The conferenece had the title “The puzzle of Life Sciences - Add your piece” and students from all over the world listened, discussed, mingled, work-shopped and partied for several days at the campus of Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands.
Six students were selected to represent SLU with posters and oral presentations:
* Alina Kühn, EnvEuro - European Master in Environmental Science
* Bianca Smuts, Plant biology for sustainable production
* Bruna Jesus dos Santos, Sustainable Development
* Kari Løe, Agricultural Science with a Specialisation in Plant and Soil Sciences
* Pauline Seeburger, Plant biology for sustainable production
* Silvia Faravelli, Plant biology for sustainable production
Prices for best poster and oral presentation were awarded in six different sub themes: "Shaping the new economy", "Creating food in a changing world", "Following the steps of the farmer", "Designing sustainable transitions", "Resilient use of natural resources" and "Discovering life's code". In addition, three prices for outstanding master thesis was awarded. Two SLU students were awarded for their thesis, and one for best oral presentation.
Photo: Guy Ackermans
The ELLS students are organised in the Euroleague Student Association, ELSA, who in addition to giving advice about the running of the network, also is in charge of the organisation of the conference. The vice chair of SLUSS is acting as SLU’s representative in ELSA, and this year Einar Nordgren participated for the first time. His reflection on the opportunity to participate in ELSA and the conference:
”Participating in the ELLS Scientific Student Conference expands your international network and gives you other perspectives on things you take for granted, as well as learning about other cultures."
Prior to the student conference, the ELLS board, support teams and subject areas met for a General Assembly and Forum. Each group has a representative from each member university.
In conjuction with this trip, we hosted a gathering for alumni and former SLU exchange students to find out more about their life and work, SLU’s visibility in Europe, etc.
Photo: Charlotte Walhed
In November 2025, SLU will be hosting the ELLS Scientific Student Conference and the General Assembly and Forum at Ultuna. This will be a great opportunity for SLU students and staff to get acquainted with the ELLS network.
"On 13-15 November 2025, about 300 students and over 100 professors, researchers and administrators from the ELLS universities will visit Campus Ultuna. I would especially like to recommend those colleagues who are not yet engaged in the ELLS network to take this opportunity to learn more about the network and what it has to offer in terms of teaching and research collaborations. And the student conference is usually extremely inspiring, with a great variety of posters and presentations." - Ylva Hillbur, Pro Vice-Chancellor, international relations
