IIES Science & Policy Workshop and Graduate Student Forum

Environment, Economy & Society

The IIES is pleased to co-organize the 10th Annual Science & Policy Workshop and the 9th International Graduate Student Forum with the University of Toulon (France) from June 14-20, 2026. The Annual IIES Science and Policy Workshop brings together delegates from across the network to share research, identify emerging environmental management priorities, and strengthen partnerships. It serves as a cornerstone event for the Institute, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, collaborative research planning, and community building within the global network.

The overarching theme of this year’s Workshop and Forum is “Environment, Economy & Society”. This theme will be explored through a number of sub-themes detailed below. We welcome abstracts on this theme that emphasize multi-disciplinary approaches, as well as topics related to the Institute’s four main pillars.

The Science & Policy Workshop will take place in Toulon from June 15-16, 2026. The Workshop will feature plenary talks and parallel sessions, followed by a Gala dinner at one of the region’s many vineyards. Also organized is a field trip on June 17 to showcase the vibrant socio-economic activities of Toulon, as well as the anthropogenic pressures on the region and the environmental policies in place to protect the coastal environment.

The Graduate Forum will take place from June 18-20, 2026, with a series of professional development workshops and group activities on the beautiful Ile de Porquerolles, south-east of Toulon. Please be aware that the island is part of the Port-Cros National Park with limited accommodation possibilities.

Participants interested in attending both the Workshop and Forum must register for each event separately on the IIES website, once registration opens. A limited number of travel grants will also be available to students from IIES member institutions. Students hoping to receive a travel grant must attend both the Science & Policy Workshop and the Graduate Student Forum.

Important Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline Extended to: March 06, 2026
Registration Deadline for Workshop & Forum: March 20, 2026* Postponed, new date to be announced shortly.
Science & Policy Workshop: June 14-17, 2026
Graduate Student Forum: June 18-20, 2026

*Registration will become available after March 06, 2026.

Workshop Themes

Abstract Submission Guidelines:

At the Science & Policy Workshop, participants’ research will be featured as either a poster or a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation. We encourage participants to follow the abstract submission guidelines provided below. Students hoping to receive a travel grant must present their work at the Science & Policy Workshop.

The deadline to submit an asbtract is February 27, 2026 now March 06, 2026.

Abstract Template & File Nomenclature:

Please submit your abstract as a Word document using the following naming convention for your file: “LastName_FirstName-Abstract2026”, for example: “Smith_John-Abstract2026”.

An abstract template is provided HERE or by clicking the button below:

Registration Information:

The deadline to register for each event is March 20, 2026. Registration will become available after February 27, 2026; follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to received the latest updates. Participants will need to register for the both the Workshop and the Forum separately. There is no registration fee for students and faculty from IIES member institutions. 

For citizens from many countries, a travel visa will not be required for a one-week trip to France. However, if your citizenship requires a visa, it can take weeks or months to obtain one, depending on your country of origin. Please ensure you allow enough time to secure a travel visa for France. To check visa requirements for your country or nationality, please visit the official government website. Attendees can request an invitation letter to support their visa applications.

Travel Grants & Financial Support:

Travel Grants:

All participants are responsible for organizing their transportation to and from the conference (flights, buses, etc.), with the exception of the transportation to and from the Ile de Porquerolles and selected activities. However, financial support for graduate students may be available to help offset these costs.

A limited number of travel grants to partially cover flight costs will be available to students from IIES member institutions. Please respect the abstract submission and registration deadlines to remain eligible.

Please note that the IIES already covers accommodation, some meals, transportation costs during events, and the gala dinner for all student attendees. Students receiving a travel grant must attend both the Graduate Student Forum and the Annual Science & Policy Workshop. Please register for each event separately.

Meals

Coffee and tea breaks will be provided for participants during the 2-day Workshop. We encourage attendees to explore Mediterranean and Provençal cuisine, either in Old Toulon or at Toulon Harbour for lunch and dinner.

A gala dinner will also be held during the Workshop at a winery on the outskirts of Toulon. The cost of the gala dinner will be covered for all students. Faculty and non-student participants are welcome to register for the gala dinner at their own expense.

Accommodations and meals on the Ile de Porquerolles will be covered for all student participants in the Graduate Student Forum.

Accommodations: 

Hotel rooms in Toulon will be reserved at no cost to participants from IIES member institutions. Please note that accommodations on the Ile de Porquerolles are limited; priority will be given to student participants.

Important Notice: If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail for your abstract submission, please check your junk folder.

If you have any questions or require any further information, please contact: