Friday, 7 June 2024 NEW PROJECT AT UP IN MAY: Project lead Prof. Dr. Martin Milanič

In May, one new Horizon project was approved at UP, from MSCA Staff Exchanges programme, aimed to promote innovative international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration in research and innovation through exchanging staff and sharing knowledge and ideas at all stages of the innovation chain.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-SE

COVER: (C)OMBINATORIAL (O)PTIMISATION FOR (V)ERSATILE APPLICATIONS TO (E)MERGING U(R)BAN PROBLEMS, PARTNERS, UP FAMNIT, LEAD PARTNER: GEBZE TEKNIK UNIVERSITESI, TURKEY, UP LEAD: DR. MARTIN MILANIČ from the Department of Applied Natural Sciences UP FAMNIT

In addressing urbanization and sustainable development challenges, this project proposes a collaborative effort to harness the power of combinatorial optimization methods and operations research. Focusing on graph theory applications such as graph coloring and domination, as well as broader optimization techniques like integer programming, our interdisciplinary team seeks to address urban problems across European and Third-Country partners. By integrating expertise from academia, local communities, and industry, we aim to develop tailored solutions that enhance quality of life while promoting sustainable development principles. The project's objectives include identifying local urban challenges, creating theoretical models for optimization, and implementing innovative solutions. Through workshops, trainings, and collaborative research, we will engage stakeholders to define and prioritize urban problems, laying the groundwork for practical applications of combinatorial optimization techniques. Key initiatives include exploring the “15-minute city” concept to improve accessibility and mobility, proposing optimization models for post-disaster management, optimizing the placement of semi-mobile clinics for healthcare accessibility, and developing solutions for public transport networks. The project's innovative program encompasses various activities, including problem definition, theoretical modeling, empirical research, and knowledge exchange. Through a structured work plan, we aim to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among project partners. By leveraging the expertise and diversity of our international consortium, we seek to create sustainable solutions with lasting impacts on urban communities beyond the project duration. Overall, this project puts forward a concerted effort to bridge the gap between academic research and practical urban challenges, demonstrating the transformative potential of combinatorial optimization in urbanization.