2026 Conference

University of Aberdeen, 16-17 June 2026

Call for Papers


Background

Business Schools explore the dynamic relationships between commerce, economic systems, and communities. When the world undergoes significant transformation, the research emerging from these institutions becomes essential—helping us grasp the implications of change while guiding decisions made by businesses, policymakers, and individuals alike.

 

Those Business Schools located in regions where energy production is concentrated are uniquely positioned to examine critical topics such as energy markets, the shift toward sustainable energy sources, the social and security dimensions of energy, and environmental considerations. This work serves the dual purpose of advancing academic knowledge while simultaneously offering tangible benefits to the local and regional communities where these institutions are based.

 

The WEBS network brings together Business Schools from energy-intensive regions around the globe. By connecting these institutions, WEBS creates a collaborative platform where local expertise meets global perspective—enabling members to contribute meaningful solutions to the urgent energy challenges facing society today.

 

Within this international spirit, and following the inaugural 2024 and virtual 2025 conferences, the WEBS network is organising a 2-day in-person conference on 16-17 June 2026.


Themes

The organising committee invites submission of academic papers within the overarching conference theme of currently topical energy security, system resilience/reliability, and industry/sector transformation.

The following subthemes provide additional relevant narrative:

  • Energy security as central policy objective;
  • Resilient energy infrastructure;
  • Managing volatility in energy and resource markets and supply chains;
  • Hydrogen ecosystems;
  • Industrial decarbonisation and electrification;
  • Oil & gas transition strategies (role of gas as a bridge fuel);
  • Supply chains for critical minerals, metals and renewables.

Policy and Business Engagement

While research exchange is a key focus of the conference, engaging with non-academic stakeholders and practitioners will also be a fundamental part of the two days. Representatives from industry, government and the third sector will be engaging in the conference both in attending sessions but also presenting as well. This engagement facilitates meaningful connections between academic research and stakeholders who are actively engaged in the communities where the energy transition is being felt most strongly.


Organising Committee and Sponsoring Institutions

The local organising committee comprises Prof. Frans de Vries and Prof. Keith Bender, University of Aberdeen Business School.

 

The conference is supported by the following European WEBS partner institutions:

  • University of Stavanger School of Business and Law (rep. Prof. Ola Kvaløy)
  • University of Southern Denmark Business School (rep. Prof. Torben Damgaard)
  • University of Groningen Business School (rep. Prof. Evrim Ursavas)


Paper Submission and Timelines

We invite researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to submit extended abstracts or full papers by 13 April 2026 to bs-research@abdn.ac.uk. We convey the notification of acceptance by 20 April with an aim of setting the conference programme by 30 April 2026.

 

For enquiries, please contact Prof. Frans de Vries at frans.devries@abdn.ac.uk.