Badajoz, Spain, April 28, 2025 — The first-ever EU GREEN Marathon for Young Researchers, hosted by Universidad de Extremadura, gathered over 150 emerging scholars from EU GREEN partner universities in a dynamic showcase of multidisciplinary research. The event underscored the EU GREEN Alliance’s commitment to building a truly European University from and for the periphery, fostering collaboration across disciplines and borders.
Researchers presented innovative work in Soc
ial and Legal Sciences, Engineering and Architecture, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Arts and Humanities, encouraging cross-disciplinary dialogue and engagement with external stakeholders. The program exemplified the role of universities as engines of sustainable regional development in Europe.
Structured sessions explored diverse themes: societal challenges, technological innovation, healthcare advancements, environmental sustainability, and cultural reflection. A highlight was the 3-Minutes Fame Contest, promoting accessible science communication.
Beyond academia, the event featured reflections on University-Business Commitment. Guillermo Santamaría, Consejero de Economía, Empleo y Transformación Digital of Extremadura, emphasized creating opportunities for young talent within regional ecosystems, supported by initiatives like ‘Atraigo Talento’ and ‘Contrata a la Excelencia’.
At the closing ceremony, Raquel Pérez-Aloe Valverde captured the event’s spirit, praising participants for their dedication and collaborations that will shape the future of research in Europe. In a gesture of solidarity, participants contributed to a local food bank, reflecting the Alliance’s broader mission of community engagement.
The EU GREEN
Alliance, a partnership of European universities dedicated to sustainability, regional engagement, and academic excellence, continues to build a connected and socially engaged European University. This Marathon stands as a testament to the power of collaboration across disciplines, borders, and sectors.
As participants return to their home institutions, the spirit of the EU GREEN Marathon for Young Researchers endures—inspiring ongoing collaboration and driving Europe’s future through shared knowledge and regional empowerment.
