Second Cycle Degree/Two Year Master in Resource Economics and Sustainable Development

27th ICU – "Laura Conti" Thesis Award (2026 Edition)

Theses of all levels are eligible, including those written in a foreign language, discussed at Italian universities from the academic year 2010–2011 onward, and submitted by November 30, 2026.

Published on 23 June 2026

27th ICU – LAURA CONTI AWARD (2026 Edition)

For degree theses on the following topics:

  • Saving resources and fighting waste
  • Parks, nature tourism, and environmental restoration
  • Economic tools for more sustainable consumption
  • Smart mobility, urban and extra-urban
  • Urban and industrial waste, reduction and recycling
  • Sustainable society, global and local issues
  • Renewable energy and energy saving
  • Environmental education
  • Environmental health prevention
  • Environmental and consumer protection legislation
  • Relationship between humans and other animal species
  • Solidarity economy and fair trade
  • Safety of users and consumers
  • Water, air, and soil pollution, reduction and prevention
  • Ecological, nonviolent movements and struggles of users and consumers
  • Information and “transparency” in the market, strengths and weaknesses of competition
  • Eco-pacifism

Theses of all levels are eligible, including those written in a foreign language, such as PhD and Master’s theses, discussed at Italian universities from the academic year 2010–2011 onward, and submitted by November 30, 2026 (postmark date will apply).

Prizes:

  • 1st prize: €1,000
  • 2nd prize: €500
  • 3rd prize: €250

The jury, composed of Michele Boato, Anna Ciaperoni, Paolo Stevanato, and Franco Rigosi, reserves the right not to award the 2nd and 3rd prizes.

Submitted copies will not be returned. The work may be published, subject to agreement and author’s signature, in Libri di Gaia e dei Consumatori.

HOW TO APPLY

Information:
premiolauraconti@stevanato.org
fondazioneicu.org
ecoistituto-italia.org/cms-4/

1. Register online (CLICK HERE) and attach:

  • An abstract of the thesis (in Italian, approximately 3,000–4,000 characters)
  • The degree thesis
  • Proof of payment of €10 administrative fee, with the reason “Premio ICU - L. Conti 2025”, using one of the following methods:
    • Postal account no. 29119880 in the name of Ecoistituto del Veneto Alex Langer, viale Venezia 7, 30171 Venezia-Mestre
    • Bank transfer (IBAN IT96 J050 1812 1010 0001 6692 519 – Banca Popolare Etica)
    • PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ecoistituto/10

2. Send a printed copy of the thesis

Preferably double-sided, indicating on the envelope:
“Premio ICU – LAURA CONTI 2026” to:

Samarcanda
Via Giuseppe Verdi 23
30171 Venezia-Mestre (VE), Italy