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.
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 (PreventionWeb) 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 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:
- Conceptualisation of polycrises and cascading crises in emergency management
- Measures and factors of societal resilience
- Risk perception and risk communication
- Civic engagement and participation
- Vulnerabilities in cascading crises
- Technological innovation for disaster preparedness and response
Proposals addressing other relevant topics are also welcome. Further information about registration will be provided shortly.
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.
Important dates:
- Deadline for abstract and special sessions submission: 15th of January, 2026
- Decision about acceptance: 1st of February, 2026
- Preliminary programme: 15th of February, 2026
- Registration: 15th of March, 2026
- Final programme: 31st of March, 2026
