We invite participants to not only present their research papers but also to bring forward innovative ideas and proposals for project applications aimed at securing international funding.

We aim to foster discussions and develop ideas further with support from the research services team, in close collaboration with the University of Vaasa representative in Brussels. We are well positioned to generate and refine project ideas in the run-up to the conference.

This unique opportunity encourages collaboration and the exchange of groundbreaking concepts. For forthcoming EU funding calls on collaborative research projects, please visit the EU funding and tenders portal

Participants in the “Alliance for Socially-acceptable & Actionable Plants” (ASAP) will have the opportunity to gather for an initial meeting to introduce the project and their work packages.

The ASAP project is developing genetically modified crops for biofuel production. Genetically modified biofuels are part of the energy transition and the replacement of fossil fuels, but there are many other important issues involved, such as how agricultural land should be used and how to regulate genetic modification. Researchers from the University of Vaasa and the University of Essex are studying how people feel about genetically modified crops and biofuels, as well as the legal issues, ways to reduce risks, and business models that are involved.

DEI4SME Session: “Framework to manage social sustainability in Europe under political pressures against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)”

*requires pre-registration*
Sign up to be a part of this focus group discussion:  https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/EA0DDE878EEFDD71

The focus group discussion session aims to invite workshop participants to co-evaluate the proposed DEI-management framework, identifying both its strengths and potential shortcomings, particularly in the European and SME contexts. The framework to be discussed has been developed through quantitative (surveys of individuals and SMEs) and qualitative research (case analysis and solution-building in hackathons) completed in Finland, Lithuania, Austria, and Germany. Participants, including sustainability experts, company representatives, and underrepresented groups, will explore challenges to implementation the framework, suggest improvements to enhance quality, relevance, and cross-country applicability, particularly in the uncertain times filled with political adversity towards DEI and sustainability as well as corporate social responsibility more generally. Conference participants are welcome to join and contribute to the discussion.

This is a week when we will host both this conference and the Annual Meeting of the HERMES Universities Network. To make the most of both events, we would like to offer an opportunity for our ERASMUS, HERMES and bilateral partners to meet and explore ways to deepen and broaden links.  We look to introduce our University of Vaasa, schools and programmes to you and start, continue or further develop institutional partnership discussions, gauging opportunities for collaboration, including Double/Triple/Joint degrees, BIPs, COILs, as well as opportunities for developing shared research and doctoral programmes.