Engineering Education for Sustainable Development (EESD2027)
Welcome to EESD2027 in Turku, Finland!
Join us in Turku, Finland, on June 14–17, 2027, for EESD2027 under the theme “Driving sustainable impact through Higher Education”. The conference brings together educators, researchers, and industry leaders worldwide to explore how sustainability can be embedded in engineering education and to share best practices for shaping a sustainable future.
WHEN
14. – 17.6.2027
WHERE
Welcome to 13th International Conference on Engineering Education for Sustainable Development (EESD2027)
The 13th International Conference on Engineering Education for Sustainable Development, EESD2027 will be hosted by Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland, from the 14th to the 17th of June 2027 on the theme ‘Driving sustainable impact through Higher Education’.
The aim of the conference is to offer opportunities to share your ideas, to discuss theoretical and practical issues and to connect with the leaders in the fields of Engineering Education for Sustainable Development.
The EESD2027 conference will attract engineering educators, academics and industry representatives from all over the world with an interest in embedding sustainability in engineering education and driving sustainable impact on the development of societies.
Sustainability issues are making their way into engineering education in many countries, and there is a strong need for discussing all levels of EESD – from learning and teaching solutions, curriculum and programme design, assessment practices, HEI strategies and policies in sustainability, academia-industry collaboration, etc. The EESD2027 conference aims to be a focal point for all these discussions, and a forum for dissemination of good practice in this field.
The information regarding registration, keynote speakers and other details will be published at a later date.
Preliminary programme
| 14 June | 15 June | 16 June | 17 June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Ceremony & Welcome Reception | Keynote | Keynote | Panel |
| Parallel sessions | Parallel sessions | Parallel sessions | |
| Workshops | Workshops | Closing Ceremony | |
| Conference Dinner | Cultural Activities |
Practical information
Accommodation in Turku
A hotel room block has been reserved for the conference participants in three different Sokos Hotels in Turku between 13 June and 19 June 2027. Use the code BEESD2027 when booking a room from the conference room block.
You can make the bookings at https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/hotels/turku
Original Sokos Hotel Kupittaa (next door to the venue)
- Standard Single Room 120 € / night
- Standard Double Room 140 € / night / room
Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone (Turku City Centre)
- Solo Single Room 139 € / night
- Solo Double Room 159 € / night / room
- Solo Up Single Room 149 € / night
- Solo Up Double Room 169 €/ night / room
Original Sokos Hotel Wiklund (Turku City Centre)
- Standard Single Room 129 € / room
- Standard Double Room 149 € / room
Half of the hotel room block will expire by 14 April 2027, and the rest by 14 May 2027. Please book your room as early as possible to ensure availability. You will have to pay for the reservation upon booking. The room price includes a generous hotel breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 14 % VAT. You can get a full refund when reservation is cancelled at the latest four days prior to the start of the booking unless agreed otherwise.
Arriving to Turku
You can fly directly to Turku by plane from Stockholm, Copenhagen, Riga, Gdansk, Vilna or Bucharest. From Turku airport there is a regular bus service (€ 3,15 by card or € 4,50 by cash) to the city center (Bus number 1). You can pay the bus fare with a bank card. There are also taxis waiting outside the terminal (airport – city centre). You shouldn’t have any problems getting to the city centre (by bus or taxi) rather quickly, as Turku is not a very big city.
Alternatively, you can fly to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. There are frequent train and bus connections every hour from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Turku. Timetables can be found below (Place of departure: Helsinki-Vantaa, Destination: Turku or Kupittaa – see more info below). You can get a good deal with the train too if you book the tickets well in advance (note, your flight may be delayed).
Please note that if you are staying next to the venue at Kupittaa Sokos Hotel, there is a train station practically at the hotel. If this is the case, you should get off at Kupittaa (not at Turku train station).
You can find the timetables and fares on the companies’ webpages:
- Long distance buses www.matkahuolto.fi/en
- Train www.vr.fi/en
Find Kupittaa Campus
Kupittaa campus has two main buildings:
- ICT-City https://www.turkuamk.fi/en/about-us/campuses/kupittaa-campus/#educity
- EduCity https://www.turkuamk.fi/en/about-us/campuses/kupittaa-campus/#ICT-City
There is a regular bus service to the Kupittaa campus from the city center of Turku (Please note: the closest bus stop is not in front of the campus, so you have to walk about 100 m). Take bus no. 3 or 3 A (towards Varissuo, bus stop B5 at the Market Square). The closest bus stop to EduCity and ICT-City is Kupittaa asema (Kupittaa railway station), follow the info screen in the bus to get off at the right bus stop.
