An exclusive two-day workshop focused on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus was recently conducted at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The event was organized by Assistant Professor Giannis Adamos, the NexusNet Grant Holder Manager, and convened experts and stakeholders to explore innovative strategies, exchange insights, and foster collaboration within this vital interdisciplinary domain.

Professor Tamara Radjenovic from the University of Niš and Dr. Serena Caucci from the United Nations University collaboratively organized the workshop event.

On the inaugural day of the workshop, Professor Chrysi Laspidou, the Chair of the NexusNet Cost Action, along with Assistant Professor Giannis Adamos and the esteemed hosts from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki—Professor Aikaterini Tsikaloudaki, Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering; Professor Fotini Kehagia, Director of the Transport and Project Management Division; and Professor Srojan Glisovic, Dean of the Faculty of Occupational Safety from the University of Niš, Serbia—warmly welcomed the participants and guests.

The session featured a distinguished group of speakers who offered significant insights into the topics of innovation, governance, and sustainability.

– Navigating Innovation: Strategies for turning ideas into impactful solutions by Inna Petrenko, Enrich Global

– From Student-Group to Reality: How Rhoé achieved its vision by Theocharis Vlachopanagiotis, Rhoé

– Exploring funding opportunities in the research world by Nafsika Stavridou, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, post-doctoral researcher

– Nexus enabling Governance: trends and challenges from DesirMED and Sustainable Tourism (interreg-euro-med.eu) projects by Alexia Spyridonidou, European Public Law Organisation

– Identifying and combining urban environmental stressors: an innovative, multi-faceted methodology for the Athens case study of the ARSINOE project by Dr. Georgios Papangelis, National Observatory of Athens

– SustainGraph: A Knowledge Graph for Tracking Progress and Interlinking of the Sustainable Development Goal by Christina-Maria Androna, National Technical University of Athens

– EU mission on adaptation to climate change – what it is all about by Tadej Stepinsik Perdih, National Technical University of Athens

The inaugural day of NexusNet EXCELLENTIA concluded successfully, characterized by dynamic outdoor collaborative sessions that facilitated meaningful exchanges between mentors and mentees.

The second day of the NexusNet Excellentia Mentoring Program’s workshop presented a comprehensive agenda of intellectually stimulating project presentations, each examining critical intersections within the NEXUS framework. Esteemed researchers and experts provided significant insights, facilitating a thorough investigation of innovative methodologies and transformative solutions.

– Unlocking Water Resilience through Better Water Governance Retouch Nexus Project presented by Maria Vrachioli, Technical University of Munich

– REXUS: From nexus thinking to nexus doing REXUS Project presented by José González Piqueras, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha

– Climate-resilient regions through systemic solutions and innovations ARSINOE Project presented by Professor Chrysi Laspidou, University of Thessaly

– Exploring the Water, Energy, Food, Transport and Health Nexus approach to enhance Biodiversity resilience under SSPs-RCPs scenarios at European level until 2100 BIONEXT Project presented by Alexandra Ioannou, University of Thessaly

– Accelerating and mainstreaming transformative Nature-Based solutions to enhance resilience to climate change for diverse biogeographical European regions NATALIE Project presented by Alexandra-Eleni Spyropoulou, University of Thessaly

– Streamlining water related policies NEXOGENESIS Project presented by Dr. Nikolaos Mellios, University of Thessaly

– Mitigating transport related air pollution in Europe MI-TRAP Project presented by Georgia Tseva, AMARANTHUS

– Mainstream mitigation pathways for a climate-conscious change in the food chain CHOICE Project presented by Argyrios Balatsoukas, University of Thessaly

– Assessing the Nexus implications of extreme events NexusNet COST Action presented by Cevza Melek Kazezyilmaz Alhan, Instanbul University & Dr. Dimitrios Kofinas, University of Thessaly

Inna Petrenko, representing Enrich Global, spearheaded the initiative titled Global: Advancing Climate Change and Sustainability through Collaboration, and initiatives for engagement in these critical areas.

Following the conclusion of the NexusNet EXCELLENTIA Workshop, participants—including mentors, mentees, and project members—attended an informative presentation entitled “Gender Balance: Co-creation and Sustainability,” delivered by Juliana Gomes Chediek and Luisa Prista. The presentation emphasized the significance of balanced representation in alignment with the Gender Equality Plan established by the COST Association – European Cooperation in Science and Technology. It was highlighted that such representation not only enhances team resilience but also fosters creativity and facilitates more profound collaboration.

Professor Tamara Radjenovic from the University of Nis and Dr. Serena Caucci from the United Nations University facilitated an interactive and dynamic World Café activity at the conclusion of the second day. This activity, which combined elements of “speed dating” with collaborative brainstorming, enabled both early-career and established researchers to engage in meaningful discussions, thereby exploring potential synergies for future projects. The atmosphere in the room was exceptionally vibrant, and the activity served as a valuable source of ideas and collaborative opportunities.

In conclusion, the highly anticipated OPEN COMPETITION was held as part of the NexusNet Excellentia Mentoring program. During this event, twelve exceptionally talented mentees delivered five-minute pitch presentations to showcase their work. The occasion proved to be both inspiring and invigorating, highlighting the remarkable efforts of each participant. Sincere congratulations are extended to Felipe Marivera, who was awarded a grant of $1,000 to attend a conference of his choice in 2025. His contribution was notably distinguished by the Evaluation Committee.

The networking opportunities provided during coffee breaks, lunches, and dinners were highly valued, as they facilitated significant moments for connection and collaboration. Sincere gratitude is expressed to all individuals who contributed to enhancing this experience, thereby making it truly memorable.

agenda: Nexus EXCELLENTIA-Workshop_agenda

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