Eduardo Brondizio, distinguished professor of anthropology at Indiana University-Bloomington and a leading scholar of Amazonian social-ecological systems, will join the Notre Dame community as part of the newly created series titled Notre Dame Seminars on Sustainability. Dr. Brondizio will explore the future of Amazonia by rethinking current crises to address not only environmental concerns such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water cycle disruption but also critical social challenges, including poverty, violence, and social precarity. He will highlight how Indigenous peoples and other historically marginalized and vulnerable communities are responding to these crises through grassroot movements. Often inspired by Liberation Theology, these local initiatives advance sustainability and social justice while influencing regional environmental governance and economies. Through his presentation, he will demonstrate why confronting Amazonia’s social predicaments is not only a moral imperative but essential for building a sustainable and resilient future for the region and the planet. Eduardo S. Brondizio is a distinguished professor of anthropology, director of the Center for the Analysis of Social-Ecological Landscapes, and a senior fellow at the Ostrom Workshop at Indiana University-Bloomington. For over three decades, Brondizio’s work has documented, examined, and responded to the social-environmental transformation and governance challenges of Amazônia and contributed to numerous international initiatives addressing the social dimensions of and the contributions of Indigenous and local knowledge to global environmental change assessments and responses. Notre Dame Seminars on Sustainability Series is a signature lecture series organized by the Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative that brings global sustainability leaders and world-class scholars to campus for knowledge sharing and engagement with the Notre Dame community. About Just Transformations to Sustainability As sustainability challenges intensify, their cascading effects on food, energy, water, and infrastructure increasingly threaten the well-being and dignity of people worldwide. Notre Dame’s Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative is the University’s far-reaching response to these urgent threats. Inspired by Pope Francis’s landmark encyclical Laudato si’ (On Care for Our Common Home), the Initiative brings together interdisciplinary scholars, dedicated students, and action partners from around the world to advance transformative solutions for a more just and sustainable future.Originally published at strategicframework.nd.edu.

Join Notre Dame Sustainability for a walk around campus to experience the beauty of Notre Dame. Participants will learn about some of the sustainability initiatives and investments happening at the University that may otherwise go unseen! Only 20 spots are available, so don't wait to sign up! This event is open to the public and will be weather permitting. Please be prepared to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Register today

Notre Dame will be hosting the 2nd Annual National Sustainability Society (NSS) conference, which welcomes those in academia, industry, nonprofits, and governments to come together and share contributions that focus on transformative change for a just and sustainable future. Emerging scholars and early career professionals are especially welcome!  Contributions inspired by a set of 8 subthemes will be accepted through May 18: submit today! Registration for the conference opens June 1. All attendees must register through the NSS website. Student attendees and non-profits have the option of discounted registration fees.  This event is sponsored by the National Sustainability Society and the Pulte Institute.

Notre Dame will be hosting the 2nd Annual National Sustainability Society (NSS) conference, which welcomes those in academia, industry, nonprofits, and governments to come together and share contributions that focus on transformative change for a just and sustainable future. Emerging scholars and early career professionals are especially welcome!  Contributions inspired by a set of 8 subthemes will be accepted through May 18: submit today! Registration for the conference opens June 1. All attendees must register through the NSS website. Student attendees and non-profits have the option of discounted registration fees.  This event is sponsored by the National Sustainability Society and the Pulte Institute.

Notre Dame will be hosting the 2nd Annual National Sustainability Society (NSS) conference, which welcomes those in academia, industry, nonprofits, and governments to come together and share contributions that focus on transformative change for a just and sustainable future. Emerging scholars and early career professionals are especially welcome!  Contributions inspired by a set of 8 subthemes will be accepted through May 18: submit today! Registration for the conference opens June 1. All attendees must register through the NSS website. Student attendees and non-profits have the option of discounted registration fees.  This event is sponsored by the National Sustainability Society and the Pulte Institute.

Notre Dame will be hosting the 2nd Annual National Sustainability Society (NSS) conference, which welcomes those in academia, industry, nonprofits, and governments to come together and share contributions that focus on transformative change for a just and sustainable future. Emerging scholars and early career professionals are especially welcome!  Contributions inspired by a set of 8 subthemes will be accepted through May 18: submit today! Registration for the conference opens June 1. All attendees must register through the NSS website. Student attendees and non-profits have the option of discounted registration fees.  This event is sponsored by the National Sustainability Society and the Pulte Institute.

