Sehnaz Cenani

Sehnaz Cenani is a Visiting Research Fellow in the Department of the Built Environment at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands and an Assistant Professor at Istanbul Medipol University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, a Master of Science in Computational Design, and a PhD in Urban Systems. Her recent research focuses on the use of XR technologies, primarily virtual reality systems, and on the design and development of digital tools that enable the active participation of vulnerable groups.

The Virtual Mobility (VM) Grant enabled me to collaborate with researchers from Working Groups 2 and 3 on a review paper about “Participatory Approaches for Age-Inclusive Smart Cities: Engaging Older Adults in Co-Design”. The diverse backgrounds and unique expertise of the team members provided a valuable range of perspectives and strengthened the overall impact of the study. The study examines how urban environments can be designed and adapted through technology and innovation, using participatory approaches that actively involve older adults to foster intergenerational engagement and ensure equitable access for all ages.

The VM Grant was a great experience and a valuable resource for fostering inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration. With the support of this grant, I was able to work with researchers from different disciplines and countries, resulting in effective collaboration and the development of a review paper. This experience highlights the vital role of funding opportunities in bringing together scholars from diverse backgrounds and advancing the objectives of this COST Action.