Join MatchPoints 2026 – Resilience in a Challenged Europe

As one of Aarhus University’s flagship annual events, the conference brings together researchers, policymakers, business leaders, practitioners, and curious citizens eager to better understand Europe’s future. MatchPoints provides a unique space for cross-disciplinary perspectives and discussion, exploring how we can strengthen resilience at local, national, and international levels.

A Day of International Insight, Sharp Analysis and Engaging Debate

MatchPoints 2026 features a strong line-up of experts from Denmark and abroad. Among the keynote speakers and panelists are Professor Francis Fukuyama of Stanford University, one of the world’s most influential political scientists; former Danish ambassador Friis Arne Petersen; and Jakob Ellemann, Deputy Director at the Danish Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the day, participants can explore a wide range of pressing issues through keynote addresses, plenary debates, and thematic parallel sessions, including:

• Energy independence and the green transition
• Cybersecurity and technological robustness
• The future of food and water systems
• Biodiversity and ecosystem resilience 

The conference also examines how globalisation is evolving and what these shifts mean for European societies, businesses, and citizens. MatchPoints places strong emphasis on bridging research, policy, and practice, ensuring that participants leave not only with new knowledge but also actionable insights and inspiration.

A special feature of the programme is the opportunity to join “Meet the Expert” lunches where participants can eat lunch and engage directly with selected speakers in an informal and interactive setting.

Three Warm-Up Events Leading Up to the Main Conference

In the months leading up to MatchPoints, Aarhus University is hosting three warm-up events, each exploring resilience from a different angle. These events, held in March, April and early May, provide an excellent foundation for the deeper discussions taking place during the main conference. All three events are in Danish. 

1. 10 March: “The End of Globalisation?”
   This event explores the future of globalisation. Is it changing shape, losing momentum, or entering an entirely new phase? The discussion touches on international cooperation, production chains, and geopolitical shifts.
2. 15 April: “Ocean environment and geopolitics”
   A free livestreamed session examining the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines and what it reveals about modern geopolitics, maritime security, and international power dynamics.
3. 6 May: “Europe Under Pressure” 
   On the evening before the conference, journalist Clement Kjersgaard moderates a debate on Europe’s values, political direction, and capacity to withstand internal and external pressures. The panel features leading experts, including journalist and foreign correspondent Simi Jan, professor and defence analyst Mikkel Vedby Rasmussen, and former ambassador Friis Arne Petersen. 

These warm-up events highlight some of the central themes that will be explored in depth at MatchPoints 2026, offering participants valuable context in advance.

Practical Information and Registration

The registration deadline for the main conference is 27 April 2026. Several ticket options are available, including reduced rates for students, PhD students, and Aarhus University alumni. 

Participants may also book tickets for the evening debate on 6 May as well as the conference dinner at ARoS on 7 May.

MatchPoints 2026 will be held at the Lakeside Lecture Theatres (Søauditorierne) at Aarhus University and runs from 08:15 to 17:30. 

Read more and register here.