URBAN HEAT ISLAND: FROM PROBLEM TO SOLUTIONS

Blended Intensive Programme

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iași, Romania

What is it about?

This Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) aims to bring together students from the EC2U Alliance to delve into the pressing issue of Urban Heat Islands (UHI) and develop practical, sustainable solutions. The programme aligns directly with SDG #11: Sustainable cities and communities, focusing on making urban centers more resilient and livable in the face of climate change and is developed based on the results of the MOBCLIM project (Diachronic modeling of (bio)climate conditions at a fine spatial scale in the main cities of North-East Romania-western Moldavia; https://www.geo.uaic.ro/mobclim/).

Cities, due to their built environments, which absorb and retain heat, experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas—the phenomenon known as the Urban Heat Island effect. This program will explore the drivers, impacts (including on public health and energy demand), and mitigation strategies, with a strong emphasis on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), such as green and blue solutions. Participants will be trained with the digital and technical skills to analyze UHI effects and design effective, evidence-based interventions.

Where?

Host institution: Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași, Romania

When?

Virtual activities: 1 March 2026 – 19 April 2026 (before the onsite week)

Onsite Activities: 20-24 April 2026 (5 days in Iași, Romania)

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the BIP, students will be able to:

• Analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of the Urban Heat Island effect using different kinds of collected data (in-situ, mobile, satellite) by applying GIS and climate modeling software;
• Identify and evaluate appropriate Nature-Based Solutions and urban planning strategies (e.g., green roofs, ventilation corridors) to mitigate extreme urban temperatures;
• Understand the principles of analytical tools used for climate modeling and green infrastructure assessment;
• Collaborate in an international, interdisciplinary team to propose viable solutions for a real-world urban environment.

Benefits

3 ECTS Credits, Certificate of attendance

Course structure. Main topics

Virtual activities:

The virtual activities are structured to ensure technical readiness. This preparatory phase encompasses: installing specialized climate modeling software, completing all required database downloads, and providing fundamental instruction in climate modeling and spatial analysis tools. Successful completion of this component guarantees participants possess the uniform technical skills required for the on-site phase.

On-site activities:

Intensive workshops and practical application focused on:

• GIS in urban climatology (using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis of UHI);
• Fine-scale climate modeling (simulating microclimates and testing the impact of different urban planning strategies) using ENVI-Met software;
• Green space accessibility assessment (analyzing and planning for Nature-Based Solutions to mitigate UHI effects).

Who should attend?

We are seeking motivated Ph.D. students from the EC2U Partner Universities to join this innovative programme.

Student Selection and Erasmus+ mobility funding

For all participating students from EC2U universities, participation in this Blended Intensive Programme is considered a short-term Erasmus+ Blended Mobility activity.

Crucial Information for EC2U students:

Please contact your university’s Erasmus+ Office to learn about the following:

• The internal selection procedure and deadlines: each EC2U university will conduct its own internal Erasmus+ selection process. This is required to formally nominate and grant the mobility status to participating students. All selected participants will receive an Erasmus+ mobility grant from their home institution.
• Erasmus+ grant: the Erasmus+ mobility grant, covering the on-site mobility component in Iași (20-24 April 2026), will be administered by your home university according to internal and national Erasmus+ guidelines (e.g., travel and daily allowance).
• Notification of nomination: Once your university has completed its internal selection and officially nominates you, please inform us via email by February 1st, 2026. We will then provide guidance on completing the final formal documents.
• Minimum participants: We expect at least 2 participants from each EC2U university, with a maximum of 10 per university.

NEXT STEPS FOR APPLICATION

Required Next Steps:

• Internal selection: Please consult your university’s Erasmus+ Office to determine the selection procedure, deadlines, and the expected Erasmus+ grant funding.
• Nomination deadline: Once your university confirms your nomination, you must inform us via email by February 1st, 2026, so we can guide you through the final formal paperwork.

Contact information:

UAIC EC2U local coordinators: ec2ulocalcoord.iasi@uaic.ro, petronela.spiridon@uaic.ro

BIP coordinator: Lucian Sfîcă, lucian.sfica@uaic.ro, and Lucian Roșu, lucian.rosu@uaic.ro 

UAIC International Relations Office: Anca Ionescu, anca.ionescu@uaic.ro  (BIP officer)