The abstract submission deadline has been extended until 22 January, 2026.
The NEEDS (Network of European Emergency and Disaster Studies) 2026 conference Societal Resilience in Times of Cascading Crises and Disasters, organized by Civil Society and Sustainability Research group at KTU, provides a forum for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to examine challenges and opportunities of societal resilience in the context of interconnected and overlapping crises. It offers an opportunity for scholars and practitioners to meet in the Baltic States, a region shaped by a unique geopolitical and security context.
The abstract submission deadline has been extended until 22 January, 2026.
Resilience has become a key idea in how we respond to today’s growing number of crises and disasters. Because our social, economic, technological, and environmental systems are so tightly connected, even small local disruptions can quickly spread into wider challenges. International frameworks such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the European Union Preparedness Strategy emphasize the need to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response efforts.
Cascading crises arise from the complex mix of risks, vulnerabilities, and governance structures. Tackling them requires more than just new technology or institutional reforms—it also calls for active public engagement, inclusive decision-making, and effective risk communication.
The Baltic States provide an important regional perspective for examining resilience in practice. Their historical experiences, societal responses, and regional cooperation offer valuable insights into how communities and institutions adapt under conditions of uncertainty and threat. By situating resilience research within this setting, the NEEDS 2026 conference aims to advance scholarly and policy discussions on how societies can better anticipate, withstand, and adapt to crises that cascade across sectors and borders.
Submissions of abstract proposals are invited on, but not limited to, the following themes:
Proposals addressing other relevant topics are also welcome.
Abstract submissions should be 250–300 words in length.
The conference also calls for suggestions for special sessions in more creative, interactive formats, e. g. interactive workshops, roundtable discussions, crisis scenario simulations, co-creation sessions, project presentations, etc.
Register for the conference and submit your 250–300 word abstract using the registration button below or register a special session in more creative, interactive formats, e. g. interactive workshops, roundtable discussions, crisis scenario simulations, co-creation sessions, project presentations, etc. providing a description of 250–300 words.
The deadline for registration and payment is the 25th of April, 2025.
Registration fees:
Registration fee includes access to the conference, coffee breaks and lunches.
2026 April 28–30th
KTU Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities
A. Mickevičiaus g. 37, Kaunas, Lithuania
The conference programme will be available here after the registration ends.
Local organizing committee, Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania):
The conference is organized with the support of:
The conference is designed with sustainability in mind:
Kaunas Airport (KUN) is the nearest airport, about 15 km from the city centre. Bus 29G connects the airport with the central bus station in 30–40 minutes. Taxis are available outside the terminal, taking around 20 minutes to reach the venue.
Vilnius Airport (VNO) is the main international airport, located about 100 km from Kaunas. Intercity buses and trains connect the airport or central Vilnius with Kaunas in 1.5–2 hours. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available outside the terminal, taking about 1–1.5 hours.
International and intercity buses arrive at Kaunas Bus Station (Vytauto pr. 24). From there, the Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities at A. Mickevičiaus g. 37 is just a short ride or 20-minute walk away. City buses and trolleybuses run frequently across Kaunas.
Licensed taxis and ride-share services (Bolt, Uber) operate throughout Kaunas. From the airport or bus station, rides to the conference venue take 10–20 minutes.
International and intercity trains arrive at Kaunas Railway Station (Kauno geležinkelio stotis), located at M. K. Čiurlionio g. 16, Kaunas. From there, the Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities at A. Mickevičiaus g. 37 is about a 15–20-minute walk or a short ride by city bus or trolleybus.
Kaunas University of Technology
Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities
A. Mickevičiaus g. 37, 44244, Kaunas, Lithuania
Email: needs2026@ktu.lt
