From June 30th to July 4th, 2025, the city of Douai, France, hosted the second edition of the EULiST Student Conference, bringing together 200 students from the 10 countries that form the EULiST alliance. The Spanish delegation, comprised of 20 students from Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC), was coordinated by Melissa Barrio Malonga, who ensured the active participation and engagement of all Spanish attendees throughout the event.
The conference opened with a vibrant welcome ceremony attended by Douai’s mayor, Frédéric Chéreau, and Céline Fasulo, Director of IMT Nord Europe. The opening set a collaborative and inclusive tone, encouraging students to make the most of the diverse opportunities ahead.
Throughout the week, participants took part in a range of activities aimed at encouraging intercultural understanding. One of the highlights was the “Human Bingo,” where students looked for others who matched certain descriptions or characteristics. Another memorable moment was the International Evening, where each country’s delegation brought traditional snacks and drinks for everyone to try, giving all participants the chance to experience different European flavours.
As part of the conference programme, students had the opportunity to discover Douai and learn more about its rich history and unique local culture. Throughout the week, several excursions were organized, allowing participants to explore some of the city’s most interesting sites and landmarks. These activities included a visit to Arkéos, a museum focused on Douai’s roots through archaeology and medieval history; an immersive experience at Orionis, a planetarium and astronomy center; a tour of the Lewarde Mining Center, which provided a powerful insight into the region’s industrial past; as well as guided visits to Douai’s most emblematic sites.
The thematic workshops were a central part of the conference, providing students with the chance to reflect on important topics, work together to solve problems, and collaborate with people from different countries. Participants were able to choose workshops that matched their interests, joining groups made up of students, researchers, and professionals. Together, they explored key issues that are shaping the future of academia and society in Europe. The workshops were designed to be interactive and practical, encouraging everyone to contribute their ideas and experiences while focusing on real-world challenges. The goal was for each group to come up with ideas and solutions that could make a positive impact beyond the conference itself.
URJC student, Marta Fernández del Moral led a standout workshop titled “Navigating Your Career Path with EU Careers: A Hands-On Introduction to EPSO” providing valuable insights and practical guidance for those interested in European Union career opportunities.
On the other hand, the EULiST Pitch Sessions gave students the opportunity to present their academic projects and innovative ideas in a clear and concise way. The event was organised into three 45-minute rounds, which allowed for a lively exchange of knowledge and inspiration. All conference participants were invited to attend and support their peers, creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere for everyone involved.
Two URJC students took the stage to present their work:
- Inés Zelloufi Oulalite (Medicine): Presented “NEOVARA: Security, Mobility, and Health in One Digital Solution” introducing a visionary digital health passport that unifies genetic, medical, and lifestyle data. Still in the concept stage, NEOVARA aims to leverage AI for preventive healthcare, facilitate seamless access to medical services across Europe, and support research through anonymized, real-time data analysis.
- Iris Lozano Carvajal (Primary Education): Presented “Creating a Conversational Agent to Teach Programming and Computational Thinking” exploring the development of an adaptive pedagogical agent built in Unity. Designed according to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, the agent supports young learners in acquiring programming and computational thinking skills through personalized feedback and scaffolding. The presentation included results from initial testing with 46 students and a live demonstration of the agent in action.
The II EULiST Student Conference in Douai was an enriching experience for all involved, offering countless opportunities for personal growth, academic development, and intercultural exchange. The URJC delegation, under the coordination of Melissa Barrio Malonga, played a leading role in representing Spain and contributing to the vibrant EULiST community.