The local buses are called “Föli” in Turku. You can find the ticket prices, timetables and route planner at www.foli/en
The bus stops at the city centre are here: https://www.foli.fi/en/timetables-and-routes/central-bus-stops-in-turku
Local transportation
Föli, the local buses
The local buses are called “Föli” in Turku. You can find the ticket prices, timetables and route planner at www.foli.fi/en
The bus stops at the city center here.
Fölläri, the city bikes
Fölläri bikes are shared-use bicycles for short-term-use that can be used by everyone moving around in Turku. The city bike-share system consists of bikes for public use and bike stations that serve as pick-up and drop-off points. The user can pick up and drop off a bike at any station.
Read more about the Fölläri bikes here.
WiFi at Campus
On Turku UAS Campuses, you can sign into our TUAS Guest network using your own e-mail address. You can ask for assistance from our info desk at the EduCity.
Instructions for the TUAS Guest network:
Choose TUAS Guest from available networks. After you have joined the network you need to open the browser which will take you to login portal. For successful login and registering you need to give a valid email address and accept the ‘Acceptable Use Policy’. After this you will be automatically logged in and browser redirects you to the Turku UAS website.
Limitations of the network:
Normal browsing, tunneling protocols and secure email protocols are allowed from TUAS Guest -network with limited bandwidth. Automatically created user credentials will be valid for 8 hours. After 8 hours you must login again.
Conference tracks
The conference is divided into four tracks dealing with the conference theme Driving Sustainable Impact through Higher Education:
Track 1: Teaching and learning on, about, and for sustainable development
This track focuses on pedagogical approaches that integrate sustainable development into engineering education. It welcomes contributions, e.g. teaching methods, active learning, and interdisciplinary course design. Papers may address how students develop sustainability competences through formal and informal learning. The track also invites reflections on how sustainability can be taught as content, context, and purpose of engineering education. Also examples from laboratory and field work, project-based learning, and business collaboration are especially welcome. Contributions may also explore assessment methods and student engagement in sustainability-focused learning.
Track 2: Institutional and curriculum development for driving sustainable development
This track examines how institutions can embed sustainability strategically into engineering education.
It invites papers on curriculum reform, programme design, quality assurance, and institutional change processes. Submissions may discuss leadership, governance, staff development, and organisational practices that support sustainability. The track also welcomes case studies on whole-institution approaches and cross-departmental collaboration. Particular attention is given to how higher education institutions and departments translate sustainability goals into concrete educational structures. Contributions may present lessons learned, barriers, and enabling factors in long-term development work.
Track 3: Research, Development and Innovation on sustainability in engineering
This track highlights research, development and innovation issues that advance sustainability in engineering practice and education. It welcomes studies, e.g. on emerging technologies, circular solutions, and systems thinking. Papers may present RDI projects that connect academic expertise with real-world sustainability challenges. The track is open to methodological work, pilot projects, and impact-oriented research and development activities. Contributions may also address how engineering knowledge can solve challenges related to climate change and biodiversity loss, or support resilience and resource efficiency. Both disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives are encouraged, especially when they generate new solutions for sustainable development.
Track 4: Connecting industry and society on sustainability issues
This track focuses on collaboration between engineering education, industry, public actors, and wider society.
It invites papers on partnerships, co-creation, stakeholder engagement, and community-based sustainability initiatives. Submissions may explore how higher education institutions work with companies, municipalities, NGOs, and citizens to address shared challenges. The track also welcomes examples of internships, living labs, and regional development projects. Contributions may discuss how education and research can create mutual value and societal impact. The aim is to strengthen dialogue and cooperation across sectors in support of sustainable transformation.
Full paper and workshop submissions
Use the paper template below for full paper submissions for podium and poster presentations.
All accepted full paper submissions for podium and poster presentations, as well as accepted workshop descriptions will be published in conference proceedings with ISBN/ISSN.
Use the workshop template below for workshops.
More information on submitting your full papers and workshop coming later.
Important submission dates
| Activity | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Information back to authors | 15.11.2026 |
| Full paper deadline | 15.2.2027 |
| Full paper review and information back to authors | 30.3.2027 |
| Final submission with revisions | 15.5.2027 |
Registration and fees
Early Bird registration will open on 17 November 2026.
