LOESS Symposium 2026

LOESS Final High-Level Symposium: Shaping Soil Health Education for 2030 and Beyond Organized by the LOESS Consortium and hosted by the Associació Catalana d’Universitats Públiques (ACUP), scheduled to take place on 7 May 2026 at the Social Hub in Barcelona, Spain, with hybrid participation options.

CONFERENCE THEMES

• Soil Literacy and Education: Integrating soil health into primary, secondary, and vocational education systems across Europe.
• Driving Policy Impact: Exploring how educational initiatives can influence environmental policy and foster systemic change.
• Empowering Future Professionals: Strengthening university pathways and practice-based skills for the next generation of soil experts.
• Societal Awareness: Bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and public engagement through co-created pedagogical resources.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Cross-Sector Perspectives: Interactive panels featuring policymakers, educators, students, and practitioners discussing capacity building.
• Interactive Marketplace: A hands-on exploration of the LOESS educational toolkit, including twelve newly developed pedagogical resources and tools.
• Breakout Sessions: Focused workshops on long-term sustainability, VET pathways, and innovative school-based soil awareness.
• Artistic Interludes: An exhibition titled “El sòl que acull” and live musical performances inspired by soil and nature to celebrate our connection to the Earth.
• High-Level Round Table: A forward-looking discussion on the future of the EU Soil Mission towards 2030.

CONFERENCE VENUE The LOESS High-Level Symposium will be held at The Social Hub Barcelona, located in the Poblenou district (C/ de Girona, 34). This modern, collaborative space is designed to foster innovation and community engagement. Situated in Barcelona – a Mediterranean hub for research and sustainability – the venue provides an inspiring setting for attendees to network and exchange ideas. The symposium is organized as a hybrid event, ensuring that the critical discussions on soil literacy are accessible to a global audience.