The cities of Kiel, Brest, and Split have been awarded a substantial €6 million grant for their joint proposal under the initiative “Science Comes to Town.” The successful bid, known as “UNITES,” involves a partnership facilitated by the European University of the Seas (SEA-EU) alliance, and it stands out as the only application to secure funding in this call.
The ambitious initiative, backed by the cities and regions of Kiel (Germany), Brest (France), and Split (Croatia), will see a year-long series of science-focused events throughout 2026, aiming to transform these cities into hubs of scientific engagement and innovation. Wolfgang Schmidt, a SEA-EU governing board representative for the City of Kiel, emphasized the unique collaboration fostered by SEA-EU, which not only unites nine universities but also bridges the gap between academia, city governments, and port authorities.
“This funding from the European Union is a testament to the strength of our joint efforts and the cohesive vision shared by Kiel, Brest, and Split. It’s a major step forward in bringing science directly to the community and engaging citizens in innovative ways,” Schmidt said.
In Kiel, the project will be managed by the City of Kiel in partnership with KielRegion, while Kiel University’s EU Grants Office played a pivotal role during the proposal phase. The comprehensive 365-day science program planned for 2026 promises to include a wide array of interactive and educational events, involving more than 70 institutions across the three regions.
This initiative builds on the previous “European City of Science” program, which biennially designated a city as the continent’s science capital, with the last being Katowice in 2024. “Science Comes to Town” aligns with the objectives of the European Research Area and the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe, emphasizing the significance of societal engagement and social responsibility in research and innovation activities.
The successful funding bid by Kiel, Brest, and Split not only highlights the collaborative potential and strategic planning of the SEA-EU alliance but also sets a precedent for future endeavors in integrating science with community involvement and urban development.
