Alpine Communities and territories in a time of glacier loss and climate change

With a focus on environmental challenges, socio-economic transformations and adaptation strategies, the ForumAlpinum 2026 positions itself as a moment of multidisciplinary technical-scientific and political reflection on the consequences of deglaciation in Alpine regions (and beyond), with particular attention to environmental, cultural and economic impacts.

The progressive retreat of glaciers, accelerated by climate change, is profoundly modifying the landscape, water resources, biodiversity and traditional activities of mountain communities. In some cases, this even includes the territorial structure created by humans over time through the construction of roads, settlements and pastures. The conference aims to identify emerging challenges, land-use conflicts and the impact of climate change, as well as new forms of resilience, regional development, territorial planning and social innovation. These are intended to address the aforementioned challenges and preserve the identity and sustainability of these territories for future generations. ForumAlpinum 2026 will take a closer look and will discuss different perspectives that go beyond the current situation.

Programme and Registration

ForumAlpinum 2026 will take place in presence in Aosta, Italy, at the new Campus of the University of Aosta Valley. No fee is required for the participation. The registration is now open.

It will be a week of events from 25 to 30 May, composed by a Summer School for young researchers, two days dedicated to the ForumAlpinum (conference day and excursion day), and a number of interesting back-to-back events and side-events (some also open to the public) in collaboration with the Italian Presidency of the Alpine Convention, local authorities and other partners / organisations. An overview of the weekly programme is available on the Programme subpage. The detailed conference programme will follow soon.

Here you will find further useful information, e.g. on travel and accommodation.

Register for ForumAlpinum 2026!

Pre-ForumAlpinum Summer School

In the days preceding the ForumAlpinum (starting from Monday, 25 May 2026, in the afternoon), a short Summer School will take place at the University of Aosta Valley (City of Aosta, Italy). The Summer School will focus on the same theme as ForumAlpinum 2026 “Alpine communities and territories in a time of glacier loss and climate change”, with a particular link on the Alpine Convention’s Young Academics Award 2026 on the topic “The Alpine water cycle and cryosphere in a changing climate: dynamics, impacts, and responses”. A selected number of young researchers will have the opportunity to engage with experts, policymakers, scholars and peers to compare and discuss ideas, challenges and solutions and explore them on-site. All information about the Summer School and the application process (open until 30 April) can be found on the relevant subpage.

Context

The ForumAlpinum is an interdisciplinary scientific conference series, organised by ISCAR (International Scientific Committee on Research in the Alps) together with partners across the European Alps. The conference aims to connect natural sciences, humanities and society for sustainable development in the European Alps, according to the principles of the Alpine Convention. It promotes the excellence in research and the cooperation at national and international level, on highly relevant topics throughout the Alpine arc. ForumAlpinum is designed as an interface between the scientific community and policies, offering opportunities for science-policy dialogue with a special focus on younger generations.

ISCAR for the 2026-2027 biennium is chaired by Italy and represented by the Department for Regional Affairs and Autonomies (DARA) of the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers, in collaboration with national and international partners from all Alpine countries.

News

© Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention

30 Years of ForumAlpinum

new MRD article On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the ForumAlpinum conference series, the International Scientific Committee on Research in the Alps (ISCAR) presents the history and impact of this Alpine-wide conference in a Weiterlesen