The ICS24 conference, held for the fourth time at the University of Eastern Finland, focuses on the challenges of sustainability and environmental monitoring.
The International Conference for Sustainable Resource Society (ICS24) will be held at the University of Eastern Finland’s Joensuu campus and online from October 31 to November 1, 2024. This year’s special theme is environmental monitoring and impact assessment. The event brings together a multidisciplinary group of researchers to address societal challenges of the sustainability transition, environmental change, and sustainable resource use. Approximately two hundred researchers from Finland and abroad are expected to participate in this two-day event. The conference is organized in collaboration with five research communities, RESOURCE, FOBI, WATER, CLEHE, and PHOTONICS, at the University of Eastern Finland, each focusing on different areas.
ICS24 provides a platform for researchers from various fields to share their findings and discuss sustainability challenges from both global and local perspectives. The event delves into the complex issues of the ecological crisis, particularly regarding the relationship between humans and nature. These relationships are undergoing rapid change due to digitalization, artificial intelligence, and urbanization, which opens up new opportunities for interaction with nature and links technology to sustainable development solutions.
Keynote Highlights: Exploring the Future of Economy and Forestry
The keynote speaker for the 2024 conference will be Eeva Hellström, Senior Lead at Sitra, whose work focuses on foresight and training related to the future of the economy. In her talk, “What if Tomorrow’s Economy Were Generative?", Hellström will examine opportunities for a regenerative economy in sustainability transitions, offering perspectives on how economic thinking might evolve through diverse approaches that challenge conventional models.
The second keynote speaker, Jo Van Brusselen from the European Forest Institute, will discuss European forest monitoring challenges and opportunities. With over 20 years of experience, Brusselen focuses on EU forest monitoring systems and sustainable energy guidelines, offering essential insights for sustainable forest management and policy.
Interdisciplinary Program Supporting Environmental Sustainability and the Role of Technology
This year's ICS24 conference, coordinated by the Forests and Bioeconomy (FOBI) research community, features an integration of the Forest & Photonics special event. Alongside ICS24, this collaboration brings together leading companies, researchers, and experts to explore sustainable forest resource management. The discussions will focus on innovative forest planning solutions and value chains that support responsible forestry practices. The Forest & Photonics event is organized by Business Joensuu in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland and the innovation ecosystems of Forest Joensuu and Photonics Joensuu.
Knowledge for Sustainable Decision-Making and Environmental Solutions
The presentations at the ICS24 conference broadly cover themes of sustainable development, resource use, climate and environmental change, and the circular economy. The role of technology in sustainable solutions is particularly central; for example, applications of virtual reality and the use of digital twins in resource management connect people and nature in new ways.
"Environmental monitoring and impact assessment are essential tools for creating just and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and supporting responsible decision-making at both global and local levels," states the conference chair, Professor Jouni Pykäläinen from the University of Eastern Finland.
The ICS24 conference aims to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and provide solutions for a sustainable future, while also supporting decision-making based on research knowledge. The conference offers an opportunity to reflect on and share insights that facilitate the transition to a more sustainable and responsible society.
For more information, please contact:
Professor Jouni Pykäläinen, jouni.pykalainen@uef.fi