Please note that half of the hotel room block will expire by 14 April 2027, and the rest by 14 May 2027. Find more information about accommodation under Practical Information – Accommodation in Turku.
Conference Fees:
The conference fee includes the opening and welcome reception and all lunches and coffee as scheduled in the conference programme.
- Early Bird: 485 € (valid until 11 April 2027)
- Late: 625 € (valid until 31 May 2027)
- Very Late: 750 € (registration will close 13 June 2027)
- Student: 300 € (registration will close 13 June 2027)
- Accompanying person:
- Opening and welcome reception 40 €
- Dinner 90 €
Venue
The conference takes place on EduCity of the Kupittaa Campus of Turku UAS.
- LEED Platinum certified, modern, accessible
- Multiple lecture halls (up to 280 seats) at the campus
- Spacious exhibition and networking areas
- WiFi and catering for all needs
- Next to the railway station with connection to Helsinki Airport
Easy access and accommodation
- Direct flights from many European cities
- Fast train connections from Helsinki
- Hotels close to venue, wide price range
Social programme
Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience at Kavalto Estate
Unwind after the conference with an authentic Finnish smoke sauna experience at the charming Kavalto Estate. Relax in the warm atmosphere of a traditional smoke sauna by a forest pond and enjoy a delicious supper with drinks. Sauna beverages will also be available, making this a perfect opportunity to experience one of Finland’s most cherished traditions while networking with fellow participants.
Conference Dinner at Radisson Blu Marina Palace
Join us for the EESD2027 Conference Dinner at the Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, located by the Aura River in central Turku. The conference dinner offers a relaxed setting to continue conversations, meet colleagues and fellow participants, and enjoy an evening together after the day’s programme.
Excursion to forest: Plant a tree seedling in the Turku UAS forest
At EESD2027, we are offering an opportunity for participants to leave behind something tangible: planting tree seedlings in the Turku UAS forest as part of the conference experience. This idea reflects what EESD has always been about: connecting education, sustainability, and long-term impact.
Turku UAS has acquired this forest area primarily to preserve and strengthen biodiversity. At the same time, the forest serves as a learning and research environment and provides recreational opportunities for the higher education community.
Join us for a guided excursion to the Turku UAS forest, located approximately 30 minutes from the conference venue. Transportation to and from the site is provided by an electronic bus. During the excursion, participants will enjoy a guided walk through a diverse and ecologically valuable forest area. Following the walk, participants will have the opportunity to plant a tree seedling, contributing to local biodiversity and creating a lasting legacy from EESD2027. The excursion concludes with a simple outdoor refreshment of coffee or tea and sandwiches enjoyed in the forest.
Please note that parts of the walking route are uneven and may be challenging to navigate. Participants should wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing. Participation in the excursion is voluntary and at each participant’s own risk. Participants are encouraged to ensure that they have appropriate travel and health insurance coverage. The excursion fee includes return bus transportation, one tree seedling for planting, guided forest walk, and coffee or tea and sandwiches.
This unique experience offers an opportunity to connect with nature, contribute to biodiversity, and leave a lasting mark in the Turku UAS forest.
About the host
- 13,500 students in five faculties
- 950 staff
- Multidisciplinary education and applied research
- 39 research groups
- CDIO approach integrated for 20 years
- Strong focus on sustainable development in all fields both in education and research
- Sustainability and responsibility guide all activities
- Collaboration with Finnish and international universities
- Strong international networks: CDIO, CARPE, EU.ACE
- National and regional sustainability groups
Previous conferences
- EESD2025: Engineers as Changemakers – King’s College London, UK, June, 2025.
- EESD2023: Quest for Sustainable Societies – Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, June, 2023.
- EESD2020/2021: Building Flourishing Communities – University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, June 2021.
- EESD2018: Creating the Holistic Engineer – Rowan University, New Jersey, USA, June 2018.
- EESD2016: Building a Circular Economy Together – HOWEST, Bruges, Belgium, September 2016.
- EESD2015: Cultivating the T-Shaped Engineer – University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, June, 2015.
- EESD13: Rethinking the Engineer – University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK, September, 2013.
- EESD10: Learning for Transformation – Chalmers, Gothenburg, Sweden, September, 2010.
- EESD08: Bridging the Gap – TU Graz, Graz, Austria, September, 2008.
- EESD06: Engineering Education in Sustainable Development – National Institute of Applied Sciences, Lyon, France, October, 2006.