Join Saint Joseph County Parks for a fall-themed photography session and nature walk! Sharpen your skills with a naturalist-led photography workshop. Then head out into the park to capture the beautiful fall scenery! Bring your own camera and/or cellphone. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Registration required by October 23. *Submit your scenic snapshots to the 2025 Life Through the Lens Photography Contest for a chance to be featured on the cover of the seasonal Activity Guide! For more information, visit sjcparks.org. This event is hosted by Saint Joseph County Parks

Last spring, the Nanovic Institute for European Studies partnered with Notre Dame Global sites in Dublin, Galway, London, and Rome to support a group of sustainability research fellows. While studying abroad, these students completed research projects on sustainability that would have applications between their site and the United States. During this evening event, Eamon Ryan, who served as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in Ireland (2020-2025), will chair the presentations as each student shares the insights they gained while studying sustainability in their study abroad location. Dinner will be available, while supplies last. To enhance the sustainability of this event, you are requested to bring your own silverware and cup so we can reduce waste.Originally published at nanovic.nd.edu.

Last spring, the Nanovic Institute for European Studies partnered with Notre Dame Global sites in Dublin, Galway, London, and Rome to support a group of sustainability research fellows. While studying abroad, these students completed research projects on sustainability that would have applications between their site and the United States. During this evening event, Eamon Ryan, who served as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in Ireland (2020-2025), will chair the presentations as each student shares the insights they gained while studying sustainability in their study abroad location. Dinner will be available, while supplies last. To enhance the sustainability of this event, you are requested to bring your own silverware and cup so we can reduce waste. Originally published at nanovic.nd.edu.

Please join the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies, the Nanovic Institute for European Studies, and the Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative for a public conversation with Eamon Ryan, former Green Party Leader (2011-2024) and Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (2020-2025).  Ryan will be joined in conversation by Prof. Arun Agrawal, Inaugural Director of the Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative and Pulte Family Professor of Development Policy. About the conversation We are in the middle of what has been described as the vital decade to stop runaway climate change. While there are positive signs in the scaling up of renewable power across the world, the reality is that global emissions continue to rise. The issue of climate change has become a contentious and divisive one. Politicians know what needs to be done to address the issue but are not sure how they can be reelected while making the necessary changes.   What are the stories and political strategies that can see us raising both hope and climate ambition. What lessons can be learnt from Ireland? About Eamon RyanEamon Ryan was Minister for the Environment in the Irish Government from 2020 to 2025 and leader of the Green Party in Ireland from 2011 to 2024. He stepped back from elected politics in January this year and is currently serving as Chair of the European Affordable Housing Advisory Board. He is a high-level advocate for the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, a UN affiliated agency looking to tackle short lived climate pollutants. He lives in Dublin with his wife, the writer Victoria White, and their four adult children.   This event is hosted in partnership with Notre Dame's Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative, a University-wide effort to build a sustainable future where people and nature flourish together.    Part of the 2025-26 Notre Dame Forum Series: Cultivating Hope.  Originally published at irishstudies.nd.edu.

