As part of the European Campus of City Universities (EC²U) initiative, the program brought students and experts from various European universities together to explore and discuss innovative solutions towards creating a healthier urban environment.

A presentation by Erika Zelko at the JKU titled "Building Healthier Cities: Synergizing Urban Health Initiatives for Resilient and Compassionate Communities" provided a focal point at the event. Her findings served as the springboard towards a week of in-depth discussions and hands-on activities related to urban health.
Participants took part in stimulating conversations on the differences between illness and diseases. Day 1 concluded with a guided tour of the University of Coimbra's historic library, providing a fascinating introduction to the institution's rich heritage.

Day 2 began with a field experiment as the participants split into four groups to explore different sections of the city. Each group interviewed local residents and tourists to collect and analyze data. The objective was to try and better understand the Coimbra residents’ thoughts and feelings. These activities concluded with group presentations to share the results and findings.

The hands-on approach not only encouraged participants to apply what they learned in the classroom to real-world situations, but also encouraged them to work with and communicate effectively with students from other backgrounds. The summer school program was an outstanding opportunity for both Michal and Christoph to strengthen their research skills, share ideas with international peers, and contribute to the ongoing dialog about urban health and resilience. The experience underscores the EC²U's commitment to fostering academic interaction and collective problem-solving across Europe.

Learn more about upcoming EC²U events and opportunities on our event page.