- EESD04: Engineering Education for Sustainable Development – Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain, October, 2004.
- EESD02: Engineering Education for Sustainable Development – TU Delft, Delft, The Netherlands, October, 2002.
Keynote speakers
Linda Gardelle
Linda Gardelle is a Professor of Sociology at ENSTA, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, and a member of the French research laboratory on “Professional Training and Learning”. She leads the research group “Technology and Learning: Individual, Nation, Planet”. For over 15 years, she has conducted research on engineering education worldwide. Since 2021, she has led several research projects on engineering education for sustainable development in Europe, North Africa, Lebanon, and Taiwan. Her work examines the epistemological and transformative dimensions of engineering education, focusing on how political contexts and geopolitical tensions shape engineers’ education, professional identities, and responsibilities in addressing social and environmental challenges.
Brief synopsis: Engineering education for sustainability has traditionally been framed around environmental challenges, societal transformation and global responsibility. Yet engineers are increasingly operating in a context shaped by geopolitical tensions, strategic competition and renewed concerns about national sovereignty and technological capabilities. As concerns about security, rearmament, technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy increasingly enter public and political agendas, what does it mean to educate engineers for sustainability?
Drawing on comparative research across Europe, North Africa and Asia, this talk will reflect on how these changing geopolitical contexts are challenging established understandings of sustainability in engineering education. It will explore the tensions between national strategic priorities and global responsibilities, and ask how educators and researchers can navigate these transformations while preserving commitments to sustainability, responsibility, cooperation and peace.
Sustainable Event
EESD2027 is a climate-conscious conference
In line with the theme and values of EESD2027, sustainability will be an important consideration in the organisation of the conference. Wherever possible, choices will be made to reduce the environmental impact of the event and to encourage sustainable participation.
Climate-conscious conference
The climate impact of EESD2027 will be monitored by calculating the carbon footprint of the event. The assessment will consider emissions related to aspects such as the conference venue, travel and accommodation, catering, materials and waste management. Conference participants will also be encouraged to consider the environmental impact of their own travel and accommodation and to choose more sustainable alternatives whenever possible.
Getting around
Participants will be provided with information on environmentally friendly ways of travelling to and around Turku. EduCity is conveniently located next to Kupittaa railway station, making it easy to reach the conference venue by train and public transport.
Turku also has a comprehensive public transport network, and participants will be encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport when travelling within the city.
Conference venue: EduCity
EESD2027 will take place at EduCity and ICT-City buildings, Turku University of Applied Sciences. EduCity has received the LEED Platinum environmental certification, reflecting the building’s high environmental standards.
The building incorporates several solutions designed to reduce its environmental footprint, including low energy consumption, good accessibility and sustainable design solutions. Solar panels and green roof areas also contribute to the environmental performance of the building.
More information about EduCity’s LEED Platinum certification is available in the announcement about the environmental certification.
Catering
Food will be an integral part of our sustainability efforts at EESD2027. Conference catering will be predominantly vegan, demonstrating how delicious food and sustainable choices can go hand in hand. Local, seasonal and organic products will be favoured whenever possible, alongside Fairtrade coffee and tea. Tap water will be served instead of bottled water.
Careful planning of participant numbers and dietary requirements will also help us minimise food waste.
Materials
EESD2027 will aim to minimise the use of printed and disposable materials. Digital solutions will be favoured both before and during the conference, and conference materials will primarily be provided electronically.
Posters can be presented digitally, and unnecessary single-use materials will be avoided. Where physical materials such as name badges and lanyards are needed, recyclable and reusable alternatives will be favoured whenever possible.
Tree Planting Excursion
As part of the EESD2027 programme, participants will have the opportunity to visit a forest owned by Turku University of Applied Sciences and plant a tree. The excursion will bring the conference’s sustainability theme into practice and provide participants with an opportunity to experience the Finnish natural environment.
More information
Questions regarding the conference?
Contact: eesd2027@turkuamk.fi
Explore the city
Turku & Finland
Turku, located in the region of Southwest Finland, is one of Finland’s biggest cities. The bustling lifestyle structure and top class education, culture, and services, as well as the beautiful archipelago, make for a magnetic combination of Turku.
We commit to the guidelines of a safer space at our events
In our university of applied sciences, we follow freedom of science, research, and art. We can address all societal themes and phenomena in our activities. We follow the principles of community etiquette in all interactions within the community in our spaces, events, and activities, whether physically, socially, or online.