Summer school: Smart Cities

See you at a fully new summer school in 2024

NEW BEGINNING

We are excited to announce that our summer school is in the process of repositioning and rebranding. This change will require us to cancel CuriousU summer school 2023, but we are incredibly proud of our progress and look forward to offering a refreshed and improved program in the near future. We thank all our students and staff for their support and look forward to continuing to serve our community.

Smart Cities is a rapidly growing concept in both research and policy practice. It is viewed as a solution for cities to better cope with key societal challenges like energy transition, mobility and social innovation through extensive and effective use of big data and IT.

This, in turn, calls for new modes of – smart – governance, with the active involvement of a wide diversity of public, private and citizens’ organizations. In this summer course, Smart Cities is being studied through a variety of perspectives: the perspective of research, economy, government, ethics, marketing, communication, design and philosophy. 

What is the city but the people?

William Shakespeare

The central theme in this year’s Smart Cities course is Smart City Life. The big question is: How do citizens perceive their life in the "smart city"? In the University of Twente high tech meets human touch and there we like to put the focus on the course. 

Course video

Course topics

  • Data Driven Smart City

    The art & science powering the smart city: for example data pipelines, analytics, visualizations for smart decision making.

    Learning outcomes:

    Students will be able to...

    • ... work with with data pipelines, for collecting validating and analyzing information from various sources, including new media
    • ... perform basic data manipulations
    • ... perform basic textmining, sentiment analysis, basic classification.
    • ... create visualizations using ggplot2 and plotly.

    How?

    Using data analytics skills students will perform various data querying for finding answers to essential questions during the challenge.

  • Smart Government

    The city of Hengelo & Enschede are actively involved in implementing smart city innovations and technology into their infrastructure. How can the (local) government increase citizens involvement and engagement within the smart city?

    Learning outcomes:
    Students will be able to...

    • ... describe the role of government in the smart city.
    • ... analyze and explain local/regional smart city innovations using a multidisciplinary approach
    • ... identify and evaluate problem-solving strategies, and develop science-based solutions
    • ... establish relevant criteria and standards for acceptable solution
    • ... make estimates and critically appreciate solutions value and limitations.

    How?

    Using the information from this topic students will perform an audit of a chosen local/regional smart city problem and propose alternative paths towards a solution.

  • Smart Citizens

    We create tons of bits of information about our life in the big city. How can citizens actively be involved in the smart city life and how we can preserve the privacy and security of our daily interactions with the smart city?

    Learning outcomes:

    Students will be able to...

    • .... define and explain the role of citizens in a smart city ecosystem
    • ... describe the privacy concepts, data ownership and data governance, in accordance with the GDPR
    • ... explain the basic concepts of citizens acceptance of innovations and technology using various research models (TAM, UTAUT, etc.)
    • ... describe the psychological effects of technology and innovations.

    How?

    Students will integrate the findings from previous topics in explaining the psychological impact of the smart city. They will focus on answering various essential questions for the challenge, such as: How to increase the acceptance of the smart city? How to implement the innovations while preserving privacy and data ownership?

  • Smart Energy

    Think of sustainable energy, smart grids and circular economy. How can we use data and information for developing a sustainable, less polluting smart city?

    Learning outcomes:

    Students will be able to...

    • ... define sustainability and describe in their work how they use the principles of sustainability to achieve the goals of the educational challenge
    • ... explain how natural, economic, and social systems interact to foster or prevent sustainability
    • ... analyze and explain local/regional sustainability initiatives using a multidisciplinary approach

    How?

    Within this topic, students will reflect on various sustainability issues raised by the implementation of the smart city. They will try to find answers to essential questions such as: How to reduce the pollution footprint in the quest of introducing innovations and technology in the city? How to develop sustainable energy systems and circular economy in the smart city context?

  • Smart Mobility

    Urban mobility was confronted with a new challenge: safety in the times of epidemic spreads. How to tackle this challenge?

    Learning outcomes: 

    Students will be able to ...

    • ... define urban mobility problems
    • ... compare basic transportation models for mobility planning
    • ... describe basic epidemic spreading model (SIR) focusing on the impact on the safety of transportation systems
    • ... define basic strategies for transitioning from legacy to smart urban mobility infrastructure

    How?

    Within this topic students will reflect on various sustainability, resilience and efficiency of urban infrastructure, addressing also the need for safety during epidemics.

Challenge based learning

In collaboration with project partners Kennispunt Twente, the municipality of Hengelo and Enschede, we offer this summer course as a fully challenge-based learning module. What does that mean? Challenge Based Learning is collaborative and hands-on, asking students to work with peers, teachers, and experts in their communities and around the world to address, understand and find solutions for the challenge. 

  • CuriousU 2017 Testimonial- Smart Cities- Roxanni- Greece

Course aims

The course is aiming at students interested in innovations that make life more effective, pleasant and efficient. Integrating technological, social and organizational science to achieve intelligent and smart solutions for challenges in a rapidly changing world. In the course you will:

Stay tuned for more upcoming information regarding the 2023 course!

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Smart Cities 2022

Day
Arrival day: check in
Time:10:00 - 18:00
Day:Sun. 14-08

The registration point will be in the biggest tent. Please register as soon as you arrive. If you arrive earlier or later please contact us via curious@utwente.nl 

Meet-up and pizza
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Sun. 14-08

Eat pizza and meet up with your fellow students!

Workshop Group allocation Sensor box buildup
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Mon. 15-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course.

Breakfast & keynote
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Mon. 15-08

We will kick-off breakfast and CuriousU with the first inspirational speech!

Introduction Data driven Smart Cities
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Mon. 15-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. That might be a workshop, a lecture or a project depending on the course you choose.

