University Highlights: Key Resolutions - October 2025

NOTICES

Document phase completed for ANVUR accreditation visit

Ahead of the AVA3 periodic accreditation visit scheduled for November 2025, the University of Bologna has prepared all the documentation required by ANVUR - the Italian national agency for the evaluation of universities and research institutes - for the University, Departments, degree programmes and PhD programmes involved. The material, including explanatory videos, has been uploaded to the ANVUR platform and made available on the University portal in the section Quality Assurance, together with a new informational video.

University Research Evaluation Report 2024

The University Research Evaluation Committee (CVRA) has approved the 2024 Research Evaluation Report, drafted with the support of the Research and Third Mission Evaluation Office. The report analyses the results, strengths and areas for improvement of the evaluation process, in preparation for the next University Research Evaluation (VRA 2026).

TEACHING

Regulation on teaching, tutoring, and language training assignments

Amendments have been approved to the Regulation on teaching, tutoring and language training assignments, which will take effect from the 2025-2026 academic year. Based on a review of the first application, the revisions aim to simplify procedures, clarify contractual limits and ensure greater consistency with civil law provisions. The measure, consistent with Objective 17 of the 2022–27 Strategic Plan, is designed to promote high-quality, innovative and sustainable teaching.

Activation of medical specialisation schools – 2024-25 academic year

The medical specialisation schools accredited for the 2024-25 academic year have been activated and are now open to graduates in Medicine. Enrolments have been open since 30 September 2025.

Agreements with other universities for joint study programmes

The following agreements will be signed: the Partnership Agreement for the “ADRION Joint Transnational Master in Renewable Energy” (second-cycle degree), coordinated by the University of Patras within the interregional ADRION project; the Consortium Agreement for the interuniversity degree “Bachelor in European Studies” (BAES); and the agreement for the first-level professional masters programme “Education and Nature: Skills for Ecological and Sustainable Training.”

From Minor projects to Microcredentials

Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, the University will pilot the transformation of “Minor” pathways into microcredentials, entrusting the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) with the development of a framework for their design and implementation. The initiative aims to promote short, high-quality, interdisciplinary learning paths, recognised at the European level and tailored to the needs of learners and professionals.

RESEARCH AND THIRD MISSION

Agreement between the University and the IRCCS University Hospital of Bologna

The University of Bologna and the IRCCS University Hospital of Bologna have strengthened their strategic collaboration in biomedical and translational research through a Framework Agreement and an Implementing Convention integrating research support functions.

Alma Scavi 2026 Call

The 2026 edition of the Alma Scavi call for archaeological field research conducted by University academic staff has been approved. With a total budget of €300,000, the call funds research activities in Italy and abroad, including non-invasive surveys, excavations, field studies and initiatives to enhance archaeological sites.

Competitive projects: new incentives and rewards

Incentive and reward measures have been revised for researchers awarded competitive projects under Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe and European Partnerships. The main changes concern co-funding from Departments for the direct recruitment of external ERC Principal Investigators and a differentiated incentive for first-rank ERC PIs already employed by the University. The new provisions will apply to ERC projects approved in calls launched after 1 January 2026.

Collaboration protocol with the Fashion Research Italy Foundation

A two-year collaboration protocol will be signed with the Fashion Research Italy Foundation to expand opportunities for joint initiatives in areas such as research and innovation, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.

University Proof of Concept Call

A new University Proof of Concept call will fund pre-competitive development of research results, including those not protected by patents but with market potential. The call will also support projects with future valorisation prospects. Each project will receive funding between €10,000 and €40,000.

Agreement with Fun Science for the 2025/26 edition of “Unijunior”

The “Unijunior” initiative will resume in November, organised in collaboration with the Cultural, Educational and Recreational Association Fun Science. The programme introduces younger generations to research, offering children aged 8 to 13 a series of university lectures on humanities, sciences, and current issues such as environmental sustainability, migration, media education, gender and inclusion.

Fundraising for the Restoration of the Specola Museum Collections

The fundraising campaign under the Art Bonus law for the restoration and conservation of the Specola Museum collections has been extended for one more year. The funds will be used to complete the museum’s renovation, with a focus on restoring several significant items in the collection.

STUDENT SERVICES

Administrative procedures for students’ academic careers 2026-27

The schedule of administrative procedures for student careers for the 2026-27 academic year has been approved. The calendar defines deadlines for enrolments, transfers, programme changes and applications for final examinations, ensuring better planning—particularly for the enrolment of non-EU international students.

INTERNATIONALISATION

Agreement with CaoYang No.2 High School, Shanghai (China)

An agreement has been approved with CaoYang No.2 High School in Shanghai, defining enrolment procedures for students from the institution who hold a secondary school qualification and adequate proficiency in Italian.

Agreements with non-EU universities

Approval has been given for the signing of a cooperation framework agreement with Kyung Hee University (South Korea) to foster student and staff mobility, research collaboration and joint projects.

Scholars at Risk

The University has approved the renewal of research fellowships and the creation of new contracts reserved for scholars (postdocs, researchers, lecturers and professors) at risk due to conflict or geopolitical crises. Departments may express interest in hosting a visiting scholar or professor and co-fund the initiative with at least €5,000. A University committee will review the expressions of interest and allocate funding to cover 12 months, subject to available funds (€67,000 in total).

UnaBo: University to fund seven projects to strengthen cooperation within Una Europa

To foster participation and academic collaboration within the Una Europa alliance, the University will launch the “UnaBo” call, open to academic and research staff. The initiative will fund seven multilateral projects, each worth €12,000, involving at least two other partner universities of the Alliance in teaching, research or third mission activities. Projects may last up to 18 months and will be selected by a dedicated University committee.

BUDGET, PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT

Consolidated Financial Statements 2024

The 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements of the University of Bologna Group have been approved, covering the Alma Mater, Ing. Luciano Toso Montanari, Alma Ricerca, Federico Zeri, CE.U.B. foundations, the Fundación Alma Mater, Behold S.r.l., and the Almae Matris Alumni Association. The 2024 financial year closed with an operating surplus of over €16 million.

PARTICIPATION IN EXTERNAL ENTITIES

Interuniversity Research Centre for Comparative Oncology – ICOR

The Interuniversity Research Centre for Comparative Oncology (ICOR) will be established at the initiative of the Departments of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) and Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET). Six other universities will join the University of Bologna in this national initiative, which promotes interdisciplinary research in comparative oncology to refine diagnostic techniques and develop more effective treatments in both veterinary and human medicine.

All resolutions are available on Organi web and Intranet.