Transforming urban spaces: Innovative solutions for addressing climate change challenges and reaching net zero carbon emissions
Project code: 001147721/018
Project partner from Serbia: University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences (UNSPMF); Novi Sad Urban Climate Lab (NSUCl)
Project leader: Stevan Savić
Project team: Jelena Dunjić,Daniela Arsenović, Milica Vasić
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Project partner from Slovakia: Technical University of Kosice, Faculty of Civil Engineering
Project leader: Silvia Vilcekova
Project team: Eva Kridlova Burdova, Katarina Harcarova, Jana Budajova, Alena Sicakova
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Project duration: 2 years (March 2026 – March 2028)
Project is financed by: REPUBLIC OF SERBIA, Ministry of sciences, technological development and innovation; and SLOVAK REPUBLIC, Slovak Research and Development Agency
Contact person: Stevan Savić, email: stevan.savic@dgt.uns.ac.rs and
Silvia Vilcekova, email: silvia.vilcekova@tuke.sk
THE MAIN GOALS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE PROJECT
The main objective of this project is to contribute to interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research of climate and environment in cities that present innovative models and solutions for ‘urban sustainable development’, and to encourage local and regional decision-makers in Slovakia and Serbia to incorporate these measures into official plans and actions for the coming decades. This defined objective will be achieved through the specific objectives:
- a) Implementation of innovative urban models in public spaces as solutions how to re-naturing the urban ‘hot spots’ in cities that are mostly endangered by intensive heat and other weather hazards in order to improve public health and biodiversity;
- b) Implementation of an innovative concept of building design and urban design that enhances energy efficiency, promotes biodiversity, and improves wellbeing, thereby contributing to the broader goal of cities decarbonization;
- c) Training of young researchers from both partners on monitoring methods, modeling and experimental methodologies;
- d) Dissemination activities (through publications, conferences and online media) to bring science and scientific results closer to local and national institutions and general population in both countries.
The project timеline:
- Project preparation and baseline analysis; Month 1-3; Kick-off meeting, stakeholder mapping, selection of pilot sites in Slovakia and Serbia, data collection on urban climate conditions.
- Modelling and design development; Months 4-9; Urban heat mapping (GIS/ENVI-met), development of NBS strategies, LCA of selected buildings, design of interventions.
- Implementation and data collection; Month 10-15; Field experiments, installation of sensors, pilot application of design interventions, workshops with local planners.
- Analysis, training and dissemination; Months 16-21; Data analysis, researcher training, publications, conference participation.
- Final reporting and future planning; Months 22-24; Joint project proposal for Interreg 2027, final dissemination event, project evaluation.
Expected outcomes:
- The bilateral cooperation will produce a range of high-quality scientific, professional, and educational outputs, including.
- Results from the project will be disseminated through an integrated communication strategy involving.
- Involvement and Development of PhD students and early-stage researchers.
- Sustainability and future opportunities for international cooperation.
KICK-OFF MEETING
PROJECT MEETINGS
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND MODELING
MEDIA PRESENCES
PUBLICATIONS