2026 FACULTY SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP
Registration is now open for the annual Faculty Sustainability Workshop hosted by the Strategic Initiative for Climate, Justice and Sustainability (SICJS). The workshop will take place over two full days on May 21–22, 2026, and Villanova scholars from every discipline are encouraged to participate.
This year’s workshop focuses on sustainability scholarship, with particular emphasis on:
- Securing funding for research projects
- Increasing the impact of scholarly work
- Identifying Villanova research strengths and synergies
- Advancing interdisciplinary and community-engaged scholarship
Over the course of the workshop, participants will explore strategies for framing sustainability projects to secure funding in the current landscape, building relationships with foundations and community partners, and sharing scholarship through poster sessions.
Participants will develop ideas for and possibly participate in Villanova’s October 2026 International Sustainability Conference, Responding to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor, which will be held in Rome.
Participants will choose one of four options for the workshop deliverable below. During the workshop, we will demonstrate what needs to be completed for each deliverable. We will share project examples from multiple disciplines and suggest community organizations and foundations for potential partnerships, highlighting ones that already have established relationships with Villanova.
Option 1: Community Partnership Plan
Participants will submit a brief descriptive document outlining a potential community organization they could partner with. The document may include:
- Identification of a community organization and potential Villanova collaborators that align with the researcher’s goals
- A description or plan for building and sustaining an ongoing partnership
- A needs assessment of the community organization
In the fall semester, on Friday of Week 2 (September 4), participants will take part in a lightning session to briefly present their proposed partnerships and project plans.
Option 2: Evidence of Foundation Outreach
Participants may submit evidence of outreach to foundations, such as letters, email correspondence, draft proposals, or documentation of meetings with Villanova foundations staff.
In the fall semester, on Friday of Week 2 (September 4), participants will take part in a lightning session to briefly present their proposed foundation outreach and project plans.
Option 3: Interdisciplinary Research Team Development
Evidence of IRT development to pursue specific funding opportunities. Identify interdisciplinary team and funding opportunities.
In the fall semester, on Friday of Week 2 (September 4), participants will take part in a lightning session to briefly present their proposed foundation outreach and project plans.
Option 4: Conference Abstract
Participants may submit a conference abstract for the October 2026 International Sustainability Conference. Abstracts may be submitted after the workshop (deadline May 25).
Abstracts are welcome from a broad array of disciplines, including science, theology, philosophy, nursing, law, business, engineering, and the humanities. The goals of the conference are to:
- Foster transdisciplinary engagement to expand collective knowledge.
- Promote research and dialogue that empower communities to pursue safe, just, and sustainable futures.
- Encourage innovative thinking rooted in ethics, science, and lived experience.
Meals will be provided. Participants will receive a $500 stipend upon submission of the final workshop deliverable. Registration closes April 15.
Questions? Please email Sue Stein.
