Let's Connect! Be part of the Urban CurioCity Journey

My Urban CurioCity adventures begin very soon - and I can’t wait to connect with the world’s most innovative thinkers who are tackling our big urban challenges - density, affordability, liveability, sustainability, and technology!

If you're an organisation, university, company, startup, or even an individual passionate about urban development issues, I'd love to hear from you.

Due to the flexible nature of the Urban CurioCity travel research model, I am in a position where I can unearth local insights and hunt down answers to things most people aren't able to investigate from afar. But I need people to help me to achieve this in order to share my knowledge with those seeking answers!

There are many ways in which you can help me with my research, and I need assistance with the following:

• Sourcing people / organisations / universities / companies / start-ups working on an interesting project or bold idea to tackle an urban challenge

I am aiming to profile innovators and their innovative projects across a range of fields (i.e. arts, science, technology, engineering, design, policy, economics/finance) at a local or city scale.

I’d love to hear from people passionate about their work and/or those designing a cutting edge idea, who are keen to share their learnings with me. You would have the opportunity to have your work/project profiled on my blog as well.

If you can provide tips on what to see, who to speak to, or provide personal contacts or invitations to speak with people, that would be a bonus!

• Finding collaboration opportunities

One of the reasons I’m taking time out to conduct this project full time is to have the flexibility and free time to focus my energies on projects that I'm really passionate about and believe in.

As an experienced Civil Engineer, I love helping to get projects off the ground; so I’m keen to collaborate or work with people who are working on an idea involving an urban challenge or another project aimed at securing the quality of life for next generations. (To find out more about me, visit the About page) Perhaps you need to add your skillsets to your profile on that page?

• Forming an Urban CurioCity Advisory Panel

This is a ‘mind-hive’ of technical specialists that I’m developing for the purpose of the Urban CurioCity project. The panelists will help me to review and validate new ideas I come across during my research, and they will actively be part of the discussion on the development and application. It is also a great opportunity for forward-thinkers who are keen to stay updated with the latest ideas.

• Meeting ‘on-the-ground’ friendly faces

I would love to meet people with local connections who can help me to settle into and find out more about each city I visit. (You can check out my itinerary here). It would be fantastic if you could introduce me to people in the know, or personally give me a tour of what life is like in your city!

• Gaining invitations or access to related conferences and events

To assist me with my research, I’m very interested if you’re able to offer complimentary or discounted access to the events below or similar. If there’s an opportunity to present as well, that would be fantastic!

• The Nantucket Project
• EG Conference
• South by South West
• Monocle Qualilty of Life Conference
• Smart City World Congress 
• United Nations Climate Change Conference 

• Discovering media and speaking opportunities

If you have an upcoming event related to my five big urban challenges or you are from a publication or media organisation seeking a relevant source, let me know!

I’m open to public speaking opportunities as well as providing regular or one-off contributions to newsletters, newspaper columns, blogs, or social media posts.

• Unearthing other forms of in-kind support

Are you able to offer me something else that may assist me with my project? Perhaps you can provide me with a suitable working space in your city, marketing support, travel tips, or offer free (or discounted!) accommodation. All forms of in-kind support are very welcome!

If you can tick any of these boxes, please connect with me!

I’m eager to engage with anyone who sympathises with the cause and want to see me succeed in my research. And if you are involved in an innovative project and would like the opportunity to showcase it to the world - I’m your woman!

Thanks in advance,

Katrie