We are delighted to announce the successful culmination of the 18th DRC Summer School, held in the picturesque city of Cluj-Napoca and hosted by three esteemed Romanian universities. This year's event saw the convergence of 13 young scientists, university students, and emerging researchers hailing from 10 countries across the Danube Region and Central Europe. The week-long 18th DRC Summer School, themed "Transformation of post-war Europe: Challenging universities and research in the Danube Region?," took place in Cluj-Napoca from 16 to 22 July 2023.
Babeș-Bolyai University, the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, and the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine hosted this year's edition. Amidst the charming backdrop of Cluj-Napoca, participants engaged not only in insightful dialogues with experts on the designated theme but also in the exchange of their expertise from diverse research domains.
The core theme of the Summer School was rigorously explored through four focal points, namely democracy, inclusivity, digitalization, and European strategies during periods of conflict. These topics provided an enriched platform for comprehensive discussions and intellectual exploration.
The Summer School involved cultural aspects, allowing participants to engage in local traditions through group activities. This created a friendly atmosphere, deepening connections among attendees and offering a taste of Transylvanian life and cuisine. Guided city and botanical garden tours, alongside traditional dinners, enriched the week. A highlight was a field trip to Salina Turda, highlighting Romania's natural beauty. The experience concluded with a meaningful final gathering.
