«University Museums as actors for Sustainable Development»
Annual Meeting of ICOM-UMAC
Science and Technology Museum of the University of Patras, Greece October 12th to 16th, 2026
From October 12th to 16th, 2026, ICOM-UMAC, the International Council of Museums’ Committee for University Museums and Collections,will hold its annual meeting hosted by ICOM-Greece and the Science and Technology Museum of the University of Patras, at the Science and Technology Museum of the University of Patras, Greece.
Supported by the National Committees ICOM-France, ICOM Burkina Fasso, ICOM South Africa, the regional Alliances ICOM-Europe and ICOM-Africa and ICOFOM the Conference, will be held on-site and online.
The Conference languages are: English, French and Greek.
Universities play a crucial role in advancing United Nations’ Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating them into their teaching, research and operational practices. They act as knowledge generators, leaders and drivers of cross-sectoral leadership, contributing to the pursuit of Sustainable Development.
University museums and collections can align with the Sustainable Development objectives of Universities and also play a crucial role through their collections and museum practice. The integration of the SDGs into U-Museums and collections presents both challenges and opportunities and may affect their everyday life practice.
University Museums and collections are valuable functions in the University and society. They may facilitate people’s access to and understanding of the University’s cultural, scientific, technological and environmental heritage while constituting important resources for education, lifelong learning and research. They can serve as valuable learning environments for University students, school students, teachers (Resolution 4 Empowering Museums in Achieving the SDGs through Youth, ICOM Dubai 2025) and the public providing hands-on experience fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable development issues. Through exhibitions and outreach programs focusing on museum education, they can approach, inform and engage different audiences in climate action, wellbeing and prosperity, human rights, inclusion and peace-related activities, building partnerships, promoting sustainable practices and behaviors, enhancing the effectiveness and implementation of the SDGs, and contributing to changing lifestyles.
Can University Museums become actors enhancing the role of universities for Sustainable Development? UMAC 2026 Conference will explore university museums’ & collections’ worldwide efforts to become powerful actors for Sustainable Development by serving as crucial sites for education, research, community engagement and showcasing university sustainability efforts, bridging academic knowledge with public understanding and action on issues like climate change, social justice, risk management and cultural heritage preservation, thereby enhancing the university’s broader societal role.
Sub-topics
1.The value of University collections in integrating the SDGs
MORE INFORMATION
WORKSHOP
To be announced
EXCURSION
To be announced
TRAVEL GRANTS
To be announced
ICOM-UMAC offer a limited number of travel grants for conference participants from countries 3-5 categories
Questions regarding the event may be addressed to:
umac2026.greece@gmail.com