We are proud to announce the successful completion of one of the key milestones of the UR-WISE project: the formal engagement of the ERA Chair holder, Professor Aura Reggiani. This significant step marks the beginning of a transformative journey for the Faculty of Economics, University of Niš (FEUN), as we move forward in implementing the Horizon Europe ERA Chair initiative. Preparations and legal work surrounding the engagement have been ongoing for the past several months, involving careful coordination to ensure a smooth and compliant contracting process.
The contract was formally signed by Dean Vladislav Marjanović on behalf of FEUN.
Professor Aura Reggiani brings extensive expertise in spatial economics and modelling, with a distinguished research focus on the evolution and complexity of transport networks and the policy frameworks governing them. Her academic profile and leadership will greatly contribute to strengthening the research excellence at FEUN and enhancing the scientific foundation of the UR-WISE project.
The arrival of Professor Reggiani also marks the beginning of the structured recruitment process for the ERA Research Team, which will integrate a multidisciplinary skill set, including expertise in quantitative methods, economic policy, and regional and urban geography. The team’s composition is designed to foster a synergistic approach to complex challenges and delivers innovative, data-driven solutions for sustainable urban and regional development.
This achievement sets a strong foundation for the continuation of project activities and signifies a crucial advancement toward the project’s broader goals—empowering institutions in the Western Balkans through knowledge circulation, capacity building, and policy-oriented research.
We warmly welcome Professor Aura Reggiani to the UR-WISE team!