SETU represented at EU-CONEXUS Conference in Valencia
Researchers, PhD students, and colleagues from SETU recently participated in the EU-CONEXUS Conference on Transformative Research for Urban Coastal Sustainability at the Catholic University of Valencia (UCV), Spain.
Transformative Research for Urban Coastal Sustainability
The conference centred on long-term strategies and technologies that radically reshape urban systems making them more resilient, sustainable, and adaptable to threats such as climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation. By integrating social, environmental, and economic dimensions, the conference aimed to foster innovative, collaborative solutions that transcend conventional approaches.
Conference Themes and SETU Participation
The programme focused on five main themes with SETU contributors presenting across all major themes though poster presentations, round table presentations & discussions and workshops focussed on potential EU funding collaborations for SmUCs topics. These included Data-Driven Decision Making, Sustainable Health and Disease Management, Adaptive and Resilient Urban Systems, Smart Infrastructures, Sustainable Economic Models and Community and Stakeholder Engagement.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Posters were presented by Jessica Cullen O’Hara, Sinéad Barnett, Ioannis Markou, Krishna Reddy Kandula, Muhammad Iftikhar Umrani, Dr Richard Hayes, Dr Susan Flynn, and Dr Indraskshi Dey.
Reflecting on the value of participating, Muhammad Iftikhar Umrani highlighted productive conversations with colleagues from Klaipeda University, La Rochelle Université and Valencia City Council, noting shared research interests and potential future collaboration in areas such as UAV-based coastal sensing and GNSS resilience.
Sustainable Health and Disease Management
SETU was represented by Malik Faizan and Raysa Martins Hetherington, with discussions focused on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health in coastal regions.
Speaking about EU-CONEXUS, Malik Faizan said the alliance “enhances students’ academic exposure, research visibility, employability, and networking opportunities while access to collaborative projects, co-authorship opportunities and EU-wide funding.”
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Dr Michelle Clancy, Dr Janette Davies, Dr Veronica Kelly, Amy Allen, Martina Flavin and Patricia Mhekwa represented SETU in this theme, which explored inclusive research approaches involving citizens, policymakers, industry, and scientists.
Dr Michelle Clancy noted opportunities emerging for joint Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ projects, mobility programmes and collaborative research in climate-resilient infrastructure and community-based sustainability. Dr Veronica Kelly emphasised the benefits to students, particularly access to international collaboration and virtual exchange that supports global competencies even for those unable to travel.
Sustainable Economic Models and Smart Infrastructures
Prof Helen Hughes contributed as a speaker to the Sustainable Economic Models theme, while Mohammadhassan Badihehaghdam represented SETU in Adaptive and Resilient Urban Systems and Smart Infrastructures.
Prof Hughes noted the importance of relationship-building for future funding opportunities and highlighted that the conference has already led to activity including a COST Action submission and ongoing collaboration discussions with colleagues at UCV about potential projects.
Strategic Meetings and Research Collaboration
Alongside the conference, SETU attendees joined strategic workshops involving representatives from all nine EU-CONEXUS partner universities. Discussions examined collaboration potential, capacity building and priorities for the next major funding call. SETU participants included Dr Helen Murphy, Siobhan Rudden, David Denieffe, Dr Mike Kinsella, Dr Clare Doran, Angela Collins, Dr Rebecca Power, Dr Richard Hayes and Brian Ogilvie.
Brian Ogilvie described the sessions as valuable both for shaping work packages and building face-to-face connections after previous online engagement. He added that several ideas emerged which may lead to new opportunities for SETU, particularly in student entrepreneurship and collaboration.
L-R Brian Ogilvie. Angela Collins, Dr Mike Kinsella, Dr Rebecca Power, Dr Clare Doran, Dr Richard Hayes , Dr Helen Murphy, Siobhan Rudden and David Denieffe
Meanwhile, Research Manager Administration sessions were attended by Eva Roberts, Dr Saoirse Cummins, Dr Yvonne Kavangah and Susie Cullinan, who facilitated workshops. New connections formed at the event have already led to plans for Dr Cummins to deliver an online workshop for EU-CONEXUS partners, as well researchers focused on engagement who will be to invited to join a new Engaged Research Community of Practice at SETU.
Reflecting on the event, Susie Cullinan commented that EU-CONEXUS “strengthens institutional visibility at a European level and increases capacity to tackle global challenges through shared education, research and innovation,” while Eva Roberts noted that the alliance is helping build a more integrated and collaborative research infrastructure across partner universities.
Looking Ahead
The conference and associated workshops demonstrated the strong value of in-person engagement across the alliance. For researchers, PhD students and professional staff alike, EU-CONEXUS is opening collaborative opportunities, knowledge exchange, and impactful European partnerships. SETU looks forward to continuing to build on these foundations and showcasing the growing impact of EU-CONEXUS across the university.
