2nd Edition · Rome 2026

International
Conference on
Environmental
Mindfulness

Bringing together researchers in environmental psychology, mindfulness, neuropsychology, and contemplative studies to shape the scientific agenda for sustainable futures.

Dates 17–19 September 2026
Location UNINT, Rome
Format In person + Virtual
Register Now Scientific Programme Speaker Info

Where science and contemplation meet

ICEM is an international forum dedicated to exploring the intersection of mindfulness practice and environmental behavior. Building on the success of the first edition (Rome, November 2023), the 2026 conference continues to bridge the scientific communities of mindfulness research and environmental psychology.

With a focus on how inner transformation can drive sustainable action, ICEM brings together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Each day of the conference begins and closes with a guided meditation on interconnectedness, ecology, and human–nature interaction.

Keynote lectures from leading experts are paired with talks from contemplative practitioners within the same sessions — a unique format that has made ICEM a distinctive voice in the global mindfulness and sustainability conversation.

Conference Topics
Environmental Awareness Climate Change Resilience Creating Mindful Environments Digital Environmental Mindfulness Mindfulness, Compassion & Ecology Forest Bathing & Nature Contemplation Mindfulness & Pro-Environmental Behaviors Mindfulness & Wellbeing Sound & Awareness Nature-Based Mindfulness Interventions Sustainable Development: Interventions & Tools Philosophical Perspectives on Mindfulness

Share Your Research

We invite researchers, practitioners, and scholars to submit abstracts for oral presentations and poster sessions. Contributions bridging mindfulness, environmental psychology, contemplative science, and sustainability are especially encouraged.

Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words and include a clear statement of aim, method, and relevance to the conference themes. Both empirical studies and theoretical or applied contributions are welcome.

Submissions are open from 1 May to 30 June - SUBMISSION EXTENDED TO 10 JULY 2026. Acceptance notifications will be sent by 10 July.

Submission is now closed

Keynote Speakers

Distinguished voices from philosophy, psychology, sustainability science, and contemplative studies

David Loy
David Loy
Philosopher · Author

A leading voice at the intersection of Zen Buddhism and social thought, David Loy has written extensively on ecological crisis, the role of inner transformation in addressing environmental challenges, and Buddhist perspectives on sustainability.

Buddhism & Ecology
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Christine Wamsler
Christine Wamsler
Professor · Lund University

Professor at Lund University's Centre for Sustainability Studies, Christine Wamsler's research explores the links between mindfulness, inner development, and sustainability transformations, pioneering the field of contemplative sustainability science.

Inner-Outer Transformation
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Stéphane Labranche
Stéphane Labranche
Researcher · Social Sciences

Stéphane Labranche is an independent sociologist and IPCC expert reviewer specializing in climate, energy, and biodiversity transitions, with over 50 research projects informing national and territorial climate strategies across France.

Climate Behavior
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Marino Bonaiuto
Marino Bonaiuto
Professor · Sapienza, University of Rome

Environmental psychologist and IAAP Division President-elect, Prof. Marino Bonaiuto (Sapienza University of Rome) specializes in social acceptance of ecological transition and environmental psychology.

Environmental awareness
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Feature Speakers

Contemplative practitioners and invited voices

Dario Doshin Girolami
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Dario Doshin Girolami
Zen Abbot · Teacher

Abbot of the Zen Center L'Arco — Zenmon Ji and recognized teacher of the Japanese Sotoshu. Trained in monasteries across the US and studied under Thich Nhat Hanh, Reb Anderson, and received initiation from the Dalai Lama. He founded the Chaplains Network of the European Buddhist Union.

Zen Practice & Buddhism

Pre-Conference Workshops

Three parallel, hands-on sessions open to registered participants on the morning of Day 1

Cultivating Environmental Mindfulness: Mindfulness, Loving-Kindness, and Dialogical Inquiry
Mirjam Hartkamp & Antonino Raffone

An experiential workshop exploring how mindfulness and loving-kindness practices can support a grounded, relational way of engaging with ecological experience and climate-related distress.

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Mindtrek: Nature as Contemplative Mirror — An Experiential Workshop
Guido Freddi

An experiential practice for exploring consciousness through walking in nature, approaching the natural world as a mirror in which the structures of experience become visible.

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Maranasati (Mindfulness of Death)
Silvia Careli López-Falfán

A contemplative space exploring the Buddhist practice of Maranasati — turning awareness of impermanence and finitude into a source of wisdom, peace, and purposeful living.

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Scientific Committee

UNINT, Rome

The 2nd ICEM will be hosted at UNINT — Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma — a dynamic international university in the heart of Rome, dedicated to dialogue between cultures, disciplines, and traditions.

Rome's unique position as a crossroads of history, spirituality, and contemporary culture makes it the perfect backdrop for a conference on environmental mindfulness — a city where ancient contemplative wisdom and modern science have long coexisted.

Join us in Rome in person, or participate virtually

ICEM is committed to accessibility and offers multiple registration tiers to ensure researchers worldwide can participate, including a dedicated virtual listener option for remote attendees (not presenting a work). Early registration comes at a reduced fee for all!

REGISTER NOW
Early Regular
Standard incl. social dinner
Delegates
€ 400
€ 470
Students & LMI Countries
€ 300
€ 370
Religious/Contemplative teachers
€ 300
€ 370
Light no social dinner
Delegates
€ 330
€ 400
Students & LMI Countries
€ 230
€ 300
Religious/Contemplative teachers
€ 230
€ 300
Virtual
Online attendance
€ 40
€ 50

All fees include coffee breaks & welcome event (Sep 17)

Standard fee includes social dinner · Light fee does not

LMI stays for Low- and Middle-Income (LMI) Countries

Prices VAT included (22%)

Organizers & Partners

UNINT Sapienza AIP Mind & Life Europe Unione Buddhista Italiana Italia Mindfulness BAMBA Inner Development Goals

Get in Touch

For information about registration, abstract submission, sponsorship, or any other enquiry, write to us — we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

UNINT, Rome, Italy