As the world looks to Brazil for COP30, join the University of Notre Dame in São Paulo, Brazil for a Pre-COP Conference to help shape the conversation before the world gathers in Belém. The University is convening thought leaders, scholars, and changemakers at this critical moment to deepen its commitment to global dialogue for sustainability and reflect on its mission to be a force for good—locally and globally. Learn more about Notre Dame's engagement with COP. Notre Dame Global and Notre Dame São Paulo, look to strengthen their partnerships in Brazil by hosting this conference together with the Notre Dame Club of Brazil, Notre Dame Research, the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethic Leadership (NDDCEL), Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative (ND-ECI), and the Notre Dame Alumni Association. Attendees can expect to: ⇒ Build and strengthen research collaborations and partnerships with colleagues from around Brazil ⇒ Network with industry experts who have an interest in sustainability ⇒ Represent University of Notre Dame as a panelist at USP’s Bora Preserva event Participation is open to anyone interested; register is required. Limited financial support is available, which can be applied for via the registration form.Register for the Bridging Worlds Pre-COP ConferenceThemes & Topics This 2-day convening aims to build and strengthen research collaborations, engaging the Brazilian research community in partnership with faculty from the University of Notre Dame. Research sessions will be themed and focus on advancing research partnerships aligned with the University of Notre Dame’s strategic priorities, which includes Just Transitions to Sustainability. We are particularly interested in the following themes:Climate Risk Assessment, Adaptation, and Decision SupportRegenerative and Adaptive LivelihoodsSocio-Political Organizations and Institutions, Human Behavior, and Well-BeingAdditional sessions will prioritize collaborative work between university faculty at Notre Dame and the University of São Paulo, while alumni and other friends of the University from the region will engage around the conference themes and stakeholder partners. Tentative ScheduleTuesday, November 4, 2025Arrival in São Paulo, Brazil Welcome ReceptionWednesday, November 5, 2025Conference check-in Formal welcome and opening remarks New Friends, Networking Activity Morning Sessions Conference lunch Afternoon Sessions Evening SoireeThursday, November 6, 2025Industry visit Conference lunch Participate in USP’s Bora Perserva Hesburgh LectureFriday, November 7, 2025DepartConference participants are welcome to remain in Brazil at their own cost. If ND faculty participants wish to attend COP30 Amazonia, complete the application to join the ND delegation.Conference SponsorsOriginally published at saopaulo.nd.edu.

As the world looks to Brazil for COP30, join the University of Notre Dame in São Paulo, Brazil for a Pre-COP Conference to help shape the conversation before the world gathers in Belém. The University is convening thought leaders, scholars, and changemakers at this critical moment to deepen its commitment to global dialogue for sustainability and reflect on its mission to be a force for good—locally and globally. Learn more about Notre Dame's engagement with COP. Notre Dame Global and Notre Dame São Paulo, look to strengthen their partnerships in Brazil by hosting this conference together with the Notre Dame Club of Brazil, Notre Dame Research, the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethic Leadership (NDDCEL), Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative (ND-ECI), and the Notre Dame Alumni Association. Attendees can expect to: ⇒ Build and strengthen research collaborations and partnerships with colleagues from around Brazil ⇒ Network with industry experts who have an interest in sustainability ⇒ Represent University of Notre Dame as a panelist at USP’s Bora Preserva event Participation is open to anyone interested; register is required. Limited financial support is available, which can be applied for via the registration form.Register for the Bridging Worlds Pre-COP ConferenceThemes & Topics This 2-day convening aims to build and strengthen research collaborations, engaging the Brazilian research community in partnership with faculty from the University of Notre Dame. Research sessions will be themed and focus on advancing research partnerships aligned with the University of Notre Dame’s strategic priorities, which includes Just Transitions to Sustainability. We are particularly interested in the following themes:Climate Risk Assessment, Adaptation, and Decision SupportRegenerative and Adaptive LivelihoodsSocio-Political Organizations and Institutions, Human Behavior, and Well-BeingAdditional sessions will prioritize collaborative work between university faculty at Notre Dame and the University of São Paulo, while alumni and other friends of the University from the region will engage around the conference themes and stakeholder partners. Tentative ScheduleTuesday, November 4, 2025Arrival in São Paulo, Brazil Welcome ReceptionWednesday, November 5, 2025Conference check-in Formal welcome and opening remarks New Friends, Networking Activity Morning Sessions Conference lunch Afternoon Sessions Evening SoireeThursday, November 6, 2025Industry visit Conference lunch Participate in USP’s Bora Perserva Hesburgh LectureFriday, November 7, 2025DepartConference participants are welcome to remain in Brazil at their own cost. If ND faculty participants wish to attend COP30 Amazonia, complete the application to join the ND delegation.Conference SponsorsOriginally published at saopaulo.nd.edu.

