Young Researcher’s Academy for Sustainable Cities
Coimbra Experience Report 2025
The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on Sustainable Cities is becoming a tradition. The first event was hosted in Gyulafehérvár in 2023, the second at Óbuda University in Székesfehérvár in 2024, and the third in this series took place at the Portuguese ISEC Coimbra – University of Technology in April 2025.
The hosts limited participation to five students from Hungary, so selection was made from a large number of applicants. Students from almost all faculties programs were represented, each contributing their specific knowledge and perspective to the success of the project.
The professional programme included lectures and laboratory visits led by university professors from five different countries. However, the core component was a practical group project: students worked in teams of four, conducted fieldwork, and developed proposals to improve sustainability based on the assessment of a selected road section.
The online phase of the programme was dedicated to introductions and the initial distribution of assignments, while the on-site intensive phase focused on fieldwork with personal participation. Finally, the closing online phase provided space for presentations and evaluations of the projects.
One participant shared their personal experience as follows:
“I was very happy when I saw the email about the opportunity to participate in a BIP, especially when my application was accepted. Since I had taken part in such a programme before, I had a good idea of what to expect. Most of the programme took place in Coimbra, Portugal, at ISEC University.
As there is no airport in Coimbra, we flew to Porto and travelled by bus, and we returned via Lisbon. Other universities also participated, including those from Romania, Slovakia, and, of course, Portugal.
We spent five days in Coimbra and had a varied programme each day. The weather was very good. The main theme was sustainable cities, and we attended several lectures held by international professors. In the afternoons, we explored the city, tasted traditional Portuguese pastries, and listened to local music.
One day, we visited the ocean and even went surfing – a total surprise to me, as I never imagined we would actually try it! It was a fantastic experience, and more difficult than I expected.
We also spent evenings in the city centre, which had a great atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed that Coimbra was less touristy than Porto or Lisbon – it felt more authentic. I liked it so much that I’d love to return – not just to Coimbra, but to Portugal in general.”
Beyond the professional content, the programme offered valuable interpersonal experiences. Participants not only expanded their knowledge but also made new friends and look forward to future BIP opportunities.
This year’s Hungarian delegation included Nagyné Dr. Hajnal Éva and Dr. Udvardy Péter, both Associate Professors, as well as students Balázs Zoltán, Farkas Roland, Gáti Krisztián, Székely Benedek, Szücs Norbert, and our students currently studying in Portugal within the Pannonia Programme.
Szücs Norbert-Hajnal Éva
