We are pleased to announce that Trenčín 2026 has established a significant partnership with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Together, we have signed a data-sharing agreement, which marks an important milestone in researching the cultural value and impacts of the Trenčín 2026 project on the city of Trenčín, its inhabitants, and the wider region.
However, this partnership is far more than just an exchange of data. Our aim is to jointly create high-quality international research, connect expert networks, and build a strong foundation of knowledge about the cultural, social, and economic impacts of the Trenčín 2026 project. Liverpool held the title of European Capital of Culture in 2008, and we believe that thanks to the experience of researchers from LJMU, who participated in its evaluation, we can gain the most valuable insights and inspiration for our work.
Researchers from DATA26 became official research fellows at LJMU
One of the most important outcomes of this agreement is that the researchers from the DATA26 team have become an official part of the LJMU research ecosystem as visiting research fellows. This status gives them access to a wide range of analytical tools, research training, library resources, and infrastructure of the British university. This not only strengthens the academic background of our team, but also enhances Trenčín’s international position as a centre for cultural research.
Visit of the team in Liverpool
On the occasion of the contract signing, our DATA26 research team visited LJMU in Liverpool, where several key activities took place. Administrative matters were handled – such as securing access to university facilities and formalising the collaboration. One of the highlights of the programme was the participation of DATA26 in the grand opening of the new research group Liverpool Centre for Cultural, Social, and Political Research. The event was co-chaired by Dr Rafaela Neiva Ganga – international expert and Chair of the DATA26 Scientific Council – and her colleague Dr Steve Nolan. The opening brought together academics, representatives of public institutions, and the cultural sector to discuss how applied research can contribute to the creation of effective public policies.
Speakers included Dr Steven Hadley (Galway 2020), Dr Tamara West (Impacts 18), representatives of the British Council, and the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). On this occasion, the DATA26 team also had the opportunity to meet with Pouria Motalebi, a PhD student at LJMU, who is researching the economic impacts of the Trenčín 2026 project under the supervision of Dr Rafaela Neiva Ganga and Dr Steve Nolan.
The visit to Liverpool also included a meeting of the DATA26 Scientific Council, which plays a key role in the external expert oversight of the research project. The Council was established to ensure independence, transparency, and academic quality of the research. It serves as a strategic body that oversees the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data so that it is protected from political or institutional pressure. As a “critical friend” to both the research and implementation teams, it contributes to making the research results trustworthy, relevant, independent, and socially beneficial.
This visit significantly strengthened the relationship between LJMU and Trenčín 2026 and confirmed the shared commitment to international cooperation, data-driven decision-making, and the long-term cultural development of the city of Trenčín. We are proud to be part of such an initiative and thank all the involved parties.
