Early on, we reflected on the role of HRI in the context of sustainability – as a research field and international conference. Our goal is to transparently share the steps we have taken to make this conference more sustainable and to critically assess our progress. While we acknowledge that our efforts are just a beginning, they represent an important first step in understanding how the HRI conference can evolve hand in hand with pressing sustainability concerns.
On this page, you’ll find detailed information about the sustainability initiatives we have implemented, along with our reflections and practical tips for attendees on how to minimise their environmental impact during the conference. Inspired by this year’s theme, “Robotics for a Sustainable World”, we have – for the first time in the history of the HRI conference – appointed two dedicated Sustainability Co-Chairs. Our co-chairs have worked closely with the entire organising committee to integrate sustainable practices across the conference.
Your support is vital – please help us build a more sustainable HRI conference. We encourage every attendee to actively contribute by making mindful choices that reduce the environmental impact of the conference and beyond.
Networking Map for HRI
Let’s start with the elephant in the room. The conference is meant to be in-person, and is located in Australia, which means that most attendees will have to go on long flights to get there. As explained at this page, this decision was taken with a mind to ensuring a better experience for conference attendees, especially students and early career researchers. Still, we acknowledge that flying across the globe for a few days of conference is not ideal. Therefore, we have thoughtfully considered how to make the trip both worthwhile and inclusive, given the remote location. We would like to encourage every attendee to make the most out of their flight to Australia. This can mean taking a few days of vacation in Melbourne and surrounding, but also, taking the chance to visit research labs in the vicinity of the conference venue that people would otherwise not get a chance to visit.
We have put together a map of Australian research institutions, labs, and companies that are eager to collaborate, offer lab tours, host research visits, and conduct seminars. Perhaps there is a new collaboration waiting to happen just here! Our goal is to welcome you warmly and strengthen research bonds across the globe.
Sustainability Theme Recognition
In alignment with this year’s theme, “Robotics for a Sustainable World,” we are proud to introduce a Theme Recognition to celebrate papers that follow sustainable research practices or contribute to sustainability efforts. This recognition aims to highlight the diverse ways in which Human-Robot Interaction can advance sustainability, far beyond environmental concerns.
By acknowledging research that addresses issues such as reducing inequalities, providing quality education, and promoting responsible consumption and production, we aim to highlight the multifaceted nature of sustainability. We welcome and celebrate contributions that reflect the broad spectrum of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, from social to technological, and economic sustainability.
- Social sustainability: emphasising the importance of inclusive communities where everyone can thrive, promoting equity and social justice.
- Technological sustainability: stressing the need to think critically about how our innovations impact society and the environment.
- Economic sustainability: focusing on creating robust economic systems that support innovation and provide fair opportunities for all.
Conference Venue
- Conference Venue with a strict Sustainability Plan (details here).
- Full Vegetarian/vegan.
- Reusable cutlery and cups provided.
- Minimal material use and printing.
- No physical swag; Eco-friendly t-shirts designed by an Indigenous artist available for purchase, with all profits donated to a charitable cause.
- Lanyard reuse system in place.
- Accessible recycling stations throughout the venue.
- Partnership with OzHarvest to donate surplus food and minimise waste.
Travel and Transportation
- Student Travel Grants available to support PhD students.
- We highly encourage public transport – Free Tram Zone in Melbourne’s CBD (close proximity to conference venue).
- A comprehensive transportation guide for navigating Melbourne will be available on our website soon.
- In urban Australia, card payments are the preferred method for most transactions.
Other
- We are working on collaborating with accommodations that follow sustainability policies and practices and are in walking distance to the conference venue.
- We are working on recommendations regarding first nations owned shops, restaurants and other sustainable initiatives in the Melbourne area.
Tips for minimising your direct environmental impact
- Bring your own reusable items: carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup to avoid single-use plastics outside the conference venue.
- Opt for digital: access conference schedules, papers, and notes digitally instead of printing.
- Reuse your lanyard: bring a lanyard from a previous conference to reduce waste and avoid taking a new one.
- Use public transport: take advantage of local public transportation options (free tram zone) to reduce carbon emissions.
- Share rides: if public transport isn’t an option for you, consider carpooling or ride-sharing with other attendees – this way you can connect with fellow researchers and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Choose sustainable accommodations: stay at hotels that have strong environmental practices, such as energy conservation and waste reduction programs. Keep an eye on our recommended accommodation list.
- Minimise waste: properly recycle or compost any waste and avoid unnecessary packaging. We will provide recycling stations at the conference.