We warmly invite you to a lunch-to-lunch research symposium from October 7-8, 2025 at
Malmö University, Sweden.
The symposium is organized around the theme of Transport and Mobility Challenges, with a focus on socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable societies within the Nordic welfare state framework. The Nordic countries share many similarities in their institutional frameworks and cultural aspects, as well as facing common challenges related to climate policies and societal dynamics. These topics will be discussed and explored through the lens of transport and mobility.
In recent decades, the Nordic countries have made significant progress in achieving high environmental standards while ensuring societal well-being. However, challenges related to transportation still remain, including the urgent need to reduce climate emissions, encourage shifts to more sustainable modes of transport, and implement environmentally friendly planning models that prioritize people's everyday mobilities. Moreover, issues of social justice are being raised concerning equitable and inclusive planning processes that enhance accessibility, foster economic prosperity, and address concerns related to affordability for marginalized groups.
Tackling these challenges often requires complex multilevel management strategies, flexibility within institutional frameworks to promote innovation, and collaborative governance across local and regional levels.
Examples of Relevant Topics (Non-Exclusive):
•Transformative spaces for equity and inclusivity in transport and mobilities practice
•Human and social justice approaches in transport and mobilities research
•Interventions and infrastructures of transport and mobilities for sustainable transitions
•Connections, interactions and integration of transport and mobility issues in urban
land use planning
•(Multilevel) governance of mobilities, including policy development and process implementation
The symposium aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary scientific advancement on transport and mobility challenges in the Nordic countries. It brings together Nordic universities and research institutes to promote progress in the field of transport and mobility research. Additionally, the symposium seeks to create a network of Nordic transport researchers and educations.
Participants are encouraged to submit an extended abstract (up to 1,500 words) for presentation and discussion. We welcome abstracts that address one or more mobility challenges in the Nordic countries, considering urban, regional, national, and cross-border issues. Submissions should explore potential solutions to these challenges and examine any conflicts between social, economic, and ecological aspects, including the potential consequences. The goal of this initiative is to develop joint articles for submission to an academic journal or a book.
Deadline for registration is June 20th at this link: https://forms.office.com/e/fev3TWD6xK
The deadline for submitting your extended abstract is August 15th, 2025.
The symposium is free of charge; however, participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
We hope you will consider joining us in Malmö!
Christina Lindkvist, Robert Hrelja, Malmö University, and Enza Lissandrello, Aalborg University.
On behalf of the Transport and Mobility Research Group, Department of Urban Studies, Malmö University,
and
Department of Sustainability and Planning, Aalborg University, Campus Copenhagen.
Link to registration
https://forms.office.com/e/fev3TWD6xK
Contact information:
Robert Hrelja:
Christina Lindkvist:
Enza Lissandrello:
