The 2026 UMAC Annual Meeting will be hosted by ICOM-Greece and the Science and Technology Museum of the University of Patras, Greece at the Science and Technology Museum.
Universities play a crucial role in advancing the 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 be aligned with the sustainable development objectives of universities and have the potential to also play a crucial role through their collections and museum practice. The integration of the SDGs into the university museums and collections present 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 and understanding of the University’s cultural, scientific, technological and environmental heritage while they constitute important resources for education, lifelong learning and research.

University museums and collections can serve as valuable learning environments for University students, school students, teachers 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 effectiveness and implementation of the SDGs, and contribute to changing lifestyles.

Can University Museums become actors enhancing the role of universities for sustainable Development?

Sub-topics:

• The value of academic collections in integrating the SDG
• University museums and collections engaging in the educational community and the public for the SDG’s
• University museums and collections at the forefront of the university strategy on sustainable development.

More information and call for papers following soon.