The University Social Responsibility Network (USRN) was established in 2015, with its Secretariat located at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Sichuan University, one of the network’s founding members, joins other global institutions in advancing USRN’s core mission: building a high-level international exchange platform focused on key areas such as talent cultivation, scientific research, social service, cultural heritage and innovation. The network brings together universities from around the world to address major global development challenges and to collaboratively advance the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Currently, USRN comprises 24 leading universities from 18 countries and regions worldwide, including Peking University, Beijing Normal University, Yonsei University (South Korea), The University of New South Wales (Australia), Tufts University (USA), The University of Manchester (UK), and others, forming a global collaborative network dedicated to university social responsibility and sustainable development.
The biennial International USR Summit has become an important academic platform for global universities to benchmark against the SDGs, share practical experiences, and build consensus for collaboration. To further promote in-depth global cooperation in university social responsibility and sustainable development, the International USR Summit 2026 will be hosted by Sichuan University in October 2026. Scholars, experts, and professionals from universities and various sectors worldwide are cordially invited to submit abstracts and participate actively.
Details of the symposium are as follows：
Ⅰ. General Information
1. Important Dates
(1) 20 August 2026: Abstract Submission Deadline
(2) 5 September 2026: Notification of abstract acceptance
(3) 30 September 2026: Release of final agenda and participant guide (including transportation, accommodation, and venue details); deadline for online registration
(4) 22–23 October 2026: Summit Date
(5) 22 October: Formal Summit sessions
(6) 23 October: USRN Executive Committee meeting and academic field visit
2. Venue
C301 Multi-function Hall, Sichuan University–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction
(Address: No.122, Section 1, Huanghe Middle Road, Shuangliu District, Chengdu, China)
3. Format
Hybrid (Online and On-site)
4. Organizers
Hosts: Sichuan University and University Social Responsibility Network (USRN)
Organizers: Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction (IDMR), and the International Office of Sichuan University
Co-organizers: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and West China Hospital of Sichuan University
Ⅱ. Theme and Sub-themes
1. Theme: University Social Responsibility: Global Challenges and Collective Action
2. Sub-themes:
(1) The Roles and Actions of Higher Education Institutions in Disaster Governance and Climate Adaptation
(2) Capacity Building and International Collaborative Development of Global Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs)
(3) Experience Sharing and Future Prospects for Collaboration in University Social Responsibility Practices in Higher Education
(4) Other Related Topics
III. Submission Guidelines
1. Eligibility
(1) Faculty members and university administrative staff;
(2) Experts and scholars from universities worldwide specializing in social responsibility, sustainable development, disaster governance, emergency management, and related fields;
(3) Researchers and practitioners from relevant research institutions.
2. Submission Themes
Submissions should address the themes of the above-mentioned sub-forums.
3. Presentation Format
Presentations will primarily take the form of oral presentations. Abstracts must be written in either English or Chinese, no more than 500 words. Abstracts should follow the attached template and be submitted via email to idmr@scu.edu.cn.
The deadline for abstract submission is 20 August 2026. The Academic Committee will review the abstracts and send invitation letters to those whose submissions are accepted.
IV. Contact Information
Conference Coordinators:
General Coordination: Mr. Hou Yongzhen
Academic Program: Assoc. Prof. Tian Bingwei
Committee Email: idmr@scu.edu.cn
V. Special Notice
No registration fee will be charged for this conference. Accommodation and transportation expenses during the conference are to be borne by participants. The Organizing Committee will select 1–2 cost-effective and conveniently located partner hotels, offering special discounted rates. The hotel names, addresses, reservation methods, and negotiated rates will be specified in the conference guide for participants’ convenience.
