From 15 to 17 December 2025, the ExcellCity project organized and implemented the “Open Doors Week” at the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT). The event was carried out as an official project activity and presented the project’s objectives, research focus, and expected results to a broad audience of students, teachers, and representatives of the educational community.

The initiative was conducted entirely within the framework of the ExcellCity project, with the project team acting as the main organizer and executor – responsible for the development of the program agenda, logistical coordination, thematic sessions, demonstrations, and guided visits to the university’s specialized laboratories.

The “Open Doors Week” welcomed hundreds of students and teachers from secondary schools and vocational high schools across the country – partner institutions of ULSIT under signed cooperation agreements. A key focus was placed on presenting ExcellCity as a research and innovation hub in the field of smart and climate-neutral cities, digital transformation, and the use of modern open-source technological platforms, including FIWARE.

According to the approved project schedule, the three-day program included thematic sessions dedicated to:

  • smart cities and sustainable urban development;

  • digital technologies and open data platforms;

  • cybersecurity and information systems protection;

  • innovation management and research infrastructure;

  • the application of artificial intelligence in urban and educational ecosystems.

During these sessions, the ExcellCity project team presented the core mission of the project – to enhance the scientific and innovation capacity of ULSIT and its partner organizations, to build advanced research infrastructure, and to establish a sustainable environment for cooperation between universities, research institutions, public authorities, and industry.

Special emphasis was placed on:

  • the development of interdisciplinary research in the area of smart city solutions;

  • opportunities for student involvement in real research and innovation activities within the project;

  • the acquisition of practical skills related to digital platforms, data analysis, and intelligent systems.

One of the highlights of the program was the guided visits, organized by the ExcellCity team, to ULSIT’s specialized facilities – the VR & AI Lab, IBM Lab, SoftLab, and the UNESCO Chair – where participants explored examples of applied research, simulation environments, and technological solutions related to the concept of intelligent and sustainable cities.

The implementation of the “Open Doors Week” within the ExcellCity project contributed to:

  • promoting the research activities of ULSIT;

  • increasing young people’s interest in engineering, information technologies, and interdisciplinary study fields;

  • establishing early connections between secondary school students, the academic environment, and innovative research projects;

  • strengthening the position of ExcellCity as a platform for the development of smart and sustainable urban solutions.

The event concluded with an official closing session and the presentation of key information regarding admission to ULSIT. Participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the organization, content, and practical orientation of the program, highlighting in particular the active role and professionalism of the ExcellCity project team in delivering the initiative.