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METACITIES Showcased at the Welcome to UP 2025 Festival
The Road Safety Institute (RSI) “Panos Mylonas” promoted the METACITIES project during Welcome to UP 2025, the University of Patras’ Freshers’ Welcome Festival, held from 7 to 11 October 2025 at the Peace Park on the University campus. As one of the participating organisations in the exhibition area, RSI engaged with thousands of students, researchers, academics and visitors, presenting the project’s vision for safer, smarter and more sustainable cities. The festival has become a flagship annual event of the University of Patras, bringing together the academic community, local organisations and the wider public through a rich programme of educational, cultural and technological activities.
Throughout the five-day event, RSI introduced visitors to the objectives of METACITIES, highlighting how emerging technologies—including Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins and innovative mobility solutions—can contribute to improving road safety and urban resilience. Through informative discussions and dissemination material, participants learned about the role of European research and innovation in addressing real-world challenges and shaping the future of smart cities.
According to the official festival report, the University campus welcomed approximately 7,000 visitors per day, providing an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the METACITIES project among a large and diverse audience, particularly young people beginning their academic journey. The participation further strengthened METACITIES’ outreach activities by connecting the project with future scientists, engineers and citizens who will help shape tomorrow’s urban environments.