October 2023 has drawn to a close, marking the conclusion of a significant phase for EELISA. This three-year pilot stage involved the initiation of something fresh, the establishment of essential connections and foundations. These elements will serve as the bedrock for the long-term commitment and consolidation period which begins today.
We are entering a new phase in our journey, centered on strengthening collaboration between institutions, broadening strategic partnerships with external stakeholders, and forging connections and learning experiences that allow engineering to intersect with disciplines such as social sciences and humanities and vice versa. A step forward in an endeavour to cultivate a new generation of professionals equipped to face and contribute to challenges in a comprehensive and innovative way, aiming for the greatest possible social impact. And in this pursuit, we are not alone. It is one that has been undertaken with the trust and support of the European Union and the commitment of our associated partners
And there is no better symbolic way to inaugurate this new phase than by celebrating the EELISA Days 2023 and paying tribute to the woman who inspired the name of our Alliance, Elisa L. Zamfirescu, as well as the values of multiculturalism, diversity, social commitment, and excellence that she embodied
On 2022, EELISA partners offered a total of 26 activities in 7 days, which engaged an overall number of 3.645 active participants -students, academics, staff, and external stakeholder- within and beyond EELISA. This celebration also helped build momentum for the dissemination of our Alliance and led EELISA’s social media platforms to gain hundreds of new digital community members in only one week.
It was a genuine boost for the “EELISA” spirit that, on this occasion, we once again reclaim it to illuminate the path we are following.
This year, during the whole month of November, a diverse range of activities and formats, including on-site, online, and hybrid options, will be offered. Among these, there will be significant sessions for the EELISA community, such as the convening of a special EELISA Executive Board and kick-off meeting. During this event, the new teams and organization structure will be introduced, marking a pivotal step in EELISA’s transition to its new phase.
I encourage you to check the EELISA Days 2023 subpage with the list of activities, to participate and allow yourselves to be imbued with the spirit of collaboration, of limitless learning, never forgetting that these are only the first steps on a continuing journey. And in the meantime, I also invite you to get inspired by the EELISA inspirational video.
Sofía d’Aguiar, EELISA Executive Director.