UNIC 2nd Thematic Conference held at Koc University, June 17-19

19 Jun 2026

This week saw a UCC delegation with representation from across the university enjoy the hospitality of our UNIC colleagues at Koç University in Istanbul. The delegation was led by UNIC UCC Director, Dr Jean van Sinderen-Law and Head of Head of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences Professor Stephen Graham. 

This was UNIC's 2^nd Thematic Conference with a focus on "Institutions in Transition: Justice, Security, and Wellbeing in Post-Industrial Cities" with participants from all UNIC partner universities.

Cork featured strongly on the thematic panels, with RePIC (Redesigning the Post Industrial City) student Mohammad Rahmati presenting "One Health Approach for Cork City Supported by Digital Dashboard", and "Mapping Childhood in Cork: Data-Driven Insights for Building a Child-Friendly City" delivered by Prof Helen Lynch and Deidre Horgan. Deirdre also spoke on "Participation and Connection in the Middle Years of Childhood -A Literature Review on Best Practices and International Comparisons for the Participation of Children Aged 6–12 in Ireland"

The strong focus on engaged and participatory research at UCC was evident in a presentation from Dr Bozena Cierlik on "Engaged Research in Recognition of Cultural Diversity and Civic Engagement as Part of Curriculum Design", in Dr Angela Flynn's session "Understanding Issues of Inclusion in Health Care in Ireland" and a workshop on "Participatory Governance and Local Engagement - Enhancing City-University Partnerships for Climate Action" delivered by Dr Evan Boyle. 

There was also plenty of opportunity to network with our UNIC partners, including a gala dinner held at the Rahmi Koç Museum in the heart of the city.