Nature Connections 2026 - Abstract Submissions

Nature Connections 2026 will take place on 16 July in Derby, bringing together researchers and practitioners interested in nature connection to share and discuss the latest research, ideas, and applications.

Nature Connections is hosted by the University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group (NCRG), which aims to advance our understanding of human-nature relationships and ways to improve them for the well-being of humans and the rest of nature.

Abstract Submission 

Deadline for submission: 5 March 2026

We invite submissions for ten-minute talks or poster presentations. Authors are asked to indicate a preferred format, but due to limited capacity, successful authors may be invited to present with an alternative format.

Please indicate the main theme(s) of your presentation:

• Understanding human-nature relationships
• Health and Wellbeing
• Children, Young People and Education
• Engaging with Nature
• Arts and Culture
• Policy
• Other (please specify)

Submissions should outline a study, project or practice that focuses on nature connection – people’s sense of relationship with the more-than-human world. We welcome submissions from any sector, including academics, creatives, practitioners, and other professionals.

Please note:

• Papers and posters that focus on nature contact and access without consideration of psychological and emotional connection with nature are unlikely to be accepted.
• Submissions from organisations should focus on a specific project, method, application, evaluation, or perspective, i.e. they should be more like a report, story, or essay than a pitch or general overview of what your organisation does.

Submissions will be evaluated on the following criteria

Requirements

• Abstracts up to 250 words
• Include all authors and affiliations
• State preference for talk or poster
• Only one submission per author as the first author
• Authors with accepted submissions must register by Friday, 1 May 2026