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International Conference “City of the Future” – Celebrating the Achievements of YUFE CONNECTS and Exploring Future Collaboration

Toruń, 17–18 September 2026

On 17–18 September 2026, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń hosted the international scientific conference “City of the Future – Visions and Strategies for Sustainable Development”, organised as part of the project “YUFE CONNECTS – Nicolaus Copernicus University’s European Academic Cooperation Platform” (YUFE ŁĄCZY). The event marked the culmination of the two-year project and provided an opportunity to reflect on its achievements while exploring possibilities for continuing and expanding the international partnerships developed through its activities.

The conference brought together researchers, representatives of YUFE partner universities, academics from other international institutions and project participants, including staff members of Nicolaus Copernicus University. The two-day event provided a platform for presenting research findings, exchanging knowledge and experience, and discussing new joint research and educational initiatives. The conference was held under the honorary patronage of the Rector of Nicolaus Copernicus University, Professor Andrzej Tretyn.

An International Debate on the Future of Cities

The conference focused on some of the most pressing challenges facing contemporary cities and regions. Presentations and discussions addressed sustainable and smart urban development, urban resilience, biodiversity, ecosystem services, urban green spaces, mobility, urban regeneration and residents’ quality of life.

Particular attention was given to the concept of the Caring City, which emphasises the importance of responding to residents’ diverse needs and addressing social, environmental and spatial challenges in an era of multiple, interconnected crises. The interdisciplinary nature of the conference encouraged participants to approach urban futures from different research perspectives and exchange experiences across academic disciplines and institutions.

The conference featured two distinguished invited speakers: Professor Etienne Nel from the University of Otago in New Zealand and Professor Nicholas Wise from Arizona State University in the United States. Their contributions brought international perspectives to discussions of contemporary urban and regional transformations, extending the debate beyond the European context and strengthening the event’s interdisciplinary and international character.

Toruń as an Urban Living Lab

One of the highlights of the conference was the Living Lab Session – Urban Walk / Field Exploration, during which participants moved beyond the traditional conference setting to examine selected urban processes and development challenges directly in Toruń.

The Living Lab approach connected academic discussion with observations of the city’s urban environment. Toruń became a setting for exchanging experiences and examining how theoretical concepts relate to the practical challenges of urban development. The field session also provided an opportunity to introduce international participants to the city and the wider region.

Strengthening Research and Educational Cooperation within YUFE

Beyond presenting research and summarising the achievements of YUFE CONNECTS, the conference provided an opportunity to discuss the future of cooperation between partner universities. Particular attention was devoted to developing joint research projects, establishing international research teams, strengthening educational cooperation and expanding academic mobility.

An important example of collaboration within the YUFE alliance is Urban Sustainability Studies, a joint international degree programme dedicated to sustainable urban development. The programme brings together the teaching expertise and research experience of partner universities, enabling students to develop knowledge and skills in an international academic environment.

The future of international cooperation was the central theme of the closing panel, “From Vision to Implementation: Future Steps in Networked Collaboration”. Participants discussed how the experience, expertise and professional networks developed during the project could support new research and educational initiatives and contribute to lasting partnerships between universities.

The YUFE CONNECTS Project Team

The conference was one of the activities undertaken within YUFE CONNECTS, a project designed to develop and strengthen international cooperation between Nicolaus Copernicus University and its partners in the YUFE alliance.

The coordination of the project and organisation of the conference involved Professor Magdalena Barwiołek, Vice-Rector for International Relations; Associate Professors Jadwiga Biegańska, Elżbieta Grzelak-Kostulska and Stefania Środa-Murawska from the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management; and Professor Maria Lewicka from the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences.

The event was also attended by YUFE CONNECTS project participants, including NCU staff members who had benefited from opportunities to develop international cooperation, enhance their research and teaching competencies, and establish professional connections with international academic institutions.

From Project Achievements to Future Joint Initiatives

The “City of the Future – Visions and Strategies for Sustainable Development” conference was an important milestone in concluding the YUFE CONNECTS project, implemented between 2024 and 2026. It provided an opportunity to present the outcomes of international cooperation, strengthen existing partnerships and identify possibilities for further joint activities.

A central theme of the event was ensuring that the partnerships and collaborative activities developed during the project could continue beyond its funding period. The professional networks established, experiences exchanged and discussions about future research and educational initiatives provide a foundation for further international cooperation at Nicolaus Copernicus University.

The conference also helped promote Toruń and the surrounding region as a setting for international scientific cooperation and debate on contemporary urban challenges. Its interdisciplinary programme and the participation of researchers from different academic institutions highlighted the importance of international collaboration in developing more sustainable, resilient and inclusive cities.

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