University Highlights: Key Resolutions, MAY - JUNE 2025

NOTICES

Report of the Student Ombudsperson – 2024

The comprehensive review of the requests received, reports submitted, and proposals for improving services addressed to the student community was presented. In 2024, the Ombudsperson handled 374 cases, a slight increase from 2023, indicating growing awareness of this role among students. In the report, the Ombudsperson highlighted the full and ongoing cooperation of all University structures in addressing the issues raised.

Listening, dialogue and participation: governance activities and tools (2022–2025)

The governing bodies reviewed regular initiatives launched since 2022 to engage with departments, degree programmes, teaching and professional staff, and student representatives. These efforts aim to strengthen strategic governance while recognising the University's disciplinary and regional diversity, encouraging the sharing of goals, collecting local input, and implementing actions aligned with our institutional mission.

Report on teaching innovation

A single document summarises proposals for a transferable skills development plan for first-, second- and third-cycle students, as well as the piloting of Minors—innovative teaching formats designed to deepen and enhance skills in specific themes or sectors. The report also outlines a structured path for training and supporting the academic community through faculty development initiatives.

Report on the protection and exploitation of intellectual property (IP) rights

The Knowledge Transfer Office of the Innovation Division presented a five-year monitoring report on the University’s efforts to protect and enhance research results subject to intellectual property protection.

CoARA: action plan progress and new working group

An update was presented on the work of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), the international coalition that drafted the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (ARRA) and is now implementing its action plan.

TEACHING

Annual Programme Report for Degree Programmes (SUA-CdS) – A.Y. 2025-2026

The Annual Programme Report (SUA-CdS) for all accredited degree programmes to be offered in academic year 2025/26 was approved.

Amendments to the Specialisation School Regulations

To ensure alignment with the updated University Statute and Regulations, the revised Regulation on Specialisation Schools was submitted to the University governing bodies. The revision includes: the possibility of appointing as School Director academic staff from affiliated universities that are part of the Schools’ training network; the introduction of the role of Vice Director; a requirement for Specialisation Schools in the Healthcare Area to include at least two members of teaching staff from the relevant academic discipline; and the option to set up preparatory committees. With regard to specialisation students, the Regulation also covers the recognition of prior learning to shorten the programme duration and the option to take the final examination online.

New double degree agreements

Two new international double degree agreements were approved. The first, with Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNAL), will award a single-cycle Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Bologna and the professional title Título profesional de Arquitecto from UNAL. The second, with Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3, will award a Master’s degree in Philosophical Sciences from the University of Bologna and a Master en philosophie – Mention “Philosophie”, parcours “Philosophie contemporaine” from the French partner.

41st-cycle PhD programmes – A.Y. 2025-2026

The University approved the activation of 37 PhD programmes for the 41st cycle, to be included in the second admission call for academic year 2025-26. The University of Bologna will also participate in four National PhD Programmes, three of which are new.

Survey on doctoral student feedback

The survey collecting PhD students’ feedback on research training, services and opportunities has been updated. The revised questionnaire, developed in collaboration with PhD Programmes Councils and the third-cycle student representatives on the Student Council, aims to improve clarity and completeness.

Agreement for the University Prison Hub

The agreement between the University of Bologna, the Regional Prison Administration for Emilia-Romagna and Marche, the Bologna Prison Directorate, the Inter-District Office for Alternative Measures (UIEPE), and the regional student support agency ER.GO will be renewed. The aim is to continue and expand activities of the University Prison Hub.

RESEARCH AND THIRD MISSION

Framework agreement with Fondazione CHIPS-IT

The University of Bologna and the Italian Centre for the Design of Semiconductor Integrated Circuits (Fondazione CHIPS-IT) will sign a framework agreement to launch joint research, innovation, and training initiatives in electronic engineering and microelectronics.

New agreements and partnerships

Two new memoranda of understanding will be signed: one with Fondazione Mercury to train professionals in civil aviation, aerospace, and aeronautics; and one with the Technical-Scientific-Cultural Committee of "Rimini Blue Lab", a project focused on the green and blue economy. The University also approved a framework agreement with Fondazione Bruno Kessler for cooperation on research, training, doctoral programmes, laboratories, publications, and national and EU-funded projects. Another agreement with Scientifica Venture Capital was approved to support the exploitation of research results. Additionally, a joint lab agreement with Formula Imola was approved for R&D in motorsports and advanced technologies, along with a collaboration protocol with Officine Maccaferri on industrial projects and innovation.

STUDENT SERVICES

Funding to support students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties (SLD)

Criteria were approved for the use of €604,537 allocated by the Ministry of Universities and Research to support students with disabilities and SLD. The funds will support tutoring, study support, training on assistive technologies, and the purchase of personalised learning aids and services.

INTERNATIONALISATION

Support for asylum seekers, refugees and displaced students

As part of the “Unibo for Refugees” project, the University has approved measures to facilitate the integration of asylum seekers, refugees, and displaced students. These include simplified procedures for admission and recognition of qualifications, exemption from fees for enrolment in individual learning activities, 12 ER.GO scholarships with dining services, and 10 study awards worth €2,500 each.

