The Executive Committee of the EAERE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative (DEI) is pleased to announce a workshop focused on the theme of “Exploring the Interconnections between Food Production, Bioenergy, and Social Equity,” scheduled to take place at the University of Ferrara (Italy) on April 13, 2026.
Workshop overview
In light of the pressing necessity for sustainable development practices that tackle the intertwined issues of climate change and resource depletion, this workshop extends an invitation to academics, researchers, and early-career scholars to investigate the connections between food production, bioenergy, water, environmental accounting, and the social equity and inclusion of marginalized social groups based on gender, ethnicity, religion, and other factors. As the global community amplifies its efforts to alleviate climate impacts, the convergence of food systems and bioenergy presents both a vital opportunity and a considerable challenge.
We welcome contributions that explore how environmental accounting frameworks can be employed to evaluate the environmental impacts and resource efficiencies of the interconnected food and bioenergy systems while also addressing social aspects such as equity and inclusion. Through an interdisciplinary perspective, we aspire to encourage discussions on the intricacies of navigating these sectors towards sustainable and equitable futures.
Keynote speaker
The keynote lecture will be delivered by Prof. Odirilwe Selomane (University of Pretoria).
Call for papers
We welcome submissions that focus on, but are not restricted to, the following subjects:
Bioenergy and Food Systems: The significance of circularity in minimizing the carbon and water footprints associated with food and energy production systems, especially in relation to the emerging income opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Land Use and Equity: The challenges and opportunities of land use competition between food, feed and bioenergy crops, focusing on access, equity, and the potential impacts on local and global food security.
Water Consumption and Equity: Water use competition between food and bioenergy crops, industry, and municipal uses with a focus on access to clean water and sustainable management of freshwater resources and practices that safeguard the rights of marginalized communities and balance ecological health with human needs.
Environmental Accounting for Equity: The application of environmental accounting tools (Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), carbon and water footprinting, and ecosystem service valuation, etc.) to measure the environmental impacts and mitigate risks, while ensuring social justice and fairness are accounted for. The role of consumer responsibility and product labeling for sustainable and equitable development.
Social and Environmental Trade-offs: Innovative approaches to accounting for the trade-offs between food security, bioenergy production, and ecosystem health, focusing on inclusive practices that support equitable development.
Gender and Equity in Food Systems and Bioenergy: Exploring the role of gender (or another marginalizing characteristic) and equity in shaping food production, water, and bioenergy strategies, and how inclusive practices can enhance sustainability across all sectors.
Submission Guidelines
We welcome submissions of both theoretical and applied research that enhances our comprehension of the intricate connections among food production, water, bioenergy, and social equity. Contributions should emphasize innovative concepts, research outcomes, or case studies that enrich this significant discussion. Authors are encouraged to consider both environmental and socio-economic aspects, incorporating a variety of perspectives and methodologies.
Please submit your abstract (maximum 300 words) to nfrfbl@unife.it by 14 November 2025. Abstracts should include a brief description of the research focus, methods, and expected outcomes. Authors of selected abstracts will be invited to submit full papers for presentation at the workshop.
We look forward to engaging with a diverse group of scholars committed to advancing sustainability through inclusive and interdisciplinary research. Join us in this important conversation to explore pathways toward more equitable and sustainable food and bioenergy systems.
If you do require a VISA, please let us know when applying for the workshop or as soon as the registrations open. For any queries on the issue, please contact Fabiola Onofrio at nfrfbl@unife.it
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: 14 November 2025
Notification of acceptance: 5 December 2025
Full Paper Submission Deadline – Optional: 20 December 2025
Opening of registration: 20 December 2025
Closing of registrations: 10 February 2026
Workshop: 13 April 2026
Full Programme
The full programme will be shared in due time.
Scientific Committee
Denitsa Angelova, WU Vienna and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Dafna DiSegni, University of Rhode Island
Asia Guerreschi, University of Ferrara
Pamela Giselle Katic, University of Greenwich
Massimiliano Mazzanti, University of Ferrara
Fabiola Onofrio, University of Ferrara
Organisers
The event is part of a series of workshops organised by the EAERE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative – DEI Executive Committee in collaboration with the University of Ferrara in 2025 and 2026.
More information
For inquiries, please contact Fabiola Onofrio (University of Ferrara, EAERE DEI Executive Committee) at nfrfbl@unife.it
