ProActS Conference 2026: Co-creating knowledge and innovation for a sustainable future
Welcome to the first ProActS conference – an international meeting place for researchers, practitioners, decision-makers and societal actors who want to participate in an international dialogue on resource efficiency, circularity, co-creation and innovation for sustainable transitions.
About the conference
The conference is organised by the interdisciplinary research programme ProActS at Halmstad University, and invites dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaboration across sectors, to promote collaboration between academia, municipalities, industry and civil society.
Practical information
- When: 10–12 March 2026
- Location: Halmstad University, Sweden
- Participation: Free of charge (limited number of places – pre-registration required)
- Languages: Swedish and English
- Publication: Approved papers published in an open access conference publication
Important dates
- Call for Papers: September 2025
- Registration opens: 1 December 2025
- Abstract deadline: 25 January 2026
- Admission Decision: 10 February 2026
- Registration closes: 28 February 2026
Themes and tracks
We welcome contributions that address, but are not limited to:
- Sustainable business models and circular economy principles
- Digital transformation and sustainability transitions
- Nature-based solutions for resource efficiency and climate adaptation
- Governance and stakeholder cooperation in value co-creation
- Societal engagement in sustainable urban and rural transitions
- Digital innovation in governance and resource management
- Energy system perspectives on circular economy and renewable integration
Submit your abstract
- Maximum 1000 words (excluding references)
- Format: Word (.docx), Times New Roman 11, single line spacing
- Follow APA 7 Reference Style
- Specify whether you want to arrange a paper session, a workshop, or a panel discussion
- Please state in the subject line if the abstract is for the PhD day
- Deadline for abstracts: 25 January 2026
- Notification of admission: 10 February 2026
- Send to: proacts_conference@hh.se
Proposed structure
- Title
- Subject area
- Aims/research questions/objectives
- Theoretical framework
- Main research approach
- Key arguments/findings
- Conclusions/implications for sustainability and society
- References
Programme and activities
The conference offers a varied programme with inspiration, deeper insights, and collaboration:
- Keynote lectures by leading international scholars and practitioners
- Research paper sessions across multiple tracks
- Interactive workshops on digital tools, urban transitions, and circular governance
- Panel discussions with diverse stakeholder perspectives
- Community engagement sessions with local citizens and organisations
- Networking opportunities for new research partnerships
Join us in shaping actionable solutions for a sustainable future!
Tuesday, 10 March
PhD student day.
Wednesday, 11 March
The conference begins.
18:00: City walk
You are invited to a guided walk through Halmstad’s city centre. The guides will take you on a journey through the city’s development, from fortified town to a city shaped by culture, its harbour, and opportunities for recreation.
Please indicate in your registration if you wish to take part. The city walk is free of charge, but the number of spots is limited to 50, so don’t wait to sign up!
19:00: Conference dinner
The day concludes with a three-course dinner at Restaurant Mårtensson in central Halmstad. The dinner includes two non-alcoholic beverages and a welcome drink beforehand, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available.
Please indicate in your registration if you wish to attend, as well as any dietary requirements. The dinner is at your own expense.
Thursday, 12 March
The conference continues and concludes.
A more detailed programme will be published later.
Registration
For inquiries and submission: proacts_conference@hh.se
Travelling options
When making travel arrangements you can choose to fly to any of the three different airports below.
Copenhagen Airport – Copenhagen (Denmark)
Approximately 2 hours to Halmstad C with direct trains and buses.
- Train: travel from Copenhagen Airport to Halmstad C
- Bus: Travel from Kastrup Terminal 2 to Halmstad Regionbussterminal
Landvetter Airport – Gothenburg (Sweden)
Approximately 2 hours from Halmstad with a few options of buses and trains.
- Train: Take the Airport Coach from Landvetter Airport to the Central Station, Nils Ericsson Terminal, downtown Gothenburg. Then you take the train from Gothenburg to Halmstad.
- Bus: Take the Airport Coach from Landvetter Airport to the Central Station, Nils Ericsson Terminal, downtown Gothenburg. Then you take the bus from Gothenburg, Nils Ericsson Terminal to Halmstad Regionbussterminal.
Arlanda Airport – Stockholm (Sweden)
Stockholm is a 4 to 5 hour train ride from Halmstad, but some students may still prefer to arrive in Stockholm.
- Train alternative 1: You can take the long distance train to Halmstad: travel from Arlanda C to Halmstad C. You will have to change trains somewhere along the route.
- Train alternative 2: Take the Arlanda Express Train or the Airport Shuttle to Stockholm Central Station. From there you can take a train to Halmstad C. Travel from Stockholm C to Halmstad C. You may have to change trains somewhere along the route.
- You can also travel by bus via Gothenburg. Travel from Stockholm City Terminal to Nils Ericson Terminal and then from there to Halmstad Regionbussterminal.
Accommodation
Halmstad University has deals with different hotels near the campus. Before the conference, you can book one of them at a good price. As a participant during the conference, you book and pay for hotel yourself.
Halmstad Plaza
Booking code: PROACT
Last day for booking: 2026-02-08
Price and room type
Single room: SEK 990 per night
Double room: SEK 1090 per night
Booking and contact
Telephone: +46-35-240 1000
Book online: https://redirects.ligula.se/PROACT External link.
Website: Profil Hotels Halmstad Plaza External link.
Hotell Mårtensson
Booking code: 1823831
Last day for booking: 2026-02-09
Price and room type
Single room: SEK 1193 per night
Double room: SEK 1482 per night
Booking and contact
Telephone: +46-35-17 75 75
Website: Elite Hotell Mårtenson External link.
Halmstad University – where different perspectives meet
Halmstad University prepares people for the future by creating values, driving innovation and developing society. Since the beginning in 1983, the University has been characterised as forward-thinking and cross-border. Halmstad University is known for its popular and reality-based programmes and small student groups. Today, the University has around 14,000 students and offers around 55 programmes and over 150 courses within several subject fields.
Research for innovation
The research at Halmstad University is internationally renowned and is pursued in interdisciplinary innovation and research environments. The University takes an active part in the development of society through extensive and recognised collaboration with both the private and public sector.
