Who we are

University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp acts as the Project Coordinator and brings experience in cross-border collaboration and research through its Faculty of Law, represented by the Business and Law and Government and Law research groups. These groups have worked extensively on legal-scientific issues at the intersection of business, law, governance, and societal challenges, particularly in areas such as globalization, digitalization, and sustainability. Emphasizing social sustainability and inclusivity in mobility planning, the Faculty plays a pivotal role in Work Package 1 (WP1).

Key contributors include:

• Prof. Wouter Verheyen, who has extensive experience in sustainable transport and mobility law, as well as in leading consortia and conducting policy research for public and private organizations.
• Ülkü Tanriverdi, researcher with a background in studying regulations for “smart” mobility and accessibility, offering insights into the regulatory landscape of Flanders.

Their combined experience contributes to the development of legal and policy frameworks for sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.

AP Hogeschool

AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp contributes through its research group Stadskracht, which focuses on applied and participatory research to create inclusive, healthy, and sustainable cities. Stadskracht has experience working with local officials and senior citizens on age-friendly mobility and public space challenges, using participatory methods like walking group interviews and GIS-based heatmaps.

Key contributors include:

• Pieter Cools, experienced in urban social innovation, citizen participation, and EU-funded research projects.
• Sofie Vermeiren, researcher, nurse and gerontologist with expertise in the participation and care for older adults and relevant experience in organizing walking interviews.

Their work supports participatory approaches to age-friendly mobility in Work Package 3 (WP3).

University of Szczecin

The University of Szczecin contributes to the project through its Department of Transport Management, which specializes in transport systems, mobility, and transport economics with a focus on sustainable development. The team brings experience in research and development related to mobility services for older adults, supporting Work Package 2 (WP2).

Key contributors include:

• Dr. Zuzanna Kłos-Adamkiewicz, assistant professor with expertise in sustainable mobility, urban transport, and mobility management. She has coordinated transport plans, developed mobility audits, and worked extensively with local governments and European transport projects.
• Prof. Tomasz Kwarciński, associate professor with a background in public transport, rural transport accessibility, and low-emission urban transport technologies, with extensive collaboration on regional and international projects.
• Dr. Agnieszka Gozdek, assistant professor focused on road transport, urban mobility, and sustainable development, with active involvement in European transport projects.
• Dr. Sylwia Kowalska, assistant professor researching sustainable transport, modal shifts, and European transport policy.

The university collaborates with key local stakeholders, including the cities of Szczecin and Gorzów Wielkopolski, public transport authorities, and senior advocacy organizations. These partners contribute through workshops, policy input, and local mobility studies, enhancing the project’s relevance and impact on older adult mobility solutions.

Politecnico di Milano

The Department of Architecture and Urban Studies (DAStU) at Politecnico di Milano contributes interdisciplinary expertise in urban planning, mobility, and transport economics. With a focus on the relationship between neighbourhood characteristics and older adults’ mobility habits, the team brings valuable insights to Work Package 3 (WP3).

Key contributors include:

• Dr. Federica Maria Rossi, assistant professor, expert in transport and regional economics.
• Prof. Ilaria Mariotti, specialized in urban and regional economics with a strong background in mobility and aging.
• Dr. Tiziano Pavanini, research fellow, specialized in transport economics with a focus on sustainable urban mobility.

Their research on public transport, accessibility, and elderly well-being supports strategies for sustainable and inclusive mobility, as do their collaborations with local partners in Milan and Genoa.

Odisee Hogeschool

The Center for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (CenSE) at Odisee University of Applied Sciences specializes in practice-oriented research for socio-economic and environmental sustainability, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and sharing mobility initiatives. The team will lead WP4, focusing on the development and validation of the common framework, and co-lead WP2, analyzing market practices and user reception. The involvement of Odisee’s Centre for Research on Elderly Care (EXP-O), focusing on active ageing and empowerment, further strengthens the team’s capacity to address SMART-AGE’s objectives.

Key researchers include:

• Dr. Bart Henssen, head of CenSE, whose research focuses on transformation towards sustainable businesses and sustainable ecosystems.
• Karen Brabant, senior researcher and coordinator of the Circular Economy spearhead at CenSE, who complements the team with her expertise in multi-actor partnerships and collaborative business models.
• Dries Couckuyt, PhD, senior researcher on interdisciplinarity with expertise in economic policy and corporate environmental sustainability to drive policy innovation and sustainable business transformation.
• Tesnime Imnadine, researcher assistant, who supports a variety of sustainability projects and manages both internal and external communications at CenSE, utilizing her strategic communication expertise.

Urban Studies Institute – University of Antwerp

The Urban Studies Institute (USI) at the University of Antwerp is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to understanding and addressing urban challenges. USI fosters collaboration on topics such as sustainable mobility, urban accessibility, and city development. As part of the SMART-AGE project, USI contributed its expertise in supporting the preparation of the successful proposal submitted to the DUT. Their insights continue to be valuable in shaping the project’s approach to sustainable urban mobility for ageing populations.

