WHAT IS SCIENCE HUB OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LODZ?
Science Hub of the University of Lodz (SH) is a collaborative platform of the University of Lodz that connects students, university experts and external entities, supporting them in the implementation of innovative scientific and implementation projects. Teams operating within SH jointly undertake to solve real scientific challenges submitted by partner organisations.
The aim of the Science Hub at the University of Lodz is to build sustainable cooperation between academia and the socio-economic environment in order to jointly create and implement cutting-edge solutions.
Through participation in the Science Hub of the University of Lodz:
- Students gain practical experience and learn to apply their knowledge to real-world projects.
- Researchers have the opportunity to test and implement research results in practice.
- Partner organisations gain innovative solutions and support from university experts.
SCIENCE HUB OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LODZ – UNIC EDITION
The current edition of the Science Hub of the University of Lodz is aimed at strengthening cooperation within UNIC, a network of European universities located in post-industrial cities, which the University of Lodz joined in 2022.
Science Hub of the University of Lodz - UNIC edition invites teams consisting of:
- at least one student and one researcher from the University of Lodz acting as a supervisor,
- an analogous duo from another university of the UNIC network,
- a partner organisation from Lodz or the region.
University of Lodz staff members form teams to jointly address real scientific challenges raised by partner organisations. Preference is given to research of an applied or implementation nature, regardless of scientific discipline.
Between 23 and 29 June 2025, a additional call for projects will be held, offering support for another 4-5 projects implemented under the Science Hub formula.
Entries should be sent via a supervisor from the University of Lodz by completing an application form along with the required attachments.
WHAT DOES THE PARTICIPATION OF PARTNERS (RESEARCH SUPERVISORS AND STUDENTS FROM A UNIVERSITY OTHER THAN THE UNIVERSITY OF LODZ IN THE UNIC NETWORK) IN THE PROJECT INVOLVE?
The form of involvement is determined on a case-by-case basis as part of the team's objectives.
Online activities: preparation of the application, cooperation as agreed, participation in training and participation in the evaluation survey.
Meeting activities: three-day visit to Lodz.
The three-day meeting in Lodz can take the form of:
-
seminar - exchange of practical experience (e.g. presentation of research on the situation in another network country), methodological support (discussion on how to conduct research),
-
field research - e.g. participatory observation in an organisation, familiarisation with the local situation,
-
implementation of a common experimental research component - participation in an experimental activity, support of predefined activities or their observation and critical exchange of experience,
-
working together on a report or recommendations for the organisation concerned.
The organiser provides:
-
funding for participants' travel between cities in the UNIC network (excluding first class and business class),
-
up to three nights' accommodation with breakfast for one supervisor from UNIC and one student from UNIC.
The date of travel is decided individually by the team, with the understanding that all members will meet at the same time.
- Assisting with research for a credit dissertation, thesis (bachelor's, master's) of an applied nature. Participation in solving specific problems relevant to the partner organisation.
- Knowledge and skills in team problem solving, practical application of scientific methods and tools and implementation of their ideas in the organisation.
- Competences in Design Thinking and project management.
- Contacts with professionals in the relevant industry.
- References from your participation in the project, which can increase your chances in applying for scholarships, participating in competitions and in various recruitment processes both at university and in professional settings.
Responsibilities of a student from a UNIC university (other than the University of Lodz):
- implementation of the submitted project in cooperation with the supervisor (the University of Lodz), the student (the University of Lodz), the supervisor (UNIC) and the partner organisation,
- participation in a three-day meeting in Lodz, at a date agreed by the team,
- participation in a training course (online),
- keeping in touch with the Organiser to inform about the progress of the project,
- providing general information on the project for dissemination on the website and other communication channels of the University of Lodz,
- participating in the evaluation survey (online).
- Opportunity to implement the results of your own research, test their social potential and possible commercialisation.
- Participation in a University of Lodz project, where you will receive real support in developing cooperation with the socio-economic environment.
- New contacts with researchers and practitioners dealing with interesting research issues.
- Improved teaching skills, such as tutoring or using the Design Thinking method for project implementation (online).
Responsibilities of a supervisor from a UNIC university (other than the University of Lodz):
- supporting the implementation of the proposed project,
- providing general information on the project for dissemination on the website and other communication channels of the UŁ,
- participating in an evaluation survey (online).
Commissioning Organization: Łódź Tenants’ Association (Łódzkie Stowarzyszenie Lokatorów)
Description: Revitalization is a multidimensional process that encompasses not only the physical improvement of urban space but also the economic and social aspects of its functioning. Various dimensions of revitalization are identified: spatial, social, economic, and cultural. These dimensions intersect and influence one another, which is crucial to achieving a synergistic effect. The aim of the project is to assess the social dimension of the revitalization carried out in the area enclosed by the streets Rewolucji 1905 r. – Jaracza – Wschodnia – Kilińskiego in Łódź (Revitalization Area I), with particular focus on Włókiennicza Street, considered by city authorities to be a flagship investment.
The project is guided by three research questions:
- How has the revitalization process affected the housing conditions of the local community?
- How effective has the revitalization process been in terms of social inclusion and residents' participation in community life?
- Have the revitalization efforts improved residents' access to high-quality public spaces?
Contact person: weronika.dabrowicz@edu.uni.lodz.pl
Project title: Kamienica Hilarego Majewskiego Accessible to All: A Diagnosis of the Educational and Cultural Needs of Children and Youth Living on Włókiennicza Street and in the Surrounding Area.
Organization: Kamienica Hilarego Majewskiego
Project desctription: The aim of the project is to conduct a diagnosis of the needs, barriers, and cultural-educational potentials of children and youth living on Włókiennicza Street and its surroundings – with particular attention to individuals using the services of care and educational institutions. The diagnosis is intended to help tailor the offer of the Hilary Majewski Tenement House to the real expectations and capabilities of young residents of the revitalized center of Łódź. From the foreign partner, KHM expects to gather information about best practices in public institutions in the field of inclusion in educational and cultural events. It is necessary to examine institutions with a similar profile to KHM and to create a short report.
