EULiST participates at the European Researchers' Night 2025 in Madrid

The European Alliance EULiST (European Universities Linking Society and Technology) is an international consortium that brings together various universities across Europe. Its mission is to strengthen inter-university cooperation, promote knowledge exchange, and support sustainable regional development. The Alliance is composed of academic institutions from ten different European countries, working in partnership with local and regional actors on innovative projects. The founding members of EULiST include universities with expertise in technology, social sciences, and humanities, enabling the Alliance to address contemporary challenges from a multidisciplinary perspective focused on society’s needs.

By supporting collaborative projects like the integration of local agricultural products, such as the renowned Saffron of L’Aquila, EULiST demonstrates the transformative power of academia when working hand-in-hand with local communities.

In addition, saffron serves as a vibrant thread weaving together the historical and culinary heritage of both Spanish and Italian societies. Its cultivation and use in traditional dishes have shaped local identities for centuries, symbolizing not only agricultural excellence but also cross-cultural exchange and shared Mediterranean traditions. The presence of saffron in emblematic recipes—from Spanish paella to Italian risotto alla milanese—highlights its role in celebrating regional diversity while fostering a sense of community rooted in gastronomy and history.

This initiative not only strengthens research and educational opportunities but also enriches regional identity and economic development, illustrating how European cooperation can pave the way for resilient, forward-thinking societies.

The event entitled “EULiST Alliance: Connecting the University and Local Society, the example of the L’Aquila Saffron” is enmarked within the  many activites of the European Researchers’ Night 2025 in Madrid, an activity coordinated by the Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit of the Vice-Rectorate for Research, Doctoral Studies and Library of the URJC, with the collaboration of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) – Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

As a special finale to the event, there will be an exclusive saffron tasting led by Massimiliano D’Innocenzo, President of the Consortium for the Protection of L’Aquila Saffron PDO (Zafferano dell’Aquila DOP). This experience will allow attendees to discover the unique qualities of local saffron and deepen their appreciation for its cultural and gastronomic significance in the region, further strengthening the bond between the university, society, and the local territory.

Registration through: eventos.urjc.es/nocheinvestigadores