Stad Antwerpen

The City of Antwerp joins SMART-AGE to support research on age-proof mobility and address local challenges in connectivity, ageing-in-place, and reducing car dependency. Antwerp contributes expertise, case studies, and policy input, ensuring project outcomes align with its priorities and demographic trends.

Zarząd Drog i Transportu Miejskiego w Szczecinie (ZDiTM)

ZDiTM, the public transport organizer for Szczecin and its suburbs, brings experience in addressing modern mobility challenges and adapting services to meet diverse user needs. Within the SMART-AGE project, ZDiTM focuses on understanding and responding to the mobility requirements of older adults.

Towarzystwo Wspierania Inicjatyw Kulturalno-Społecznych

Towarzystwo Wspierania Inicjatyw Kulturalno-Społecznych, a senior center based in Szczecin, contributes expertise in supporting older adults and fostering community engagement. Within the SMART-AGE project, the center actively participates to ensure the project addresses the mobility challenges faced by seniors, with the aim of promoting alternative transport options and enhancing quality of life.

Azienda Mobilità e Trasporti SPA

Azienda Mobilità e Trasporti SPA (AMT SPA), Genoa’s urban and suburban public transport operator, actively contributes to the SMART-AGE project as a key partner in the Genoa case study. AMT SPA offers its expertise and resources as regards transport, mobility and older adults, thus strengthening the project’s efforts to enhance accessibility and quality of life for older adults in Genoa and beyond.

UniGeSenior

UniGeSenior, the University of Genoa’s initiative for individuals over 45, actively collaborates in the SMART-AGE project as part of the Genoa case study. With its expertise in addressing the needs of Genoa’s aging population, UniGeSenior helps developing tailored solutions to enhance mobility and quality of life for older adults.

Lantis

Lantis realizes complex mobility projects in the Antwerp region, enhancing the city and region by building vital connections. As part of this mission, Lantis supports the Antwerp Transport Region, one of the 15 clusters in Flanders responsible for regional mobility planning and implementation, in achieving its goal of a 50/50 modal share towards sustainable transport. With extensive experience in fostering supra-local collaboration and inclusive mobility services, Lantis will contribute to the SMART-AGE project by sharing case studies, participating in policy round tables, and ensuring that research outputs align with regional mobility challenges to improve accessibility for ageing populations.

Miasto Gorzów Wielkopolski

The City of Gorzów Wielkopolski brings experience in addressing social challenges, including mobility issues affecting older adults, through active participation in various projects.

Urzad Miasta Szczecin

The City of Szczecin contributes experience in mobility projects and addressing mobility challenges for older adults. Through its Department of Social Affairs, the city actively engages by providing local policy insights and strategic documents.

Mpact

Mpact is a nonprofit organization with decades of experience in developing and optimizing shared mobility solutions across Belgium. Committed to balancing human well-being, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability, Mpact focuses on creating inclusive mobility systems that prioritize accessibility for less mobile individuals often overlooked by commercial platforms. With a strong track record in advocating for car-reduction policies and fostering multimodal connections, Mpact brings valuable expertise to the SMART-AGE project.

Vlaamse Ouderenraad

The Vlaamse Ouderenraad (Flemish Council of Older Persons) is an advisory and participatory council representing older adults in Flanders. With extensive experience in advocating on behalf of older adults across various policy domains, the Council brings valuable insights to the SMART-AGE consortium.

Municipio 9 Milano

Municipio 9 of the city of Milan partners with SMART-AGE as a case study. Building on its previous collaborations with Politecnico di Milano, it contributes to data collection, policy sharing, interactive mobility walks, and project dissemination.

Auser Indieme di Milano

AUSER Milano, a social promotion association, joins SMART-AGE as a key co-operation partner, leveraging its expertise in supporting older adults and fostering social inclusion. With extensive experience in community services and collaborations with the Municipality of Milan and Politecnico di Milano, AUSER Milano contributes to co-creation activities, data collection, and project dissemination.

Brussels Mobility

Brussels Mobility, the administration responsible for transportation and infrastructure in the Brussels-Capital Region, joins the SMART-AGE project to share its expertise in urban transportation management. Their contributions include analyzing crucial data on the mobility needs of older adults using tools like travel behaviour surveys and mobility statistics, as well as facilitating communication and coordination among key actors within the administration and project partners.

Brussels Ouderenplatform

The Brussels Ouderenplatform (Bop) is a non-profit organization dedicated, among others things, to advocating for the rights of older adults in Brussels. Its mission is to amplify the voice of older individuals and their organizations, ensuring their needs are heard by policymakers. The BOp’s Advocacy Unit fosters dialogue, collaborates with organizations, and engages policymakers. It has ample significant data available for the SMART-AGE project, and has wide experience in building bridges between the older community’s needs and policymakers.

Comune di Genova

Comune di Genova joins the SMART-AGE project as a co-operation partner and case study city, building on its experience in promoting sustainable urban mobility with a focus on older adults. Having collaborated with Co-Applicant Politecnico di Milano on previous projects, Genova brings valuable expertise in co-creation methods, including data collection and policy sharing.