NexusNet International Conference on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus for a low-carbon Economy in Europe & beyond ‘Building Resilience to Global Challenges’ – 8th MC Meeting and WGs Meetings: A Milestone Event
On June 4th, 2025, the NexusNet International Conference ‘Building Resilience to Global Challenges’ represented a significant milestone for the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus community. Convened at the IHECS Building in Brussels and designated as an official partner event of the EU Green Week, the conference brought together more than 200 participants, both in-person and virtually, from various regions of Europe and beyond to explore innovative pathways toward a low-carbon, resilient economy.
The event, organized by COST Action NexusNet (CA20138) in collaboration with Water Europe, the University of Thessaly, and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and supported by One Planet Thessaly and Resilient Futures powered by Enrich Global, convened a powerful alliance of researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and innovators.
The day commenced with welcoming remarks delivered by Professor Chrysi Laspidou, Chair of NexusNet and Vice-Rector of Innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations, and Digital Governance of the University of Thessaly, alongside Mr. Durk Krol, Executive Director of Water Europe. Their visionary statements set the tone for a day characterized by dialogue, inspiration, and calls to action.
The agenda was structured around five principal thematic sessions:
- Modelling the Nexus
- Applications in the Real World
- Policy Implications
- Urban Resilience and Circular Economy
- Cross-thematic Poster Session and the NexusNet Manifesto Discussion
A significant highlight of the event was the Roundtable discussion on Achievements, Challenges, and Lessons Learned, which was moderated by Carine Hinchcliffe. This session featured prominent leaders, including Assistant Professor Giannis Adamos, the NexusNet Grant Holder Manager, Dr. Maria Vrachioli, Dr. Svetlana Klessova, Assistant Professor Tamara Rađenović, and Dr. Luisa Prista. The discussion effectively illustrated the tangible impact of the Nexus EXCELLENTIA Mentoring Program and established a foundation for enhanced collaboration across various sectors.
Over 30 technical presentations explored innovative frameworks and real-world implementations — from quantitative nexus modeling and nature-based solutions to integrated governance, and educational strategies. The topics selected for discussion included:
- Nexus modeling for climate resilience in the EU
- Interdisciplinary methods integrating soil biodiversity and urban design
- Circular economy and energy transition in crisis-prone regions
- Governance strategies aligning WEFE Nexus with the EU Green Deal
The online session focused on Urban Resilience and Circular Economy significantly broadened the global scope of the event, incorporating insights from Turkey, Portugal, Germany, and other regions.
In her concluding remarks, Chair Professor Chrysi Laspidou underscored the significance of transforming Nexus knowledge into systemic action. This sentiment was echoed during the final session, which featured the launch of the NexusNet Manifesto—a collaborative document delineating prospective pathways for research, policy, and innovation.
The success of the NexusNet International Conference can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of the Organizing Committee, which was chaired by Assistant Professor Tamara Rađenović from the University of Niš, Serbia, and co-chaired by Mr. Durk Krol from Water Europe, Belgium. Significant contributions were also made by Dr. Alexandra-Eleni Spyropoulou of the University of Thessaly, Greece, and Mr. Argyrios Balatsoukas, affiliated with both the University of Thessaly and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Their commitment and coordination were instrumental in ensuring the effective planning and implementation of this significant event.
The NexusNet International Conference 2025 represented not only a significant scientific milestone but also a definitive indication that integrated, systems-based thinking has transitioned from being optional to becoming essential.
NexusNet extends its sincere gratitude to all participants—including speakers, moderators, panelists, and attendees—whose invaluable contributions, insightful discussions, and active engagement were instrumental in the success of the International Conference. Your commitment to advancing the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus and fostering a more resilient and sustainable future serves as the driving force behind our collective progress.
MC Meeting & WGs Meetings
On June 5th, the momentum was sustained with the convening of the 8th Management Committee (MC) Meeting and Working Group (WG) sessions at the headquarters of the COST Association in Brussels. The meeting was attended in person by Action Chair Professor Chrysi Laspidou, Grant Holder Manager Professor Giannis Adamos, and WG leaders—Dr. Maria Vrachioli and Dr. Nikolaos Mellios (WG1), Dr. Dimitris Kofinas (WG2), Dr. Sarah Milliken and Dr. Luisa Prista (WG3), Ms. Juliana Chediek (WG4), Assistant Professor Tamara Rađenović (WG5), and Dr. Serena Caucci, alongside Dr. Svetlana Klessova (WG6). Additionally, the meeting facilitated remote contributions from other members.
The key topics addressed included shaping the NexusNet Manifesto, encompassing discussions regarding its structure, target audience, and collaborative content. Additionally, administrative updates were provided concerning Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) and Virtual Mobility (VM) grants. Reflections on the long-term legacy and future trajectory of NexusNet were also presented.
COST
COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation.
