MAKE SCIENCE MATTER
About the EULiST interactive conference
In an era of rapid technological change and complex global challenges, scientific innovation with societal impact requires active engagement and trust, not just information sharing. To drive real progress and keep serving society at its best, science must be accessible, understood, and – most importantly – it must always MATTER.
To bridge this gap, EULiST—true to its core mission of linking society and technology - presents the MAKE SCIENCE MATTER interactive conference. This event brings together three forces that can drive this change: Policymakers, Academia, and Cities and Regions. By bringing these worlds together, we move science out of isolated labs and straight into the heart of our communities.
Because real impact requires action and a direct, multi-way dialogue, you won’t just be an observer in the audience - you will be a vital contributor. This co-creation begins the moment you register. Through our Interactive Area - a dedicated digital portal, you can immediately bring your energy and insights to the table by sharing challenges and contributing best practices, questions, and suggestions upfront or during the event. Your input will directly feed into our live discussions and presentations on stage and actively shape the final EULiST Brussels Statement - a community-driven manifesto for Europe's future.
Don’t just take a seat. Take part.
TOGETHER, WE MAKE SCIENCE MATTER.
Niinistö
Ville Niinistö is a member of the European Parliament, where he works in the committees on Industry, Research and Energy, Security and Defence and Foreign Affairs and is the chair of Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.
Niinistö served as Finland's Minister of the Environment from 2011 to 2014. Niinistö is a former member of the Finnish parliament and a former party leader of the Green Party of Finland.
Niinistö has a master's degree in political science from the University of Turku. Before being elected to the parliament in 2007, he worked as a doctoral student in political history (Finnish foreign policy) at the University of Turku in Finland.
Boudouvis
Andreas G. Boudouvis is Professor of Chemical Engineering and former Rector (2019–2023) of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA).
He served as co-Chair of the EULiST European University Alliance (2021–2023) and is currently a member of its Advisory Board.
He has extensive teaching experience and leads research in computational transport phenomena, multiscale modeling, machine learning, and scientific computing.
In 2024, he received Greece's Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching from the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas.
Boudouvis earned his diploma from NTUA and his PhD from the University of Minnesota, later holding several international visiting appointments.
To effectively link society and technology, knowledge cannot exist in silos. The MAKE SCIENCE MATTER conference is about the synergy of three interconnected pillars, driving real-world impact from different angles:
The European Commission
Providing the strategic vision with high-level policy and extensive funding needed to catalyze new knowledge and drive continental growth.
European Universities
Conducting generative and rigorous research, driving technology transfer and transforming regional challenges into "living labs" to cultivate the skilled talent Europe needs.
European Cities & Regions
Acting not just as testing grounds, but as vital driving forces for local implementation, cohesion and resilience — bridging the gap between grand institutions and a people-centered Europe.
The Ultimate Goal of THE CONFERENCE
To demonstrate the tangible societal benefits that collaborative innovation delivers when these three forces work in alignment.
By engaging both online and on-site participants through the Interactive Area, your collective expertise will directly shape the EULiST Brussels Statement: a community-driven manifesto aimed at focusing future investment exactly where Europe needs it most.
Program
8:30: Coffee and Registration
9:00: Opening and Keynote speeches
10:00: Coffee break
10:30: Round Table 1: Science Matters. now more than ever?
12:00: Lunch break
13:00: Round Table 2: Can innovation come from cities and regions?
14:30: Coffee break
15:00: Round Table 3: What´s next for European Universities?
16:30: Wrap up - EULiST Brussels Statement
17:00: Closing
WHY JOIN THE DIALOGUE?
Whether you join us live in Brussels or connect remotely, your experience matters. In-person attendees will enjoy invaluable face-to-face networking, cross-sector debates, and direct connections within the vibrant community. Online participants will gain full live-stream access and a direct seat at the digital table.
BECOME A CO-CREATOR TODAY
Once you register, your journey begins immediately. Well before the event, we will deliver exclusive early access to the Interactive Area directly to your inbox. You will be able to submit your regional challenges and vote on key priorities and much more before the first keynote even starts.
Activities
KEYNOTES
ROUND TABLES
NETWORKING
INTERACTIVE AREA
Your contributions will actively feed into live on-stage discussions and shape the final Brussels Statement
Venue
ABOUT EULiST
European Universities Linking Society and Technology
