European Population ConferenceBologna, Italy, 3-6 June 2026
The 2026 European Population Conference (EPC2026), held from 3 to 6 June at the University of Bologna, brought together over 1,000 researchers and students from all over Europe and beyond.
The conference began with a memorable Opening Ceremony held at the Palazzo Re Enzo, overlooking the Fountain of Neptune. After welcome addresses by the host institutions representatives and by Emilio Zagheni (EAPS President, MPIDR), a roundtable chaired by Raya Muttarak (University of Bologna) featured Francesco Billari (Bocconi University) and Jessica Fanzo (Johns Hopkins University) for a discussion on the topic of why and how population research is urgently needed to address today's imminent and emerging societal challenges such as climate change, conflicts and inequalities. The roundtable was followed by a welcome cocktail with live music.
The scientific programme over the following 2.5 days included more than 600 papers presented in 90 regular oral sessions, 19 flash sessions, and 8 poster sessions. The conference also featured preconference events and workshops, including three organized by IUSSP Scientific Panels, as well as exhibition booths, including a shared EAPS-IUSSP booth. On Friday evening, the organizers also hosted an outdoor party in a park with live music and a celebration of the European Doctoral School of Demography's 20th anniversary.
A very well-attended closing ceremony included the presentation of a number of EAPS and EPC2026 awards, as well as a surprise special award for Nico van Nimwegen, who has served EAPS in various roles and curently as Executive Director for more than 40 years. The ceremony also included the announcement of the newly elected EAPS Council, including the new President, Anna Matysiak, and the new Vice President/President-Elect, Sergi Vidal. The host city for EPC2028 was also announced: Tallinn, Estonia.
The success of EPC2026 was reflected not only in the high scientific quality of the presentations and discussions, but also in the warm and welcoming atmosphere that characterized the event throughout. Participants particularly appreciated the generous coffee breaks, lunches, and receptions, which fostered informal exchanges, as well as the kindness and professionalism of the conference staff and volunteers. Naturally, the beautiful city of Bologna provided an ideal setting for such a rewarding conference experience.
In addition to the booth shared with EAPS, the IUSSP was present at EPC2026 through four its Scientific Panels, which organized three pre-conference workshops on 3 June 2026:
The conference programme and photos are available here. A few photos are displayed below.
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