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Agrinatura Conference 2026
The General Assembly Conference of Agrinatura will take place on 26–27 May 2026 at the University of Reading, under the theme “Anticipating Change and the Role of Research in Shaping Future Food Systems.”
The conference will start on 26 May in the afternoon and conclude on 27 May in the afternoon, allowing time for both strategic reflection and interactive exchange.
The programme is structured around three progressive moments.
- It will begin by identifying the key signals already reshaping global food systems and research agendas, followed by an exploration of plausible futures and transformation pathways towards 2035–2050.
- The second part of the conference will feature parallel thematic groups, enabling discussions on topics such as multi-actor innovation, foresight and scenario planning, climate resilience, digital and data-enabled food systems, research–policy interfaces, and shifts in global trade and markets. Equity, inclusion and the valorisation of local knowledge will run as cross-cutting themes across all sessions.
- The final plenary will translate these reflections into strategic choices for research institutions, partnerships and networks, focusing on how research and education must evolve to remain relevant, credible and impactful in a rapidly changing global context.
The format will combine plenary debates, panel discussions, interactive sessions and collective synthesis moments, ensuring broad participation and exchange among members and partners.
We warmly invite members who are interested in contributing — for example by helping to frame thematic sessions, facilitating discussions, or proposing interactive formats and speakers — to express their interest.
Members and partners interested in contributing or participating are warmly invited to register to attend physically or remotely here.
Call for abstracts
Background
Global food systems are undergoing profound transformations driven by climate change, geopolitical shifts, digitalisation, demographic change, evolving markets and new societal expectations. At the same time, research and innovation systems are themselves under pressure to adapt — institutionally, methodologically and strategically.
The Agrinatura Annual Conference 2026 will explore:
- What changes are already reshaping food systems;
- What futures are emerging and which transformation pathways are plausible;
- What this means for research, partnerships and action.
At the centre of the discussions will be the evolving role of Research & Innovation (R&I) and Education in shaping equitable and resilient food systems, with particular attention to Africa–Europe collaboration and global partnerships.
Call for Abstracts
We invite Agrinatura members to submit abstracts contributing to the conference theme.
Selected abstracts will be presented in:
- Parallel thematic sessions
- Poster sessions
- Interactive dialogue formats
Submissions should engage with forward-looking perspectives and reflect on the implications for research, innovation, partnerships and policy.
Thematic Areas
Abstracts should align with one of the following thematic groups:
- Multi-actor innovation
Including private-sector engagement, farmer-led approaches and co-creation processes. - Foresight and scenario planning
Addressing emerging risks, uncertainties and opportunities towards 2035–2050. - Climate change, resilience and adaptation
Transformative pathways for climate-resilient food systems. - Digital and data-enabled food systems
Digital innovation, AI, governance of data and inclusive access. - Research–policy interfaces
Strengthening Africa–Europe collaboration and equitable global development. - Shifts in global trade and markets
Implications for food security, sovereignty and sustainability.
Cross-cutting dimensions such as equity, inclusion, gender, youth engagement and the valorisation of local knowledge are strongly encouraged.
Submission Guidelines
Abstracts should:
- Be a maximum of 400 words
- Clearly state:
- The problem or question addressed
- The methodological or conceptual approach
- Key findings or insights
- Implications for research, partnerships or policy
- Indicate the preferred format (oral presentation or poster)
- Specify the relevant thematic group
Submissions must be in English.
Key Dates
- Deadline for abstract submission: 5th April 2026
- Notification of acceptance: 20th April 2026
- Conference dates: 26–27 May 2026
Selection Criteria
Abstracts will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance to the conference theme
- Forward-looking and transformative perspective
- Scientific or practical quality
- Contribution to diversity of perspectives (geographical, institutional, disciplinary)
How to Submit
Please submit your abstract via: secretariat@agrinatura-eu.eu
Deadline for abstract submission: 5th April 2026
- Notification of acceptance: 20th April 2026
- Conference dates: 26–27 May 2026