Artificial Life has historically been regarded by its adversaries as an academic “hobby” with little relation to real life. We feel that these days are past, as in fact, our interdisciplinary and constantly self-innovating discipline brings together a set of skills and perspectives with a unique potential to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges of our times. The theme “How can Artificial Life help to solve Societal Challenges” will run through the conference in the shape of keynote presentations and satellite events that apply Artificial Life principles to research on sustainable technologies, bioremediation, urban development and environmental planning, alternative societies a.s.o.But more than merely theming presentations, ALIFE2019 in Newcastle plans to revisit the very way academic conferences are run: a balanced amount of remote talks as well as broadcasting of presentations in order to reduce CO2 emissions, carbon-offset bursaries that allow participants to diminish their ecological footprint, locally sourced catering – these are just a few of the ideas that the organizers will explore, so that us academics can realize some of the change we are advocating for.