Researchers, academics and partners from across the U!REKA European University Alliance will gather on our campus to share knowledge, build new collaborations and discuss current challenges in research and innovation.
Programme of the U!REKA Research Days 2026
Preliminary Programme
Tuesday, 24 November
9:30 - 10:00 Opening Plenary
- Welcome address by the Rector
- Keynote: “New Sustainability Challenges in a Rapidly Changing World
10:00 - 11:45 Panel Discussion
- New Sustainability Challenges in a Rapidly Changing World
City of Ostrava, MSIC (Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre), Representatives of U!REKA partner institutions
11:45 - 13:00 Lunch and networking
13:00 - 16:00 Learning Labs & Site Visits: participants may choose from several practical learning experiences:
- Sustainability Learning Labs (TL3, Student Car, IT4Innovations)
- Protolab visit and sustainability showcase
- Student mobility and automotive innovation demonstrations
- Health and biomedicine laboratories
- Circular economy, waste management and sustainable materials facilities
18:00 - 23:00 Networking dinner
Wednesday, 25 November
9:00 - 10:30 Thematic Keynote Sessions / Parallel thematic presentations:
- Climate-Neutral and Resilient Cities
- Challenges and opportunities for climate-neutral urban development
- Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability
- AI applications supporting sustainable transformation
- Technologies and Innovation in Healthcare
- Emerging technologies and their societal impact
- Education and Skills Development
- Future skills and educational innovation
- Circular Economy
- Resource efficiency and circular transition strategies
10:30 - 11:00 Coffee Break
11:00 - 13:00 Interactive Thematic Workshops, participants select one thematic stream:
- Climate-Neutral and Resilient Cities
- Transition to a Circular Society
- Innovative Governance and Citizen Engagement
- Well-being, Technology and Healthcare
- Education and Skills Development
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 17:00 Research Collaboration Workshops / Parallel workshops led by the Centres of Expertise (CoEs) leaders:
- CoE 1 – Climate-Neutral and Resilient Cities
Research cooperation and project development workshop
- CoE 2 – Transition to a Circular Society
Research cooperation and project development workshop
- CoE 3 – Innovative Governance and Citizen Engagement
Research cooperation and project development workshop
Coffee and refreshments available throughout the workshops.
Evening: informal networking activities in the city (self-organized)
Thursday, 26 November
9:00 - 10:30 500 Solutions Challenge
- Addressing Urban Challenges Together
- Joint session hosted by WP5.3 task leaders
- Presentation of identified challenges and collaborative solution development opportunities
10:30 - 10:45 Coffee Break
10:45 - 12:15 Sustainable Universities Forum
- Sustainable University StrategyUniversity sustainability approaches
- Strategic transformation of higher education institutions
- Panel Discussion
- Engagement of rectors and external stakeholders
- Universities as drivers of regional transformation
10:45 - 12:15 WP5 internal meeting
12:15 - 12:30 Closing Session
- Event wrap-up
- Closing remarks
12:30 - 13:00 Lunch
13:00 - 15:00 Study Visits
- MAPPA Ostrava: Urban planning and city development centre
- Dolní Vítkovice & Landek Park: Industrial heritage, innovation and regional transformation site
The programme is subject to change.