On November 6-7, 2024, Comenius University Bratislava hosted "Cities in Motion," an ENLIGHT Regional Academy event, aimed at fostering innovative urban solutions through collaboration between academic and urban stakeholders. This dynamic event brought together experts, policymakers, academics, and students to explore sustainable urban mobility and address challenges facing cities today.
The event showcased approaches to urban challenges with notable contributions from the Metropolitan Institute of Bratislava. Dorota Šaríková, Katarína Brajerčík Kocková and Matej Ondovčík highlighted activities of the Metropolitan Institute of Bratislave and its collaboration with Comenius University, followed by Martina Benzoni Baláž and Daniel Klimovský discussing their innovative challenge-based course that won this years Teaching and Learning Award.
After a networking coffee break, the “Partners in Progress” segment launched with diverse case studies on sustainable urban mobility. Eoghan McDermott from Galway City Council spoke about active travel initiatives in Galway, while Hannah Hook from Ghent University shared insights on night cycling safety from East Flanders. This session continued after a joint lunch, with presentations from Teresa Uggla on Uppsala’s mobility planning, Lívia Orlovská on cyclist safety in public spaces, and a presentation by the workshop leader Marcel Horňák on a public space design manual developed by the Metropolitan Institute together with students contribution.
The afternoon wrapped up with a group workshop identifying collaboration gaps and generating new project ideas, followed by a communal dinner to deepen connections and informal discussions.
On November 7, attendees had the option to join a city tour of Bratislava led by Marcel Horňák.
“Cities in Motion” emphasized the importance of city-university cooperation in creating sustainable, innovative urban solutions, demonstrating how academic insights can effectively translate into real-world applications that benefit communities.
