Soil-Water Nexus: Advancing Resilient Agroecosystems Through Living Lab Synergies

Engagement event

21 August 2025 08:00–16:30

CET / CEST

Oulu, Finland & Online

yellow green banner event title with image grass river

This thematic event in the Boreal Biogeographical in Europe brings together a diverse community of stakeholders committed to shaping the future of soil health in Europe. Rooted in the ambitions of the EU Mission Soil, the gathering offers a platform to exchange knowledge, explore real-world practices, and build lasting partnerships through the Living Lab approach. These open and collaborative environments connect science, policy, and community action to drive innovation where it matters most.

The event Soil-Water Nexus: Advancing Resilient Agroecosystems Through Living Lab Synergies takes place in hybrid format, i.e., both at University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, FI-90570 Oulu, Finland and online, on 21 August 2025. Those who participate in person are welcome to approach the registration desk and grab a cup of coffee or tea starting from 9:00 - local time (8:00 CEST).

The event will officially be starting for everyone, joining either in-person or from remote, at 9:30 - local time (8:30 CEST).

Framed in the dynamic Finnish research and innovation ecosystem, the event highlights both local and European perspectives on sustainable soil management. Participants will engage with Mission Soil initiatives, hear from Mission Soil Living Lab and Water-oriented Living Lab representatives, and explore how cross-sector collaboration can create meaningful impact.

The event includes a field visit to LUKE Ruukki for practical insights into living lab activities.

The agenda* here below includes keynote talks, a panel, and a pitching session with an invitation to meet peers on the SOILL matchmaking platform.

*All times in the agenda are UTC +3, Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) - Local time in Finland.

Agenda

09:00 - 09:30 | Arrival, Registration & Welcome Coffee: Welcome of participants and informal coffee
09:30 - 09:45 | Opening Remarks: Introducing the Mission Soil: Speaker

Andrea Rubini

Water Europe
09:45–10:00 | SOILL-Startup Project – In a Nutshell: An overview of the SOILL-Startup project by the designated representative.

Speaker

Andrea Rubini

Water Europe
10:00–10:20 | Regional Insights from a Mission Soil Living Lab – Why Soil Health Matters Now: A reflection by a SHLL representative on regional soil practices and knowledge transfer to tackle current challenges

Speaker

Nargish Parvin

The research institute of Sweden

SWE Living Lab
10:20–10:40 | The WOLL Model and Its Application in a Finnish Soil Context: Speaker

Andrea Rubini

Water Europe

Speaker

Maarit Liimatainen

Water Management Innovation WOLL, LUKE
10:40–11:00 | Coffee Break: Refreshments and networking break before the interactive session.
11:00–11:40 | Panel Discussion: Success Stories – Soil Literacy in Living Labs and Communities: A moderated discussion covering cross-sector collaboration, trust-building in communities, demonstrated impact & policy alignment.

Speaker

Andrea Rubini

Water Europe

Moderator

Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)

Speaker

SHLL & WOLL Coordinators
11:40–12:00 | Funding Opportunities for the Mission Soil Living Labs: Details on upcoming Mission Soil funding calls and support services
12:00–12:10 | Closing Remarks & Next Steps: Summary of key insights and presentation of upcoming joint opportunities.

Speaker

Water Europe

Speaker

Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
12:10–13:10 | Light Lunch & Networking: Buffet lunch and informal exchange. Opportunity for bilateral meetings among participants.
13:10–17:30 | Field Visit to LUKE Ruukki: Location: Tutkimusasemantie 15, FI-92400 Ruukki. Guided field tour and demonstrations.