement of aim, method, and relevance to the conference themes. Both empirical studies and theoretical or applied contributions are welcome.

Submissions are open from 1 May to 30 June 2026. Acceptance notifications will be sent by 10 July.

Submit Your Abstract

Conference Topics

The conference welcomes submissions across a wide range of intersecting themes connecting psychology, mindfulness, and environmental sustainability — from empirical research in environmental psychology to contemplative and applied approaches.

Awareness & Sustainable Behavior

How mindfulness and contemplative practices influence pro-environmental decision-making and lifestyle changes.

Human–Nature Relationships

Connectedness to nature, restorative environments, ecotherapy, and nature-based approaches to well-being and sustainability.

Individual Awareness & Societal Change

Collective and systemic dimensions of environmental psychology, including community engagement and the role of inner transformation in addressing ecological crises.

Climate Psychology & Ecomindfulness

Eco-anxiety, climate grief, psychological adaptation, and the role of contemplative and psychological practice in building resilience.

Methods & Research Approaches

Quantitative, qualitative, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging approaches to studying the intersection of environmental psychology and mindfulness.

Interventions & Applied Programmes

Design and evaluation of mindfulness-based and nature-based interventions in educational, clinical, and community contexts.

Invited Speakers

Keynote Speakers

Distinguished voices from philosophy, psychology, sustainability science, and contemplative studies

David Loy

Philosopher · Author

A leading voice at the intersection of Zen Buddhism and social thought, David Loy has written extensively on ecological crisis, the role of inner transformation in addressing environmental challenges, and Buddhist perspectives on sustainability.

Buddhism & Ecology

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Christine Wamsler

Professor · Lund University

Professor at Lund University's Centre for Sustainability Studies, Christine Wamsler's research explores the links between mindfulness, inner development, and sustainability transformations, pioneering the field of contemplative sustainability science.

Inner Sustainability

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Stéphane Labranche

Researcher · Social Sciences

Stéphane Labranche is an independent sociologist and IPCC expert reviewer specializing in climate, energy, and biodiversity transitions, with over 50 research projects informing national and territorial climate strategies across France.

Climate Behavior

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Marino Bonaiuto

Professor · Sapienza, University of Rome

Environmental psychologist and IAAP Division President-elect, Prof. Marino Bonaiuto (Sapienza University of Rome) specializes in social acceptance of ecological transition and environmental psychology.

Environmental awareness

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Feature Speakers

Contemplative practitioners and invited voices

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Dario Doshin Girolami

Zen Abbot · Teacher

Abbot of the Zen Center L'Arco — Zenmon Ji and recognized teacher of the Japanese Sotoshu. Trained in monasteries across the US and studied under Thich Nhat Hanh, Reb Anderson, and received initiation from the Dalai Lama. He founded the Chaplains Network of the European Buddhist Union.

Zen Practice & Buddhism

Key Dates

Important Dates

Abstract Submission

1 MAY to 30 JUNE

Submit your abstract for oral or poster presentation. Interdisciplinary work bridging mindfulness and environmental science is especially welcome.

Submit your abstract →

Response Notification

10 JULY

Authors will be notified of acceptance decisions for their abstract submissions.

Early Registration

25 MAY to 30 JULY

Early-bird discounts available. Reduced fees for students, researchers from low-income countries, and virtual participants.

Late Registration

since 1 AUGUST

Standard registration rates apply. Reduced fees for students, researchers from low-income countries, and virtual participants.

Venue

UNINT, Rome

The 2nd ICEM will be hosted at UNINT — Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma — a dynamic international university in the heart of Rome, dedicated to dialogue between cultures, disciplines, and traditions.

Rome's unique position as a crossroads of history, spirituality, and contemporary culture makes it the perfect backdrop for a conference on environmental mindfulness — a city where ancient contemplative wisdom and modern science have long coexisted.

Conference Venue UNINT, Rome

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Registration

Join us in Rome — in person or virtually

ICEM is committed to accessibility and offers multiple registration tiers to ensure researchers worldwide can participate, including a dedicated virtual listener option for remote attendees. Early registration comes at a reduced fee for all!

Stay Updated

Early Regular

Standard incl. social dinner

Delegates

€ 400

€ 470

Students & LMI Countries

€ 300

€ 370

Contemplatives

€ 300

€ 370