Summary of the outcomes of Science Hub UniLodz – UNIC Edition at the “Healthy Urban Regeneration” Congress

Twelve projects, international collaboration, and practical solutions for the city

As part of the panel discussion “Let’s Research and Transform the City Together,” participants discussed Science Hub as a model of cooperation strengthening relationships between academia, local government, and the socio-economic environment, as well as the possibilities of implementing the idea of Centres for City Futures — research units focused on cities in which universities operate, working in close cooperation with local authorities. The aim is to put into practice the objectives adopted by the UNIC – European University of Cities in Post-Industrial Transition alliance: building a transnational academic community that responds to the contemporary challenges faced by post-industrial cities.

Prof. Tomislav Ivanković from the University of Zagreb, who was involved in two Science Hub UniLodz projects — “Child-Friendly City: Investigating the Microbiological Cleanliness of Sandboxes in the Context of Public Health and Sustainable Development” and “Molecules with a Mission: From Synthesis to Cytotoxicity” — spoke about the experiences gained through international collaboration. He discussed health-related challenges connected with microbiology in urban spaces and also expressed interest in implementing a cooperation model inspired by Science Hub UniLodz in Zagreb. Dr Ewa Boryczka-Kubiak presented a project concerning public participation in urban climate adaptation processes and outlined plans related to the development of the Centre for City Futures at the University of Lodz. Dr Tomasz Ciesielski discussed the role of the University of Lodz Technology Transfer Centre in developing the Science Hub platform and supporting cooperation with businesses and student initiatives. The local government perspective was presented by Agata Burlińska from the City of Łódź Office, who highlighted the importance of scientific research in designing effective urban policies.

The discussion was moderated by Dr Błażej Filanowski. After the panel, participants continued their conversations during the poster session presenting the results of all projects.

The poster session showcased the outcomes of project teams working in cooperation with partners from the UNIC – European University of Cities in Post-Industrial Transition network. The projects focused on topics including the urban microbiome, urban adaptation to climate change, revitalisation of urban spaces, the city soundscape, urban greenery protection, and the prevention of domestic violence.

Full list of projects carried out under the Science Hub – UNIC Edition programme

• An Unofficial City Map of Łódź
• I Know My Rights – A Guide for Women Experiencing Domestic Violence
• A Child-Friendly City: Microbiological Cleanliness of Sandpits in the Context of Public Health and Sustainable Development.
• CityBiome – Discovering the Urban Microbiome of Łódź – Towards a Safe and Resident-Friendly Environment.
• Public Participation in Urban Climate Change Adaptation Processes: A Comparative Study of Post-Industrial Cities – Łódź and Cork
• Greenery as a Tool for Adaptation: Socially Rooted Innovations in UNIC Cities.
• Molecules on a mission: from synthesis to cytotoxicity.
• Contemporary art of multicultural cities: Łódź and Zagreb – beyond divisions – mutual understanding as a path to accepting diversity and openness to dialogue among the young urban community.
• Revitalization Through the Eyes of Residents: A Social Assessment of the Revitalization Area I in Łódź
• Natural Allies in Urban Green Protection: Study on Entomopathogenic Fungi as Biological Antagonists of Plant Pests.
• Resonant Cities: Listening Together to Post-Industrial Pasts and Sonic Futures.
• Microorganisms in the Zoo – discovering the invisible inhabitants.

Science Hub UniLodz

Science Hub UniLodz (SH) is a cooperation platform of the University of Lodz, which connects students, university experts and external entities, supporting them in the implementation of innovative scientific and implementation projects. Teams operating within the SH cooperate to address real-world scientific challenges submitted by partner organisations.

The Science Hub UniLodz competition – UNIC edition is implemented as part of the “We are UNIC!” project. The “We are UNIC!” project is funded by the European Union under the “Support for European University Alliances’” programme, project NAWA FERS.01.05-IP.08-0219/23, amount: PLN 62,705,297.60.

Text: Science Hub UniLodz

Photos: Bartosz Kałużny