Young Scientists on a Social Mission

How can research help us build more sustainable cities, protect fragile ecosystems, and rethink the way societies respond to global challenges?

This YUFE Academy event brings together 3 postdocs from the YUFE4Postdocs programme, supported by Horizon Europe’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie programme, who will present their work to a broad audience and show how scientific knowledge can contribute to solving environmental and social challenges.
Each speaker will give a 20-minute accessible presentation, followed by questions from the audience.
The session is open to anyone interested in how research can shape a more sustainable future and how young scientists communicate their work beyond academia.

Topics & Speakers

• How can we create more inclusive urban neighbourhoods? – Dr Joffrey Fuhrer (University of Eastern Finland)
  How can we tackle well-being challenges, particularly among economically disadvantaged individuals living in urban environments? This research focuses on addressing “existential urban challenges” (EUC), which encompass spatial barriers hindering the fulfillment of fundamental psychological needs, with subsequent negative implications for life satisfaction and overall well-being.
• Why are young adults turning away from news? – Dr Lucia Cores Sarria (Universidad Carlos Ill de Madrid)
  The role of media in informing the public about current events is essential for a well-functioning democratic society. However, younger generations, especially in urban environments, are increasingly avoiding news, particularly through traditional sources. They are instead turning to visual social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The project investigates the reasons for news avoidance among young adults, specifically their habits on visual social media, and with a focus on the emotional factors that might drive their behavior.
• Are "forever chemicals” harming hearts? – Dr Cedric Neutel (Maastricht University)
  A recent mapping project on PFAS contamination in Europe has revealed a higher level of environmental contamination than previously believed. This discovery raises urgent questions, especially regarding the potential association between PFAS and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Europe. This research investigates the influence of PFAS on cardiovascular health in the general population and unveils its underlying mechanisms. 

This is an online event. A meeting link will be sent to registered participants by email on the 19th of October.