UNIC – a unique university-city alliance
UNIC is an alliance of 10 universities from cities that are undergoing post-industrial transformation. It facilitates transnational cooperation between researchers and supports socially engaged projects focused on collaboration with urban stakeholders. More information about the alliance can be found on the project website (go to the website).
International seminar at the University of Lodz
During the seminar on the role of digitisation in building resilience, the University of Lodz hosted researchers from UNIC partner universities: the University of Deusto in Bilbao (Basque Country / Spain) and the University of Oulu (Finland).
Urban resilience – interdisciplinary perspective
We discussed how various areas of science can support urban resilience. Topics included modelling, the use of Geographic Information Systems, and the use of "agents" in city planning. We also discussed various predictive models, the activity of bots in Oulu, and resilience strategies in Bilbao, which is struggling with floods. We also reflected on the results of resilience research in 44 Polish cities with Municipal Climate Change Adaptation Plans
– says Karolina Dmochowska from the UniLodz Faculty of Geographical Sciences.
Digitisation as a way of thinking about the city
Presentations by international guests demonstrated that digitisation is not just a technical tool, but also a way of thinking about the city as a system capable of learning and adapting.
Simulating resident behaviour
Agent-based urban modelling, presented by researchers from the University of Deusto, allows for the simulation of residents' behaviour in urban spaces. Each "agent" in such a model represents an individual or social group, and the simulation allows for the prediction of how changes in spatial planning (e.g., the construction of new roads, parks or housing estates) might affect mobility, access to services and social relationships. This allows for a better understanding of phenomena such as spatial segregation and "class bias" in urban design.
GIS – data for better planning
The Geographic Information System (GIS) used in spatial analysis is another example. As the speakers explained, GIS enables the combining infrastructure, environmental and demographic data, allowing city authorities to make fact-based decisions, for example, planning green spaces in areas most vulnerable to heatwaves or flooding.
Predictive models for apartment safety
The predictive models presented by Ainhoa Arriazu Ramos help predict phenomena before they become a problem. The research focused, among other things, on apartment overheating in multifamily buildings. By analysing weather and energy data, early warning systems can be created that inform about the risk of exceeding safe indoor temperatures.
OuluBot – digital innovation in the public sector
Sari Hirvonen-Kantola from the University of Oulu presented the topic of digital innovation in the public sector, discussing the OuluBot project – an urban chatbot that helps international students navigate their new environment. OuluBot answers questions about city life, administrative formalities and cultural events, thus supporting integration and inclusiveness in the local community.
University of Lodz as a host
The University of Lodzz was represented by three faculties, i.e:
- Faculty of Geographical Sciences, University of Lodz,
- Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz,
- Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz
This demonstrates that resilience is a topic that truly connects various disciplines.
Meeting with Institutions from Lodz
On Friday, at the City Activity Factory, we met with representatives of many Lodz institutions—including the Lodz Planning Office, Lodz City Hall, the Marshal's Office, the Lodz Voivodeship Geoportal, the Lodz Voivodeship Landscape Parks Complex, the Lodz Agglomeration Railway, the Piotrkowska Street Foundation, the Katedralna Estate Council, the Lodz Branch of the Polish Society of Urban Planners, as well as guests from Comenius University in Bratislava and Pheno Horizon
– lists Karolina Dmochowska.
Key questions in the discussion
The group of researchers and urban stakeholders discussed:
- How to measure resilience?
- How to use digital tools to assess the resilience of critical infrastructure?
- How to identify and remove barriers to access to green spaces?
- What to do in the event of a digital blackout?
Going beyond the academy
The diversity of the participants' experiences and perspectives gave us immense value and much inspiration. I greatly value and respect the traditional model of academic work, but it's meetings like these that remind me how important it is to go beyond the walls of academia. The clash of research knowledge with the experience of officials, practitioners and local activists gives meaning to the hours spent reading, analysing and writing
– concludes the researcher.
Organisation and Financing
The event, dedicated to the role of digitisation in building urban resilience, was held on 13-14 November 2025. The concept for this international and interdisciplinary project was developed by a team of researchers from the Faculty of Geographical Sciences and the Faculty of Economics and Sociology of the University of Lodz: Karolina Dmochowska, Mariusz E. Sokołowicz, Aleksandra Nowakowska and Marcin Wójcik.
The event was implemented as part of the "WE ARE UNIC!" initiative. The "We are UNIC!" project is financed by the European Union under the "Support for European University Alliances" program, NAWA project number FERS.01.05-IP.08-0219/23, with EU funding of PLN 62,705,297.60.
