Created: 2026.04.21. 13:26
Széchenyi István University, in cooperation with the Municipality of Graz and the Unified Health and Social Care Institution of Győr, has launched a European Union project entitled Heat‑Resilient Cities. The programme, which will conclude in September 2028, aims to protect the health of urban populations – with particular attention to vulnerable social groups – and to strengthen the adaptive capacity of cities.
In recent years, Széchenyi István University has secured funding for several environmental protection and sustainability‑focused research projects supported by the Interreg Austria–Hungary Cooperation Programme, financed by the European Union and the Hungarian State. One such initiative is the project entitled “Cities adapting to climate change (heat‑resilient cities)”, which focuses on reducing the health risks associated with heatwaves and enhancing urban resilience.
The 30‑month, cross‑border programme is led by the Municipality of Graz, while the scientific research and impact assessment are carried out by the Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences of Széchenyi István University in cooperation with the Unified Health and Social Care Institution of Győr. The work also involves Hévíz Saint Andrew Rheumatology Hospital and Thermal Spa, the Family and Child Welfare Centre of Győr, and the WHO Healthy Cities Programme Office of the Municipality of Győr.
The project kick‑off meeting was held recently at the University’s Győr Innovation Park. At the event, Dr Angéla Somogyi, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, emphasised that the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves pose serious health and social challenges, particularly in urban environments. “This project seeks to respond to this very problem with scientifically grounded, practical solutions. Its aim is to protect the health of urban populations, reduce risks, and strengthen the adaptive capacity of cities,” she stated. She highlighted that one of the project’s greatest strengths lies in its focus not only on research outcomes but also on practical applications: through situation analyses, city‑specific measures, unified indicator systems and training programmes, it contributes to real and tangible change.
Introducing the Faculty, the Dean explained that its history dates back to 1996, when health and social care programmes were launched in Győr. “In 2016, sports science programmes were added to these fields, and the combined operation of these areas enables interdisciplinary education and research,” she noted. She also presented developments related to the MedTech Campus, outlining the infrastructure entrusted to the Faculty. She pointed out that their innovation and research activities have already addressed several topics that may prove valuable for the current project. These include neuropsychological studies conducted using the NIRSport2 system, the observation of brain processes related to stress, as well as the development of somatic and mental health in middle‑aged (50–59), ageing (60–74) and elderly (75–89) population groups.
Participants of the opening meeting of the project “Cities adapting to climate change (heat‑resilient cities)” implemented within the framework of the Interreg Austria–Hungary Cooperation Programme (Photo: András Adorján)
On behalf of the Municipality of Graz, expert Izeta Mulaibisevic presented the city’s “Health for All” initiative and the timetable for the joint work. “Our initiative was created within the framework of a large‑scale Interreg project, building a bridge between urban residents and healthcare services. We provide citizens with free and, if required, anonymous counselling, supported by a multidisciplinary team – such as physiotherapists and psychotherapists. This is a concept unique in Austria, and its services are accessible to everyone,” she explained. Regarding the heat‑resilient cities project, she revealed that the work has been divided into five phases running until September 2028, including on‑site assessments, background research, pilot projects and the development of an action plan.
Széchenyi István University’s strategic partner, Hévíz Saint Andrew Rheumatology Hospital and Thermal Spa, was represented by Dr Mariann Aradvári‑Szabolcs, who explained that through the therapeutic, rehabilitation and recreational services of the thermal lake, the rheumatology hospital and the wellness hotel belonging to the institution – as well as through its educational and research activities and environmental and sustainability efforts – the organisation fulfils not only healthcare‑related but also tourism and social functions.
The role of the Unified Health and Social Care Institution of Győr was presented by its director, Róbert Kányai, whose presentation introduced the institution’s more than 45‑year professional history and wide‑ranging activities. He highlighted that the consortium will be able to rely on the institution in the development of the action plan, the practical support of research, and the implementation of results.
