Stéphane La Branche to lead interactive closing keynote at IASP 2026

Transition sociologist Stéphane La Branche will deliver the closing keynote at the 43rd IASP World Conference, bringing the human and collective dimensions of energy transition into focus as delegates conclude four days of knowledge exchange, international networking and exploration of the Sophia Antipolis innovation ecosystem. 

In his closing keynote “Energy is personal AND collective!”, Stéphane will build on this year's theme "Tech for humanity: shaping values for a human-centric future" to explore the relationship between individual behaviour, collective action and the wider transition towards more sustainable models of energy use. 

La Branche is an independent transition sociologist and Scientific Coordinator of the International Panel on Behaviour Change (IPBC) and the International Group of Experts on Behavioural Change (GiecO). His research focuses on the drivers of change and resistance to change in areas including climate, energy, air quality and biodiversity, examining practices, perceptions and social representations to identify effective responses to transition challenges. 

He has contributed as a guest expert to the development of France’s Energy Transition Law and its national climate change adaptation strategies, as well as to several territorial climate strategies. He has also served as an expert reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on two occasions. 

His research has informed transition policies and strategies across areas including mobility, energy, urban planning, communication and public engagement, and has contributed to prospective scenarios looking towards 2050. 

The keynote complements a wide programme featuring more than 100 speakers and moderators from around the world, alongside a range of additional activities, including the pre-conference training seminar, offering practical knowledge and insights into the creation and management of innovation spaces, as well as social networking opportunities in some of the French Riviera’s most emblematic venues. Cultural tours will also offer delegates the opportunity to discover the region and connect with fellow participants beyond the conference programme. 
 
Check the full programme here and register to secure your place.