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Ulysseus Summer Institute for Young Researchers – Home: The X‑Factor in Future Cities - TUKE

Coline Andrade (CNAM Paris, France): “I had the opportunity to participate in the "Home: The X‑Factor in Future Cities" Summer School in Slovakia—specifically, in Košice—and it was an exceptional experience, both academically and personally. This week of exchange and discovery allowed me to deepen my knowledge of a timely and essential topic linked to my current academic path, while immersing myself in a different culture and meeting people from diverse backgrounds (Canada, Tanzania, India‑Mumbai, etc.). The Summer School’s theme, centered on the concept of housing in the cities of the future, was of particular interest to me. The program was divided into five distinct yet interconnected topics: Housing Governance, Urban Vitality, Climate Resilience, Smart Cities, and the Caring City. I chose to focus on Urban Vitality; this track demonstrated that, beyond the physical city itself, there are significant underlying issues—such as quality of life and personal fulfillment within an urban environment. The courses offered were varied, stimulating, and perfectly complementary. They encouraged us to reflect on how cities can evolve to address the social, environmental, and human challenges of today and tomorrow. The various speakers—hailing from diverse disciplines, backgrounds, and countries—offered rich and inspiring perspectives. Their expertise, combined with their willingness to engage with us, contributed significantly to the quality of the experience. Beyond the academic sessions, the group work was a real asset. Collaborating with international students allowed me to discover different ways of working, approaching issues, and developing collective solutions. The diversity of backgrounds and cultures enriched every discussion and demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges. This Summer School was also a fantastic opportunity to discover a different culture. Living for several days in an environment unlike my own in France enabled me to observe new lifestyle habits, interact with locals, and gain a better understanding of the host country's unique characteristics. These moments outside the classroom were just as educational as the coursework itself; they helped me develop an open mind, adaptability, and curiosity. The personal connections I made will undoubtedly remain among the most memorable aspects of the experience. I had the chance to meet students from various countries, each bringing their own history, culture, and perspective on the world. Despite our differences, we quickly established a genuine group dynamic and built strong relationships based on sharing, mutual support, and camaraderie. Our interactions—whether during workshops, meals, or organized activities—were incredibly enriching, and I hope they will continue long after the Summer School ended. This experience also boosted my confidence, particularly regarding my ability to communicate in an international setting, work in a multicultural team, and step out of my comfort zone. It reinforced my belief that European exchange programs offer immense value, both personally and academically. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Erasmus+ and to all the organizers, instructors, and speakers who made this Summer School possible. Their dedication, warm welcome, and excellent organization played a major role in the success of the experience. In conclusion, I have gained far more than just academic knowledge from this Summer School. I am returning with new skills, countless memories, international friendships, and a broader perspective on the challenges facing the cities of tomorrow. This experience will remain a significant milestone in my academic journey—one that I can incorporate into my current degree—and I would unhesitatingly recommend it to any student who has the opportunity to participate in a similar Erasmus program. I would like to thank Katarina, as well as all the teachers and organizers, for their attentiveness, their help, and the warmth they shared throughout the week.”

Shayesteh Hamidkhaniha (University of Seville, Spain): “I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and the entire organizing team. The Summer Institute 2026 was truly an incredible and enriching experience. Everything was absolutely wonderful, and the intensive week we spent in Košice was immensely helpful for our academic and professional growth in this field. It has truly left a lasting impression on me‑”

Speaker Mark Tirpak (Virginia Tech, USA): “Thank you so much for the chance to assist with the Summer Institute! I would love to stay involved with any future offerings, and I'm very much enjoying continuing to think about Slovakia as I begin my summer teaching at Virginia Tech—many of my students this summer are studying construction management, so I'm curious if any will respond to the challenge of housing costs and availability in Košice (noting the additional puzzle of apparently 15,000 owned but vacant units in the city currently). Thanks, as well, for connecting me with CIKE via the roundtable discussion on Wednesday. If you need any assistance from me via distance, etc. in the coming weeks or months, I'm happy to help!”

The Summer School “Home: The X‑Factor in Future Housing” created a stimulating platform for exploring new perspectives, innovative concepts, and future‑oriented approaches to housing. Through a dynamic combination of lectures, workshops, fieldwork, and collaborative discussions, the intensive programme brought together students, researchers, experts, and international partners to reflect on the evolving meaning of home and its role in shaping sustainable and inclusive living environments.

The final presentations demonstrated that the “X‑factor” of future housing extends beyond the physical aspects of buildings and spaces. It lies in the ability to create places that respond to changing societal needs, support community development, enhance quality of life, and strengthen the connection between people and their living environment. The ideas and proposals developed by the young researchers provided inspiring and practical perspectives that can contribute to the further improvement of the TUKE campus and its integration within the urban context of Košice.

The successful realization of the Summer School was made possible through the strong commitment and collaboration of the Technical University of Košice (TUKE), its partner universities—particularly those involved within the European University Ulysseus initiative—international experts, and the valuable support of sponsors and project partners.

We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making this event a success. Their expertise, engagement, and enthusiasm created a meaningful environment for knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary cooperation, and the development of innovative ideas for the future of housing. We believe that similar initiatives will continue to help us explore the key factors that define successful homes and sustainable living environments in the years to come.

Special thanks go to our event partners and sponsors: The Regional Science Academy (TRSA), RSAI, Creative Industry Košice, Cyklokuchyňa Košice and IBM.