Universities Participation in WindEurope’s Annual Event 2026

Overview

WindEurope invites universities to submit proposals for student participation in WindEurope’s upcoming annual event. The event includes a wind energy industry exhibition, a high-level policy conference, a special student program tailored to students’ needs, a networking lunch with industry leaders, and various side events. This provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders, gain hands-on experience, and explore career opportunities in the wind energy sector. We welcome proposals from engineering, business, sustainable science, and IT programs.

The Student Programme 2026 will focus on the theme of mis- and disinformation, as misleading narratives increasingly shape debates on wind energy and the wider energy transition. Participating students will be encouraged to explore how misinformation around wind energy emerges, and how clear, fact-based communication and credible counter-narratives can help address it. They will be asked to connect this theme to their studies – for example, engineering students may highlight technical facts, business students may analyse the economic dimension, IT students may explore digital platforms and algorithms, and sustainable science students may link it to climate and environmental impacts.

Before, during, and after the event, students will be invited to share their reflections, insights, and messages on tackling mis- and disinformation in the energy transition. This can take many forms, including posts and videos on social media, student blogs, visual content, or short interviews recorded at the event.

Event date and location

• Date: 21 – 23 April 2026
• Location: Madrid, Spain

Objectives

WindEurope Annual Event aims to:

• Provide students with insights into the latest advances and trends in wind energy, including high-level policy input.
• Facilitate networking opportunities between students, professionals, and industry experts.
• Encourage academic-industry collaboration and partnerships.
• Inspire the next generation of wind energy professionals by showcasing career opportunities across the sector.

Programme

A detailed programme will be announced in February 2026.

Eligibility

Only WindEurope member universities are eligible to apply to the Call for Proposals.

Non-member universities interested in participating may apply for WindEurope membership by contacting us at [email protected]

Please note that obtaining membership does not guarantee the selection of your proposal.

Proposals are invited from accredited universities from European Economic Area, Switzerland (EEAS) +UK region with programs in:

• Renewable energy
• Engineering
• Business
• Sustainable Science
• IT
• Related fields

We particularly welcome submissions from universities committed to

• Advancing diversity
• Promoting sustainability

We welcome proposals from universities with full-time Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate/PhD students. Please note that Doctorate/PhD students who are employed part-time by a company are not eligible to participate.

Proposal requirements

Proposals should include the following components:

1. Institutional overview: A brief description of the university and relevant academic programs.
2. Student selection criteria: Criteria and process for selecting students, emphasising diversity.
3. Number of attendees: Specifying the number of students.
4. Proposed programme: Outline how attendees will make use of their time at the event beyond participating in the student programme, conference and exhibition (i.e. bringing visibility to the event through articles, interviews, social media content etc.)

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance: Alignment with the event’s goals and objectives.
• Diversity: Commitment to diversity in attendee selection, including (gender, international students and students with diverse background, academic interests, and faculty).
• Impact: Potential benefits for students and university programme.
• Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to future participation.
• Innovation: Creativity in program design and engagement approaches.
• Evaluation and report: Propose evaluation framework and report.

Submission Process

Please submit your proposal electronically via our online submission portal before 30 October 2025.

Important Dates

• Proposal Submission Deadline: 30 October 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: 30 November 2025
• List of the students provided to WindEurope: 30 January 2026

Funding

Students will receive a daily per diem of 50 Euros and lunch vouchers.

Students from funded universities based in Madrid will only receive a lunch vouchers.

The travel budget for students will be determined using the European Commission tool, table 3. This calculation will be based on the means of transportation and the distance from the place of departure to Madrid.

The reimbursement will be processed after the event, once students attendance has been verified and the university-issued invoice has been reviewed.

Universities that meet the evaluation criteria will receive full or partial funding based on the available budget. WindEurope retains the sole discretion to decide who receives funding.

We look forward to your proposals and to welcoming your students to our Annual Event.