Welcome to the 6th Rencontres du Labex ITTEM

A highlight of the Labex ITTEM’s calendar—a forum for exchange among scientists and stakeholders in mountain regions—the next Rencontres will take place on November 4 and 5, 2026, in Trièves, Isère.

Participants in the^6th Rencontres du Labex ITTEM will gather at the Maison-Ateliers, a space for experimentation and creation located in Cornillon-en-Trièves. This year, water in the mountains will be at the heart of the discussions. Water is a source of life but also, increasingly, a source of tensions and conflicts in the context of global warming.

Will the mountains remain the “water towers” of these regions? How can we gain a fresh perspective on water cycles and develop a collective vision for water use and management that encompasses all living things? How can we share water equitably and envision new governance models?

The 2026 Rencontres will delve into these issues and provide an opportunity to examine the interdependencies in an effort to move beyond controversies, drawing on the testimonies of local stakeholders, research conducted by Labex ITTEM researchers, and a citizen survey carried out in the region.

The perspectives of several scientists working on water-related topics will be drawn upon, highlighting the contribution of the humanities and social sciences to this issue and the diversity of approaches. Participatory workshops and roundtable discussions will foster dialogue. Artists will bring these reflections to life in their own ways, shedding new light on the debates.

Labex ITTEM invites all of its partners to immerse themselves in this collective reflection on water in mountain regions.

Information: jean-baptiste.grison@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr

Click here to learn more about this annual event.