SusTra x JYU.Wisdom Winter Retreat 2026 – Connecting to Self and Others
This retreat is organised in collaboration with the Sustainability Transformations Doctoral Education Pilot (SusTra) and JYU.Wisdom – School of Resource Wisdom. We welcome PhD researchers working on sustainability-related topics who are looking for a calm, focused environment to advance their work and cultivate a deeper connection to themselves and others. Set in peaceful surroundings, the retreat offers a structured yet flexible programme that supports both academic progress and personal wellbeing.
Schedule & programme
The mornings are dedicated to distraction-free writing (/reading) sessions, giving participants the space and time to concentrate on their research. Afternoons feature expert talks and participatory workshops led by professionals and peers, offering fresh perspectives on sustainability, embodiment and the intersections of science and art. Rather than focusing on thematic content, the workshops are designed to be interactive and build participants’ capacities as researchers, encouraging reflection, creativity and new ways of engaging with academic work.
Evenings are reserved for relaxation and informal connection through sauna, nature walks, yoga, mindfulness-based workshops and unstructured networking. Weather permitting, some sessions may take place outdoors. More detailed programme will be sent to registered participants closer to the event date.
What is included
Accommodation is in shared two- or three-bedroom flats, with each participant having a private room and access to a shared kitchen and bathroom. Bed linen, towels and final cleaning are included. There is also an option to share a room to reduce costs.
Three meals per day (Mon-Fri) are included, as well as transport to and from Jyväskylä Matkakeskus (the long-distance bus/train station).
Participation in all activities is entirely voluntary. Attendees are welcome to skip sessions in favour of solo walks, rest, or personal reflection.
Open theme workshops
Participants have a chance to contribute to the retreat’s content by hosting an open-theme workshop. If you're interested in leading a session, please indicate this during registration.
These workshops offer space for sharing interests, testing methods, facilitating discussions, or exploring creative approaches with peers. The format is flexible: sessions may range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on demand, with approximately four parallel slots available during the retreat.
Aligned with the retreat’s main theme of deepening connection to self and others, participants are especially encouraged to focus on capacity building rather than subject-specific content. Nevertheless, we are open to all ideas, as long as they are somehow related to interdisciplinary sustainability research and/or the development of early-career researchers.
All proposals will be reviewed by the organisers, who may make selections or suggestions to ensure a balanced programme. Those who express interest will be contacted after registration closes. You’re also welcome to reach out to the organisers later if an idea emerges or if you have any questions.
