Over the past two years, academic staff and researchers from Transilvania University of Brașov have developed 37 projects dedicated to the local community within the framework of the UNITA European University Alliance. These pilot projects address real challenges and needs, aiming to generate ideas and solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of cities and communities.
The projects were funded through the UNITA Alliance’s Starting Grants programme and developed in collaboration with European partner universities.
The 37 projects address topics of interest to European communities, including green energy, the circular economy, digital transition, global health, inclusion and cultural heritage. Rather than traditional research projects, they are pilot initiatives (seed grants) designed to generate practical solutions and lay the foundations for larger-scale projects.
For example, one project explores solutions for increasing the supply of clean electricity to vehicles used in urban public transport. Another aims to identify new materials and innovative methods for removing pollutants and microorganisms from wastewater, making it safe for reuse.
To bring these projects closer to the local community, Transilvania University of Brașov launched the campaign “From University to Community” (Din universitate, în comunitate).
As part of the campaign, urban micro-forests were created in several busy areas of Brașov, as well as at Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport. The trees thus became symbols of projects that begin with an idea and grow over time until they can deliver tangible benefits to the community.
Each tree represents a group of projects linked by a common theme. A QR code was placed next to each tree, allowing local residents to discover the projects and learn more about the ideas behind them.
Transilvania University of Brașov aims to ensure that these projects reach beyond academia and engage in dialogue with civil society, businesses and local institutions. By incorporating community members’ suggestions and collaborating with partner organisations interested in the topics addressed, the university hopes to turn these 37 ideas into large-scale projects that improve quality of life in the region.
The Municipality of Brașov, Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport and Coresi Shopping Resort have joined this initiative as partners, helping transform ideas into initiatives with a tangible local impact.
The projects were presented and discussed at an event held on 24 September at the Aula of Transilvania University of Brașov.
The event brought together the researchers and academic staff who coordinated the projects, representatives of businesses and public institutions, and members of civil society. Roundtable discussions were organised around the main thematic areas addressed by the projects, alongside a question-and-answer session that gave participants the opportunity to speak directly with the project initiators.
