Vote for your favourite shortlisted photo (open to UCC staff and students only): UNIC Student Photo Competition Voting Form – Fill in form

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Bruna Saldanha Mesa Simon - The R&H Hall is symbolic of Cork’s industrial past and heritage. Though no longer standing, many still remember it as a symbol of one of the many phases of this city and of Ireland in the 20th century.

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Darren O'Connor - In Rijeka, Croatia, people swim and sunbathe in the foreground while container ships, cranes and stacked cargo define the port beyond. Leisure and industry share the same coastline, separated only by water, while the city and mountains sit quietly behind the harbour. Taken during Erasmus travel, the image reflects transition, where industrial history and a future-oriented tourist economy exist side by side on the Adriatic coast.

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Gunna Aurora Freya Christensen - This photo shows the tradition of Sternsinger, which takes place in German-speaking countries. Around the 6th of January, children dress up as the Three Kings, walk from house to house, sing a song and recite a poem. They then write a blessing on the door and receive money for charity in return. Most often it’s children, but everyone is welcome to join.

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Iliana Sikora - This photo was taken in the Marina Market, a building I adore for its transformation over the years. I chose this particular image because I appreciate the fact that the art on the walls often accompanies physical forms of art during events. The vibrant colours on the walls make for a bright contrast with the stoic structure.

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Kuba Nowaczyk - I took this photo as my friend and I strolled through the greener areas of UCC for a moment of tranquility. The sustainability in UCC allows for these areas to be enjoyed by students, lecturers and guests. 

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Leah Houdet - The natural stone window offers a wonderful view of the Loire region in France. Despite the outstanding beauty of the houses mimicking the architecture of the castles, our eyes remain caught by the lovely sunset. Let's protect our planet in a united Europe.

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Marina Segarra Mitrani - A currach is a traditional boat from the west coast of Ireland. Last summer a group of friends enrolled in the adventure of building one to travel from the River Shannon to Galway. This image was taken at the arrival in the turquoise waters of the smallest of the Aran Islands, Inis Oírr, just after rowing past the impressive Cliffs of Moher, a view I will never forget.

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Nicole Alyse Flemming - This photograph shows the creation of a group charter during the UNIC International Sustainability Leadership Autumn School at UCC. Participants from across Europe collaboratively defined shared values, expectations, and ways of working together. The image reflects UNIC’s emphasis on inclusion, participation, and collective responsibility in shaping sustainable futures.

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Viktoria Hristov - Two generations united by a European tradition: grandfather and grandson on an ancient fishing quest, listening to the turbulent sea. I chose this photo because I remember the salt on my skin and the sense of unity in this ritual._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tomás Flynn - To me this photo encapsulates the Erasmus experience, and of Europe in general: an impromptu communal gathering with the city as backdrop.

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Nicole Alyse Flemming - Taken during a community partner walk at the UNIC Autumn School in Fitzgerald’s Park, this photograph captures a post-industrial urban space reimagined as a shared public environment. The former industrial infrastructure along the River Lee now supports community, creativity, and connection, reflecting UNIC’s mission to shape sustainable futures through collaboration between universities and cities across Europe.

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Viktoria Hristov - Fishing, tourism, and existing under the scorching sun. This photo represents European traditions to me on an intimate level; the gentleness of an everyday ritual in this part of the world. It is the tradition of being handy, the pursuit of noble work, amid the calm sea while standing in a swaying boat. You feel the same repetition as the generations before you.

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Thank you to all the students who entered the UNIC photo competition.