ICMSE–ISMEI 2026 Explores How Science and Education Can Advance a Sustainable Future
SEMARANG, INDONESIA – Sustainability is not only a challenge for environmental scientists. It also depends on how mathematics is taught, how scientific research is conducted, how technology is developed, and how education prepares people to respond to a changing world. These connections were at the centre of the Joint International Conference ICMSE–ISMEI 2026, held on 14–15 October 2026 at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), in Indonesia.
The conference brought together two international academic events: the 12th International Conference on Mathematics, Science, and Education (ICMSE 2026) and the 9th International Symposium on Mathematics Education and Innovation (ISMEI 2026). Organised by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at UNNES in collaboration with the SEAMEO Regional Centre for QITEP in Mathematics (SEAQiM), the joint conference carried the theme “Advancing Sustainable Futures through Mathematics, Natural Sciences, STEM, and Transformative Education.”
The event provided a platform for academics, researchers and practitioners to discuss how scientific knowledge, technological innovation and education can contribute to sustainable development. ICMSE welcomed participants in a hybrid format, while ISMEI was conducted onsite.
Connecting Science, Technology and Sustainability
The conference addressed the growing need for education and research to respond to complex challenges, including climate change, technological disruption, social inclusion and the development of future-ready skills.
Its programme covered three broad areas: mathematical, computational and data sciences for sustainability; natural sciences, environmental research and sustainable innovation; and science and mathematics education for sustainable development.
The discussions also explored sustainable healthcare technologies, green digital innovation, and the role of governance and public policy in social transformation. Together, these themes highlighted the importance of connecting scientific research with practical solutions that benefit both society and the environment.
UI GreenMetric Contributes to the Discussion
Dr. Ruki Harwahyu, S.T., M.T., M.Sc.., representing UI GreenMetric, was among the invited speakers for the conference. His participation connected the discussion on science and education with the broader role of universities in advancing sustainability through institutional practices, research and international collaboration.
Through the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, universities have a framework for assessing their sustainability efforts across areas such as infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste, water, transportation, and education and research. These areas also offer opportunities for universities to connect scientific knowledge with campus operations and use their institutions as practical settings for sustainability initiatives.
The connection between sustainability and education is particularly important. Universities can incorporate environmental challenges into teaching and research, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to address real-world problems.
From Research to Real-World Impact
A central concern of ICMSE–ISMEI 2026 was how research and innovation can translate into meaningful outcomes. The conference brought together different academic disciplines to explore how new knowledge, digital technologies and innovative teaching approaches can support sustainable development.
For higher education institutions, this means looking beyond academic outputs alone. Research can inform environmental policies, technological innovation can improve resource efficiency, and education can equip future professionals to make more responsible decisions.
The collaboration between UNNES and SEAQiM also reflects the importance of international academic networks in sharing knowledge and strengthening educational practices across institutions and countries.
By bringing mathematics, natural sciences, STEM and transformative education into a shared discussion, ICMSE–ISMEI 2026 highlighted the role of universities in preparing society for environmental and technological change.
For UI GreenMetric, engagement with academic conferences such as this provides an opportunity to connect sustainability assessment with broader conversations about research, education and institutional development. Ultimately, advancing a sustainable future requires not only scientific knowledge and technological innovation, but also educational institutions capable of turning both into meaningful action.
Written by Iskandar Hamonangan – Communications Coordinator, UI GreenMetric