Pathways Europe 2026 Conference Addresses "Wildlife and Human Wellbeing" in Oxford

The Pathways Europe 2026: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conference and Training Program will take place from 14-17 June 2026, at Oxford Brookes University.

This premier international gathering, co-hosted by the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources at Colorado State University and the School of Social Sciences at Oxford Brookes University, brings together scientists, practitioners, and students from across the globe to address the complex challenges of human-wildlife coexistence.

Marking its 18th year as a global conference series, the 2026 Pathways Europe iteration centers around the timely theme: “Wildlife and Human Wellbeing.” As researchers and practitioners around the world face wicked problems at the intersection of people and wildlife, this conference aims to bridge gaps, build connections, and encourage collaboration so the social sciences can inform and improve wildlife management.

Over the course of four days, the conference will feature over 120 oral presentations, two dedicated training sessions, and four inspiring plenary speakers. Presenters and attendees will share cutting-edge research across diverse disciplines, touching upon critical contemporary topics such as:

• Wildlife and nature connectedness
• Depolarization tools for reducing conservation conflicts
• Agriculture, food production, and wildlife interactions
• The role of wildlife in human health

"The Pathways Conference has always represented a diverse group of researchers and practitioners, from the social and natural sciences, who come together to make a real change for both wildlife and people,” said Catherine Hill, Professor of Anthropology at Oxford Brookes University and co-host of the 2026 conference.

Founded by Colorado State University Professors Dr. Michael J. Manfredo and Dr. Jerry Vaske, the Pathways program’s core mission is to increase professionalism, efficiency, and the practical application of social sciences within wildlife management. By bridging the gap between rigorous academic research and practical, on-the-ground management strategies, the conference aims to ignite lasting, sustainable change for both human
populations and the ecosystems they share.

About the hosts

Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources

Part of the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University, the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources (HDNR) is a global leader in researching and teaching the social, psychological, and governing aspects of environmental and wildlife conservation. For nearly two decades, HDNR has co-hosted international Pathways conferences to empower practitioners and build a collaborative
community of practice worldwide.

School of Social Sciences at Oxford Brookes University

The School of Social Sciences at Oxford Brookes University offers a vibrant, inclusive community dedicated to understanding and addressing real-world social issues. Bringing together disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, geography, and international relations, the school explores urgent global challenges, including
biodiversity conservation, climate justice, and migration.