Yesterday, June 12, 2025, Medialab UGR played a key role in the conference “Unlocking Science-Policy Synergies for Europe’s Green and Digital Future”, held at the Representation Office of Rhineland-Palatinate to the European Union in Brussels. This event was part of the ERASMUS+ project in which the University of Granada is a partner: “Enhancing Institutional Capacities and Researchers’ Competencies for Policy Engagement for Green and Digital Transitions” (ENGAGEgreen). ENGAGEgreen aims to connect scientists with policymakers to foster dialogue and innovation in addressing the challenges of climate change, environmental protection, sustainable finance and digital transformation.
Medialab UGR coordinated Session 3, entitled “Water and Soil: From Research to Public Policies for Environmental Protection”, in collaboration with the Beta Technological Center of the University of Vic. This session combined two foundational elements: water and soil, focusing on the essential role of science in the development of public policies. The panel featured Susana Vílchez Tornero, Director of the Institute of Biotechnology at UGR, who presented sustainable alternatives for pest eradication within the realm of biotechnology. David Corado, ENGAGEgreen technician, moderated and encouraged debate in both Session 3 and Session 4.
Among the topics discussed in the other sessions were the use of artificial intelligence in public services, the green transition, citizen and student involvement in political dialogue and the development of local open access infrastructures. In addition to the sessions, the networking space provided an excellent opportunity to present the main initiatives from the Vice-Rectorate for Social Innovation, Employability and Entrepreneurship of the University of Granada. These initiatives attracted the attention of policymakers from European institutions and researchers from around the world.
Two posters were also presented: one on Impronta Granada, the strategic alliance between the University of Granada and the Provincial Council of Granada, and another on the UGR County Councils nitiative, which has generated significant interest and engagement within the university community.
The conference underscored the importance of fostering synergies between science and politics to address Europe’s green and digital transitions. A clear example of how the University of Granada is at the forefront of this international dialogue.
