The EXCELLENTIA Mentoring Program Workshop organised by the NEXUS Net COST Action at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki gathered more than 60 of Europe’s most promising young researchers and innovators, and senior researchers to present innovative solutions to global challenges. Dr. Maria Vrachioli from the Technical University of Munich, coordinator of the RETOUCH NEXUS Project, provided key insights on improving water resilience through better water governance.

Dr. Vrachioli’s presentation was one of the highlights of the workshop, focusing on the crucial role of water governance in ensuring long-term resilience in the face of increasing climate pressures. She underscored the urgent need for improved policies and frameworks that can adapt to the complexities of the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus, emphasizing that better water governance is key to safeguarding resources and enhancing global water security.

Dr. Vrachioli’s Contribution to a Global Conversation

Dr. Maria Vrachioli’s work with the RETOUCH NEXUS project connects scientific research with policy implementation, offering practical solutions for sustainable water management.

Her focus on innovative governance frameworks addresses water scarcity and climate unpredictability, emphasizing the need for resilience across sectors.

By promoting science-based decision-making in policy, Dr. Vrachioli is helping to build a more sustainable future. Her contributions at the NEXUSNet EXCELLENTIA Workshop showcased her leadership in water governance and inspired deeper consideration of the interconnectedness of environmental systems.

A Platform of Collaboration and Innovation

The event showcased many other thought-provoking presentations that explored different aspects of the NEXUS framework.

Many of our sister projects attended: ARSINOE_EU, BIONEXT Project ChoiceEU NEXOGENESIS Rexus Project NatalieProject MI-TRAP Optimizing Distance Learning Educational Programs (ODLEP).

Experts like Prof. José González Piqueras from Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Prof. Chrysi Laspidou from the University of Thessaly, and Dr. Alexandra Spyropoulou from the University of Thessaly shared groundbreaking research on topics ranging from biodiversity to air pollution mitigation.

Each presentation delved into the critical intersections between water, energy, food, transport, and health systems, offering participants a holistic view of how NEXUS-based approaches can drive systemic solutions for climate resilience.

Looking Forward

Dr. Vrachioli’s insights, along with those of her esteemed colleagues, set the stage for continued collaboration and innovation in tackling global challenges. The NEXUSNet EXCELLENTIA Mentoring Program Workshop has proven to be a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and breakthrough solutions, reinforcing the vital role of interdisciplinary research in building a sustainable future.

We look forward to seeing Dr. Vrachioli and the RETOUCH NEXUS project continue to drive change, unlocking the potential of better water governance to create resilient and sustainable communities around the world. 🌍💧