Springer Nature to support global science action for sustainable development at inaugural UNESCO conference
Paris, 15 July 2026
This July, Springer Nature will participate in the first global conference on the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, hosted by UNESCO in Paris.
The global publisher of science and research will contribute to key panel sessions and a new photography exhibition aligned with the event’s theme 'Science in action: charting a sustainable and equitable future for all'.
The conference brings together governments, academia, industry and civil society to explore how science can help accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr Magdalena Skipper, Editor in Chief of Nature, will take part in a plenary discussion on strengthening collective action across the science community in support of sustainable development.
Dr Skipper will also join UNESCO’s leadership to open a new photography exhibition, 'A new generation of scientists' (“Une nouvelle génération de scientifiques”), which includes winning images from Nature’s Scientist at Work photography competition.
The exhibition, co-sponsored by UNESCO and the AXA Foundation for Human Progress, spotlights eleven outstanding young scientists around the world whose groundbreaking work stands as a reminder that the next generation is already shaping the science of tomorrow.
Other events include a session on the role research plays in policy and decision-making related to the SDGs, hosted by Nicola Jones, Director of Springer Nature’s SDG publishing programme and Euan Adie, CEO of Overton. Building on Springer Nature and Overton’s joint study of 12 million policy documents published last year (“From Publications to Policy”), this session will share insights from brand new qualitative case studies that bring fresh perspectives to the data and offer researchers advice on how to ensure their research can impact policy decisions.
Springer Nature's most significant contribution to the SDGs is through their provision of curated, high-quality content. By raising awareness of the goals to researchers and sharing the latest reliable insights with decision makers, they can support the drive for meaningful change.
Since 2015, Springer Nature has published over 1 million SDG-related articles and books which have been cited more than 23 million times. In 2025, Springer Nature published more than 158,000 SDG-related articles and books supporting the goals of which, 62% were published open access, meaning they can be more easily reach policymakers and practitioners who need information to take action.
Commenting on the event, Dr Skipper said:
“The UN’S 2030 Agenda clearly calls for science to inform policy and deliver societal outcomes. This exhibition and global conference show exactly why science is essential for building a better future: it requires rigour, commitment, collaboration and creativity. These traits help science reach beyond borders, going further to finding more solutions that better help more people across the world.”
Nicola Jones added:
“As 2030 approaches, the focus is increasingly on how we accelerate progress towards the Goals. Science and research play a vital role in that acceleration, supporting evidence-based decision making and helping find solutions to complex global challenges. This event is an important opportunity to share that contribution, strengthen knowledge exchange and support the partnerships needed to advance sustainable development for all.”
Åsa Regnér, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, commented:
“To accelerate the achievement of the SDGs, science and policy have to move together. The scientific community has responded to this challenge with real drive and commitment. The task for governments now is to match that commitment: with open science policies translated into concrete action, with research systems that work for the Global South as much as the North, and with the political will to ensure that evidence drives decisions before 2030.”
- For the full Global Conference on the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development programme, please visit the UNESCO website. The conference sessions on the 15 and 16 July will be broadcast live via this webcast link.
- The AXA Foundation for Human Progress brings together the main philanthropic actions of AXA Group and AXA Mutuelles d’Assurances, in France and worldwide. With an endowment of 60 million euros per year, this fund aims to amplify support for impactful projects in AXA's four historical areas of sponsorship: science, nature, solidarity and culture. The AXA Foundation for Human Progress is fully aligned with AXA’s mission: "Acting for human progress by protecting what matters." Through this Fund, AXA implements its broader vision of protection, which extends to the resilience of societies and the reduction of inequalities, today and for future generations.
Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature.
Maeve Dunne | maeve.dunne@springernature.com
