Sustainability is fundamentally about continuity: our ability to keep meeting society’s needs as the conditions around us change. Yet too often sustainability is approached as a series of individual improvements rather than a challenge of adapting whole systems.
Transition Engineering takes a different approach. It asks how our systems, organisations and behaviours need to change in response to real-world constraints such as energy and resource availability, climate impacts, pollution and changing social and economic conditions. It extends well beyond the traditional “green agenda” to consider how we deliberately navigate change while continuing to provide the services people depend upon.
Convergence 2026 brings different disciplines and perspectives together to explore those questions.
This year, guest speakers from a range of disciplines will introduce ideas and challenges to stimulate discussion, followed by facilitated workshops in which participants will help set the agenda for GATE’s future work.
Bring your experience, your questions and your perspective. Join the conversation and make your voice heard.
Convergence will run from 07:00 to 09:00 GMT, followed immediately by the GATE Annual General Meeting from 09:00 to 09:30 GMT. All are welcome to attend the AGM.
What to expect
Convergence 2026 will combine guest speakers with facilitated roundtable discussions designed to:
- Identify the key questions that professionals across different disciplines still need to answer if we are to achieve genuine sustainability.
- Explore where greater collaboration between disciplines, sectors and organisations could unlock practical progress.
- Develop ideas for collaborative action, tools and resources that can help practitioners provide credible, evidence-based advice.
- Consider how our understanding of future conditions can be continually updated, and how professional practice needs to adapt as new evidence and insights emerge.
- Share learning through the GATE community and help shape future Convergence activities.
Why participate?
Convergence is an opportunity to step outside your own discipline, hear different perspectives, challenge assumptions and contribute your own experience.
Whether you are an engineer, researcher, policymaker, educator, sustainability professional or simply interested in how we navigate complex transitions, you are welcome to take part.
How to participate
Convergence 2026 is free, online and open to everyone.
- Date: Thursday 12 November 2026
- Convergence: 07:00–09:00 GMT · 20:00–22:00 NZDT
- GATE AGM: 09:00–09:30 GMT · 22:00–22:30 NZDT
- Audience: GATE members and professionals from all disciplines
- Cost: Free, online (bring your own refreshments!)
- Registration: Click here to register
