Join us for The University of Sheffield annual Sustainability Symposium, led by the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures and South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre. Through panel discussions which pitch different disciplines and techniques that could seem to be in opposition, we will explore how systemic change comes through true interdisciplinarity and creation of community. We will discuss the differing roles of academics, practitioners and activists in the production and dissemination of knowledge and in influencing policy makers and the public.
The event will take place in person at Firth Hall, Firth Court, on Wednesday 8th October 2025.
Keynote speaker
This year's keynote speaker will be Jon Alexander, co-founder of the New Citizens Project and author of Citizens: Why The Key To Fixing Everything Is All Of Us - a book that seeks to reframe the moment in time we're living in as one of huge civic opportunity, not just crisis and collapse, and in doing so opens up a world of possibility for organisations and leaders across sectors and across the world.
A former award-winner in the advertising world, Jon helps leaders who understand the scale of the transformation we need and are willing to play their part. He advises companies and communities on the power of narrative, helping them reclaim and restructure the stories they tell in order to empower the shift from consumer to citizen.
Our Grantham Scholars will also present their sustainability research posters on topics from across many different departments and disciplines.
Full programme details will follow soon!
Who Can Attend?
The event is free and open to The University of Sheffield students and staff as well as specially invited guests.
The deadline to register for this event is midday on Monday 29th September - after that the Eventbrite registration will close.
PLEASE NOTE: By attending the event, you could be included in film or photography being collected by the University. Please inform a member of staff at the event or the photographer/ filmmaker if you do not wish your image to be taken. The content being collected may be used in University print and digital media productions. It could be shared with other organisations who we work with in the promotion of the University.
Sustainable refreshments
Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, we are dedicated to making our events as sustainable as possible and therefore working with our suppliers to use food with a low carbon footprint whenever we can. All food served at the Symposium will be vegetarian and vegan - this means that you don’t have to indicate these as dietary requirements when you’re registering. All food at the Symposium will be served on crockery and any plastic trays or cups will be washed and reused.