As the world looks to Brazil for COP30, join the University of Notre Dame in São Paulo, Brazil for a Pre-COP Conference to help shape the conversation before the world gathers in Belém. The University is convening thought leaders, scholars, and changemakers at this critical moment to deepen its commitment to global dialogue for sustainability and reflect on its mission to be a force for good—locally and globally. Learn more about Notre Dame's engagement with COP. Notre Dame Global and Notre Dame São Paulo, look to strengthen their partnerships in Brazil by hosting this conference together with the Notre Dame Club of Brazil, Notre Dame Research, the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethic Leadership (NDDCEL), Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative (ND-ECI), and the Notre Dame Alumni Association. Attendees can expect to: ⇒ Build and strengthen research collaborations and partnerships with colleagues from around Brazil ⇒ Network with industry experts who have an interest in sustainability ⇒ Represent University of Notre Dame as a panelist at USP’s Bora Preserva event Participation is open to anyone interested; register is required. Limited financial support is available, which can be applied for via the registration form.Register for the Bridging Worlds Pre-COP ConferenceThemes & Topics This 2-day convening aims to build and strengthen research collaborations, engaging the Brazilian research community in partnership with faculty from the University of Notre Dame. Research sessions will be themed and focus on advancing research partnerships aligned with the University of Notre Dame’s strategic priorities, which includes Just Transitions to Sustainability. We are particularly interested in the following themes:Climate Risk Assessment, Adaptation, and Decision SupportRegenerative and Adaptive LivelihoodsSocio-Political Organizations and Institutions, Human Behavior, and Well-BeingAdditional sessions will prioritize collaborative work between university faculty at Notre Dame and the University of São Paulo, while alumni and other friends of the University from the region will engage around the conference themes and stakeholder partners. Tentative ScheduleTuesday, November 4, 2025Arrival in São Paulo, Brazil Welcome ReceptionWednesday, November 5, 2025Conference check-in Formal welcome and opening remarks New Friends, Networking Activity Morning Sessions Conference lunch Afternoon Sessions Evening SoireeThursday, November 6, 2025Industry visit Conference lunch Participate in USP’s Bora Perserva Hesburgh LectureFriday, November 7, 2025DepartConference participants are welcome to remain in Brazil at their own cost. If ND faculty participants wish to attend COP30 Amazonia, complete the application to join the ND delegation.Conference SponsorsOriginally published at saopaulo.nd.edu.

Tom Catena is an American physician who has been practising in Gidel in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan since 2008. The region has been an area of active conflict since the mid-1980s, and Catena is the only surgeon for the surrounding population of 750,000 people. Catena credits his Catholic faith for his work, and says he is inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. He is known by locals as “Dr. Tom” and is widely respected by the population. In 2017, he was awarded the second annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity. He is chair of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. The annual Rev. Bernie Clark, C.S.C., Lecture was created by the Institute for Social Concerns in 2009 in order to highlight justice issues and themes related to the common good. The fall event honors Fr. Bernie who died young but influenced students with the life lesson of a “Theory of Enough.” Past speakers have included scholars and practitioners working to create a more just future for all.

Tom Catena is an American physician who has been practising in Gidel in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan since 2008. The region has been an area of active conflict since the mid-1980s, and Catena is the only surgeon for the surrounding population of 750,000 people. Catena credits his Catholic faith for his work, and says he is inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. He is known by locals as “Dr. Tom” and is widely respected by the population. In 2017, he was awarded the second annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity. He is chair of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. The annual Rev. Bernie Clark, C.S.C., Lecture was created by the Institute for Social Concerns in 2009 in order to highlight justice issues and themes related to the common good. The fall event honors Fr. Bernie who died young but influenced students with the life lesson of a “Theory of Enough.” Past speakers have included scholars and practitioners working to create a more just future for all.

The course will be instructed by Father Dan Groody & Arun Agrawal During this one-credit, one-week course at Castel Gandolfo, Italy, students will experience embodied learning that challenges them to understand and live according to Pope Francis’s vision of an integral ecology. Accompanied throughout this journey by the life and writings of St. Francis, Pope Francis’ Laudato si’, and the wonders of creation found in Mother Earth, students will be able to: examine current sustainability challenges using a lens of integral ecology that critically evaluates the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors; connect their sense of ecological agency (via dialogue and action) to an authentic conversion of mind and heart, informed by spiritual experience; and deepen their awareness of the goodness/gift of the created world, the human complicity in the degradation of our environment, and the call to participate, in hope, in the restoration of Creation. Students will participate in both classroom and hands-on learning at the Borgo Laudato si’, an educational center established by Pope Francis that demonstrates how the principles of Laudato si’ can become a reality. The Borgo is on the extraordinarily beautiful grounds of the Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father’s summer residence and a UNESCO World Heritage site located within vast acres of gardens, vineyards, groves of olive trees, and ancient archaeological ruins. Applications due November 15 - Learn more and apply today