21 April 2026, Valencia — The Catholic University of Valencia (UCV) welcomed Asterios Dogranlis, a PhD candidate from the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), to present his and his team’s award-winning research on student wellbeing in coastal cities.
Dogranlis and his team were among the winners of the 3rd EU-CONEXUS Call for Student Projects, securing a €10,000 grant to develop their proposal. Under the title SMUCS Healthy Habits: Findings and Insights, the presentation explored the unique relationship between Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability (SMUCS) and the physical and mental wellbeing of the student population.
During the session at UCV’s Santa Úrsula Campus, Dogranlis shared data-driven insights into how Mediterranean coastal environments can be leveraged to foster healthier academic communities. He also presented practical examples from his research, illustrating how lifestyle factors in coastal urban settings can influence both physical and mental wellbeing among students.
In addition, a live in-session survey was conducted with the audience, allowing for the collection of real-time responses and real-time visualisation of statistical trends related to student habits and perceptions. Based on these findings, the presentation included a set of actionable recommendations and behavioural strategies aimed at promoting healthier daily routines, improving wellbeing and encouraging more sustainable lifestyle choices within university communities.
This visit highlights the success of the EU-CONEXUS alliance in empowering students to lead high-level research. By turning a competitive proposal into a professional academic exchange between Athens and Valencia, the project serves as a prime example of international cooperation driving the future of coastal sustainability.