Agreements with non-EU universities

Approval was granted for the signing of framework cooperation agreements with the University of Wyoming (USA), the Université de Sfax (Tunisia), and the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent (Uzbekistan), to support student and staff mobility, participation in European programmes, and the development of double and joint degree programmes.

BUDGET, PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT

University Regulations for Administration, Finance and Accounting (RAFC) and Accounting Manual

Revisions to the RAFC and Accounting Manual were approved to align the University's accounting procedures with recent changes to internal regulations and to support a more systematic understanding of financial procedures.

2025 Sustainability Report

The third Sustainability Report presents the values, actions, results and impact of the University's 2024 activities. It allows stakeholders to evaluate performance and the University’s contribution to local and national sustainability. The report provides an integrated and transparent overview across four key areas: identity, principles and values; economic performance; environmental impact; and social impact.

Mid-term review of the 2022–2027 Strategic Plan

The mid-term review of the University Strategic Plan confirms the relevance of its objectives, while updating actions, indicators and targets to reflect new ministerial guidelines and a constantly evolving social, economic and cultural landscape. The contextual analysis—assessing strengths and weaknesses, critical issues and opportunities—drew on European strategic documents, dialogue with UnaEuropa and the European University Association (EUA), and input from the Board of Sponsors, the University governing bodies, the Alumni Association, and the Departments.

2025 Self-Assessment Guidelines for Departments, Degree Programmes and PhD Programmes

The guidelines for the 2025 self-assessment process were approved to support those involved—especially in preparation for the upcoming periodic accreditation visit of the National Agency for the Evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes (ANVUR) in November. Additional guidelines were approved for the analysis and discussion of results from the student opinion survey.

Performance Report 2024

The 2024 Performance Report was approved, summarising organisational and individual results achieved in relation to the objectives of the Integrated Plan for Activities and Organisation (PIAO). It is part of the University's broader accountability framework and includes the 10th edition of the Gender Equality Report. Alongside the Sustainability Report, these documents form the University’s integrated extended non-financial reporting system.

STAFF AND ORGANIZATION

Regulations on the recruitment of full and associate professors

The revised regulations introduce procedures under Article 24(6) of Law 240/2010, following the adoption of Ministerial Decree 1673 (29/10/2024), which provides for the career progression of tenured researchers with national scientific qualifications. Minor changes were also made to comply with Ministerial Decree 639 (2/05/2024), introducing scientific-disciplinary groups.

Strengthening the University Helpdesk against Gender-Based Violence

A public notice will be issued to launch the process of signing a convention with a third-sector organisation to strengthen the University’s Helpdesk against gender-based violence. The agreement will also support training for staff most likely to encounter victims of violence or discrimination.

Research contract funding and activation

Spending limits were approved for activating research contracts using internal funds in 2025 (over €5 million), along with Department requests for contract activation, prioritising positions related to national, European, or international projects and based on project start date.

ASSETS AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Fondazione Alma Ricerca

As part of the University’s rationalisation of its affiliated bodies, the merger of the Umberto Borsi Institute for Administrative Studies and the Enrico Bottrigari Foundation into the Fondazione Alma Ricerca (FAR) was approved.

Construction of new student housing

A 19-year free concession was approved in favour of ER.GO for seven residential units in the “Palazzo Albicini Dalle Vacche” property in Forlì to create a new student residence. This project will be submitted to the Ministry’s student housing call funded by the NRRP. The concession aims to expand the housing options offered by ER.GO for the current academic year and to support the Unibo student community.

Regulations on fixed assets and related management

To simplify and increase transparency, the new Regulation on Fixed Assets and Related Management was approved. It will be issued alongside the revised RAFC. The current Inventory Disposal Committee will remain in place until its mandate ends on 31/10/2025. Under the new regulation, responsibility for theft and loss of assets will no longer fall under the Committee but will return to the direct jurisdiction of the Court of Auditors.

TEACHING, RESEARCH, AND SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE

Transformation of the Applied Biomedical Research Centre – CRBA

The transformation of the CRBA Centre from a centre of strategic interest to a University Service Centre was approved. The Centre's operating regulations will also be revised in line with recent changes to the University Statute and the ongoing reorganisation of University Centres.

PARTICIPATION IN EXTERNAL ENTITIES

Creation of the Italian Quantum Alliance (AQI)

The University approved participation in the new Italian Quantum Alliance (AQI), an association aimed at building a unified and coordinated ecosystem to enhance Italian excellence in quantum technologies and foster international competitiveness.

OTHER BUSINESS

Motion against the escalation of military conflict in Gaza

The Academic Senate approved a motion condemning the humanitarian and civil consequences, violations of international law and human rights in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories and called for the strengthening of all diplomatic and political efforts to end the conflict.

All resolutions are available on Organi web and Intranet