The ELLS Conference (General Assembly and Forum and Student Scientific Conference) has just concluded at SLU in Ultuna, marking two inspiring days in which participants from across the globe exchanged ideas, forged new collaborations, and showcased outstanding student research in poster and oral presentation competitions.
An unusually warm, concrete-grey autumn morning in Uppsala set the scene as the conference opened, but the subdued November light did nothing to dim the energy among attendees. The auditorium buzzed with excitement as SLU’s Vice-Chancellor, Maria Knutson Wedel, welcomed the ELLS community on behalf of the host university.
“SLU is one of the most international universities in Sweden. That is why I am especially pleased to welcome you — because it is you who make us international, and better. I hope you will have fantastic days here, meeting old friends but also making new ones,” she said, adding with a smile: “I will be watching closely to make sure you do the latter!”
Hosted this year by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) from 14–15 November on the Ultuna campus, the conference brought together 400 participants from 13 ELLS member and partner universities under the theme “Living the ELLSperience – Cultivating Scientific Innovation.”
For ELLS, the event served as a powerful demonstration of the strength and vibrancy of our alliance. SLU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Ylva Hillbur, expressed the university’s enthusiasm for contributing to this collective mission:
“It is truly wonderful for SLU to host the ELLS Conference this year. It is an opportunity for our staff and students to build connections and learn more.”
As a longstanding alliance of universities dedicated to advancing research and education in areas including the environment, climate, agriculture, forestry, and the natural sciences, ELLS sees the annual conference as a cornerstone of collaboration. This year’s gathering once again strengthened ties among researchers, teachers, and students while providing an invaluable platform for young scientists to refine and present their work.
Participants enjoyed a rich programme featuring, among other highlights, a keynote by SLU researcher Jonas Hentati Sundberg, who shared reflections on the academic path that shaped his career. Student competitions for best poster and best oral presentation showcased creativity, rigour, and the promise of the next generation of scientists. And throughout the two days, countless informal conversations and networking opportunities helped deepen cooperation across our ELLS institutions.
As we look back on an engaging and inspiring conference at Ultuna, the ELLS Alliance extends its warmest thanks to SLU for hosting and to all participants for making this year’s event a true celebration of scientific innovation and collaboration.
