Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress invites proposals for 2025 annual event in Chicago

Global platform to focus on Pathways to Sustainable Solutions

URBANA, Ill. — Organizers of the 2025 Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress are seeking session proposals from groups working to develop and implement solutions that are necessary to create a more sustainable, equitable, inclusive and just future. The invitation is open to sectors including research, government, business, philanthropy, art, communications, technology and civil society.

Proposals must be submitted by Dec. 7. SRI2025 takes place June 16-19 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.

The University of Illinois System is co-hosting this year’s SRI congress in conjunction with Belmont Forum and Future Earth. The SRI2025 team will work with contributing organizations to design sessions that are interactive, informative and inclusive.

“The University of Illinois System is dedicated to cultivating innovative solutions for a more sustainable, equitable, inclusive and just future,” U of I System President Tim Killeen said. “We believe the 2025 Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress will be a powerful platform for sharing ideas, building partnerships and advancing solutions to the pressing challenges of climate change.”

Since 2021, SRI has united global leaders in research, government, civil society and business to meaningfully advance sustainability. SRI is co-convened by Future Earth, the Belmont Forum and local co-organizers. The Congress is in North America for the first time in 2025, building upon previous years’ gatherings in Oceania, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

“Belmont Forum is excited to be in Chicago for SRI2025. This event will focus on sustainable solutions — bringing the global transdisciplinary community together to celebrate successes and failures, and to explore opportunities for societally relevant solutions to blossom,” said Nicole Arbour, executive director of Belmont Forum. “Join us for four days of skills development, brainstorming, social innovation, networking opportunities and engaging sessions. Let SRI2025 stimulate your senses and inspire your next steps.”

“Future Earth is proud to partner with the Belmont Forum and the University of Illinois System to bring you the 2025 SRI Congress in Chicago. SRI will bring together representatives from academia, public and private sectors, governments and civil society to showcase sustainable solutions to society’s most pressing challenges,” said Cornelia Krug, Future Earth assembly co-chair. “We are excited to have you join us in Chicago to learn from each other, identify transdisciplinary research needs and solutions, and to help us build the coalition of the willing that can collectively make these successes attainable for all.”

“SRI is a perfect opportunity to build scientific collaborations and networks, develop new skills, and plan for the future that we all want to see,” said Kristie Ebi, Future Earth assembly co-chair.

The SRI2025 focus is Pathways to Sustainable Solutions, and session submissions should align with both the SRI Congress vision and one or more of the following four themes:

• One Health: Connecting Human, Animal & Planetary Health – an integrated and interdependent approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals, plants and the environment throughout the world.
• Collaborative Decision-Making: Fostering Connections with Communities – bridging gaps that span sectors of various populations.
• Holistic Solutions: Integrating Food, Energy, Water, and Infrastructure – bringing forward sustainable solutions to maintain the availability of food, energy and water.
• Innovative Tools: Developing & Deploying New Technologies for Sustainability Solutions – development of innovative applications and new tools to address global challenges.

More information is available at https://sri.secure-platform.com/sri-home/