The SDG & AI+ Academic Conferences 2026 are two non-profit, peer-reviewed academic events organized by UniHive and hosted by Clare Hall and Murray Edwards College at the University of Cambridge. The conferences aim to bring together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to address pressing global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
The SDG Conference, scheduled for 31 July to 1 August 2026, focuses on research and practices related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Key topics include climate action, biodiversity, inclusion, governance, and sustainable development outcomes. The conference seeks to test impactful solutions, identify data gaps, and foster practical collaborations to advance SDG commitments.
The AI+ Conference, taking place from 14 to 15 August 2026, examines the real-world applications and societal impacts of artificial intelligence across sectors such as health, education, public services, infrastructure, finance, and the environment. Emphasizing responsible and trustworthy AI, the conference covers topics like human-AI collaboration, data stewardship, policy and regulation, and inclusion to ensure broad benefits.
Prior to the conferences, dedicated UniHive Summer Schools will provide training and networking opportunities for students and early career researchers in areas aligned with the conference themes. Participants will engage in lectures, seminars, workshops, and supervised research activities led by senior Cambridge academics, aiming to strengthen academic skills and research capacity.
Speakers(5)
Professor Andy Woods
Head of Institute for Energy & Environmental Flows at University of Cambridge
Professor Andy Woods leads the Institute for Energy & Environmental Flows at the University of Cambridge.
Professor Catherine Barnard
Professor of European Law at University of Cambridge
Professor Catherine Barnard is an expert in European law at the University of Cambridge.
Professor Geoff Hayward
Professor of Education at University of Cambridge
Professor Geoff Hayward focuses on education research at the University of Cambridge.
Professor Matthew Grimes
Professor of Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Futures at University of Cambridge
Professor Matthew Grimes specializes in entrepreneurship and sustainable futures at the University of Cambridge.
Professor Patrick Baert
Professor of Social Theory at University of Cambridge
Professor Patrick Baert is a leading scholar in social theory at the University of Cambridge.
Event Details
- Date
- July 31 - August 1, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇬🇧 Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Clare Hall and Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge
- Pricing
- Students £180 | Faculty £300 | Industry £500
- Audience
- Scholars, policymakers, practitioners, students, and early career researchers interested in sustainable development and artificial intelligence.