As concerns about climate change increase, the environmental impact of long-distance travel – including academic conference travel – is coming into focus. Multiple universities have recently started to deploy sustainability policies committed to net-zero targets. However, it remains uncertain today whether academics are ready to embrace such initiatives and transform their practices for the sake of the environment. In this study, we explore the motivational factors behind academics’ willingness to limit their conference travel based on a survey conducted in Spain. The results highlight the role played by a set of demographic, socioeconomic, work-related, and attitudinal factors, as estimated by means of an ordered logit model. All else being equal, postdoctoral researchers and individuals who live in single-person households are more likely than others to reduce their travel. In terms of psychological attributes, we detect that individuals with a higher level of green values and more influenced by social norms are more intended to limit their conference trips. Conversely, those who believe that conferences are a driver for professional development are less willing to lower their travel. Our findings can help institutions to identify the segments of academics with a higher (and lower) probability of changing their behaviour towards more sustainable habits.

Today, there is growing concern over the climate impact of long-distance travel – academic conference travel included. While institutions worldwide develop sustainability policies, it remains unclear whether academics are willing to adopt such measures and change their behaviours for environmental reasons. Based on a survey of 245 Spanish academics, we identify a set of motivational factors underlying individuals’ intentions towards conference travel. Using Latent-Class-Cluster-Analysis, we detect three distinct profiles: “Low-concerned academics”, with limited regard for environmental concerns and social norms; “Performance-oriented academics”, driven by career advancement; and “Flight-shamed academics”, highly aware of environmental and social issues. Additionally, we examine perceptions of the actual, minimum, and expected number of conferences attended annually, recognising notable discrepancies. Our findings can inform targeted policies in four key areas: promoting greener choices, reshaping academic culture to normalise lower-carbon practices, raising awareness and strengthening institutional engagement, and supporting online participation.