Check our courses.

More information
Dinner
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Mon. 15-08

Every night we serve you a fantastic dinner.

Evening programme
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Mon. 15-08

Have fun and enjoy our evening programme while playing escape rooms.

Lunch:
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Mon. 15-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting. You can try different delicacies from the Netherlands and of course make some new friends!

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Mon. 15-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Smart Governance/ Smart Mobility
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Tue. 16-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course and have some discussion and exercises on the topic.

Breakfast & keynote
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Tue. 16-08

Get your day off to an inspiring start by listening to one of our uplifting keynote speakers over breakfast. Once you’re all fired up, you’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. 

Smart Grids (Guest Lecture Online)
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Tue. 16-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day.

More information
Dinner
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Tue. 16-08

We serve you a fantastic dinner!

Evening programme
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Tue. 16-08

During this evening activity you can join our lean simulation game, dungeons and dragons and many more!

Lunch
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Tue. 16-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting. You will have the chance to get to know the programmes of our university and speak with representatives from our admissions office in case you are interested in continuing your studies here! During this lunch activity, you can also get to know the different student teams of our university.

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Tue. 16-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Smart Environment Concept Smart City
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Wed. 17-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course.

Breakfast & keynote
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Wed. 17-08

Get your day off to an inspiring start by listening to one of our inspirational speakers over breakfast. Once you’re all fired up, you’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. 

Smart Food for the Smart city
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Wed. 17-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. That might be a workshop, a lecture or a project depending on the course you choose.

Check our courses.

More information
Dinner
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Wed. 17-08

We will serve an amazing BBQ dinner tonight!

Evening programme
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Wed. 17-08

Enjoy a unique volleyball tournament together with your fellow CuriousU participants! Are you gonna be the winning team? Let's find out!

Lunch
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Wed. 17-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting. You can do one of the following lab tours: Behavioral Management and Sciences LabWearable Robotics Lab, combined tour in AeroAcoustic WindTunnel & Rapid Prototyping LabNanoLab or the Experimental Centre for Technical Medicine. Enjoy our dance workshop too!

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Wed. 17-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

City visit - Enschede
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Thu. 18-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course.

Breakfast & keynote
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Thu. 18-08

Get your day off to an inspiring start by listening to our keynote speaker over breakfast. 

Smart Citizenship
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Thu. 18-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. That might be a workshop, a lecture or a project depending on the course you choose.

Check our courses.

More information
Dinner
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Thu. 18-08

We go out for dinner at the city: Happy Italy

Evening programme
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Thu. 18-08

Enjoy the night in the city listening to some musical entertainment at Grolsch Summer Sounds.

Lunch
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Thu. 18-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting.This is one of the most popular lunch activities where together with your fellow participants you can enjoy some outdoor games in the main festival area! Join us!

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Thu. 18-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Cyber Security Resilience for the Smart city
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Fri. 19-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course.

Breakfast & Inspiration
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Fri. 19-08

Get your day off to an inspiring start by listening to one of our uplifting keynote speakers over breakfast. Once you’re all fired up, you’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. 

Smart Architecture The Smart Bridge Amsterdam
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Fri. 19-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. That might be a workshop, a lecture or a project depending on the course you choose.

Check our courses.

More information
Dinner
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Fri. 19-08

Every night we serve you a fantastic dinner.

Evening programme
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Fri. 19-08

Tonight we will have a great band night in our main tent! Next to that, a dj to play music and karaoke activity are planned for you!

Lunch
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Fri. 19-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting. You will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself by doing some career and personality tests ! Do not miss the chance to try the VR Parachuting experience!

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Fri. 19-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Free day
Time:08:15 - 20:00
Day:Sat. 20-08

Enjoy your weekend and see you Monday!

Challenge Wrap-up Presentation
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Sun. 21-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course.

Breakfast & keynote
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Sun. 21-08

Get your day off to an inspiring start by listening to our inspirational speaker over breakfast. 

Data driven Smart city workshop
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Sun. 21-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. That might be a workshop, a lecture or a project depending on the course you choose.

Check our courses.

More information
Dinner
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Sun. 21-08

Every night we serve you a fantastic dinner.

Evening programme
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Sun. 21-08

We'll watch a cool movie together!

Lunch
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Sun. 21-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting.


During this lunch you can join a sand castle competition and a graffiti workshop!

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Sun. 21-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Reflection time and discussions Panel discussions on the Ethics of SmartCities
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Mon. 22-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course.

Breakfast & keynote
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Mon. 22-08

Get your day off to an inspiring start by listening to our keynote speaker over breakfast.

Final Presentation
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Mon. 22-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. That might be a workshop, a lecture or a project depending on the course you choose.

Check our courses.

More information
Dinner
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Mon. 22-08

Every night we serve you a fantastic dinner.

Farewell Ceremony
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Mon. 22-08

This night we'll close off CuriousU 2022 with everyone and you'll receive your certificate.

Lunch
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Mon. 22-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting. Here is the chance to lock all the memories you made the last days into pictures! During that lunch break you also have the chance to break some pinatas!

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Mon. 22-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Breakfast
Time:08:15 - 09:00
Day:Tue. 23-08

Have a breakfast first.

CuriousU Participants Departure
Time:09:00 - 10:00
Day:Tue. 23-08

The last day: please check out (i.e. returning the keys) and saying goodbye to all your new friends. By returning your key you will get back your deposit for the log cabin or student dorm (online refund).

Course details

Methods: Lectures, interactive workshopsCourse level: Advanced BSC., MSc.
Target group: Students in their third Bachelor’s year, entry-level Master’s students and professionals with an interest in smart cities.
Credits: 2 ECTS for successfully completing the summer school