University Highlights: Key Resolutions – July 2025

NOTICES

AVA3 Self-Assessment Progress Update

To ensure consistency and alignment in preparing the documentation required by ANVUR, the University Quality Committee has provided operational guidelines for the self-assessment reports of Departments, PhD programmes, and degree programmes, based on the document already prepared for the University. A training programme has also been set up on documentation preparation and interview management, with official recognition for both academic and professional staff who participate.

APPOINTMENTS

University Research Evaluation Committee

Professor Stefania Bonfiglioli from the Department of History and Cultures has been appointed to the Research Evaluation Committee for the area of Historical, Philosophical, and Educational Sciences. Her term will run until the end of the current mandate (2023–2026).

Director of the University Farm

Professor Claudio Ratti, from the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, has been appointed Director of the University Farm (A.U.B.) for the 2025–2028 term.

TEACHING

New Graduation Session Formats

Starting this autumn, two graduation formats will be available: the “Traditional Model” (with immediate individual proclamation following the final examination) and the “Wider Proclamation Model” (featuring a collective proclamation with legal value). The previous public ceremony format without legal value will be discontinued. A new technical document—Workflow for the Oversight and Management of Graduation Sessions—will assist degree programmes in holding sessions that meet safety standards.

CAF and CFP Programmes 2025-2026

The second round of Vocational Training Programmes (CAF) and Lifelong Learning Programmes (CFP) for the 2025-2026 academic year has been approved. A total of 45 programmes will be launched starting in May, including 22 new ones.

New Agreements under the "Italian Erasmus" Programme

For the 2025-2026 academic year, new agreements will be signed with the University of Naples Federico II, the University of Milan (Statale), and the University of Padua under the Ministry of University and Research’s “Italian Erasmus” programme. These 3–6 month mobility experiences will support academic activities or thesis work. Selected students—based on merit and income—will receive a monthly scholarship of €600.

IP Policy in Doctoral Programmes: New Clauses and Guidelines

The University has updated its policy on the ownership and management of intellectual and industrial property rights in doctoral programmes. Key changes include revised standard clauses in funding agreements, updated exemption delegation procedures, and new terms for mobility-related agreements with host institutions.

Agreement with the Presidential Council for Tax Justice

An agreement will be signed with the Italian Presidential Council for Tax Justice to jointly organise professional development and continuing education for tax judges and magistrates, including the launch of periodic theoretical-practical courses.

Remote Exams for Students in High-Risk Areas Abroad

To ensure continuity in education, students abroad in areas designated as high-risk by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—who are unable to return to Italy—will be allowed to sit exams (final and regular) remotely.

RESEARCH AND THIRD MISSION

Agreement on the Study "Roots of Success: How School, University, and Institutional Pathways Shape Future Working Conditions"

The University will sign a protocol with the Ministry of Education and Merit, INVALSI (National Institute for the Evaluation of the Education System), and the universities of Bergamo, Cagliari, Naples Federico II, and Rome Tor Vergata. The project investigates how school, university, and institutions influence future employment conditions. The University of Bologna will share key research results with the Ministry and INVALSI.

Agreement with Health Authorities on Action Research

An agreement has been approved with the Bologna Local Health Authority, Bologna University Hospital (IRCCS), Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute (IRCCS), and the Imola Health Authority. The aim is to conduct action research focused on emergency room waiting areas.

Agreement with Bologna Metropolitan City and Almae Matris Alumni Association

This new agreement aims to attract and retain highly specialised talent sought by the local business ecosystem, strengthening economic development and territorial competitiveness.

"The Path of Knowledge" Initiative

The University will join the “Path of Knowledge” (La Via della Conoscenza) project proposed by the City of Bologna, in collaboration with the Pietro Giacomo Rusconi Villa Ghigi Foundation for Urban Innovation (of which the University is a founding member). The initiative promotes University–neighbourhood engagement through co-design activities focused on the Navile district.

Online Donation Commission Established

Following the pilot phase of the Unimpatto platform—which promotes donations for education, heritage, and research—the University has approved a structured process through which faculty and researchers can submit fundraising projects twice a year. Projects approved by the new Online Donation Commission will be published on the Unimpatto platform.

Renewal of the Framework Agreement with CNR

The framework agreement with Italy’s National Research Council (CNR) will be renewed. A joint steering committee—comprising three University and three CNR representatives—will coordinate collaborations, plan multi-year activities, monitor initiatives, and draft regular progress reports.

STUDENT SERVICES

Training for Student Representatives

To enhance student representation, boost engagement in quality assurance processes, and strengthen knowledge of institutional tools, the University will offer an online training course in September 2025 and February 2026. It is open to representatives appointed in May 2025. Students who attend at least 70% of the course and pass the final test will receive an internationally recognised Open Badge. Starting in 2025-26, students who actively serve as representatives will also have this commitment recognised in their Diploma Supplement.

Service Improvements for Students – A.Y. 2025-2026

Following recommendations from the Student Council, the University will use the Service Improvement Fund to increase discounted annual public transport passes in Bologna from 4,500 to 6,500 (up by over 2,000 from 2024). These passes—available to students with ISEE ≤ €35,000—will cost just €61 (a discount of €100 on already reduced rates). Remaining funds will go toward supporting students from conflict-affected areas.

New Funding for Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

The Ministry of University and Research has allocated over €450,000 in additional funds to the University of Bologna to support students with disabilities and SLD. These funds, from unspent 2022 resources, will be used to strengthen tutoring services and study aids.

INTERNATIONALISATION

New framework agreements with three universities outside Europe

New agreements will be signed with Hong Kong University (China), Texas Tech University (USA), and the University of New Brunswick (Canada) to enable student and faculty exchanges. These strategic partnerships support the University’s internationalisation goals, student recruitment, participation in EU programmes, and the development of joint/double degree programmes.

BUDGET, PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT

Mid-Year Review of 2025 Performance Targets

Based on the mid-year performance review, updates to the organisational objectives for 2025–2027 (PIAO) have been approved. These changes aim to support continuous improvement in governance and administrative operations.

STAFF AND ORGANIZATION

New Research Contracts Activated

Approval has been given to 14 new research contracts requested by the Departments of Physics and Astronomy “A. Righi,” History and Cultures, Agricultural and Food Sciences, Psychology “R. Canestrari,” Political and Social Sciences, and Statistics “P. Fortunati.”

New Supplementary Welfare Agreement for Staff

The Board of Governors has approved the 2025–2029 Supplementary Welfare Agreement for Professional Staff and Language Assistants (CEL), as well as for Management. The agreement includes renewal of the health insurance policy through 2026 and a new public tender for 2027–2029. New support has been introduced for employees caring for vulnerable parents, grandparents, or children, covering daytime assistance costs. The ISEE income threshold for parental benefits has been raised to €50,000.

RELATIONS WITH THE NHS

Amendment to Regional Protocol with Romagna Health Authority

An amendment has been approved giving priority to the University of Bologna’s teaching and training activities in the single-cycle Medicine and Surgery programmes in Ravenna and Forlì, regarding the use of hospital facilities in those cities. The Romagna Health Authority may continue to collaborate with other universities for other facilities in its network.

TEACHING, RESEARCH, AND SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE

Updates to Regulations and Structure of ALMA AI and ALMA CLIMATE

The University has approved updates to the regulations and governance of two Interdepartmental Research Centres: Alma Mater Research Institute for Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (ALMA AI) and Alma Mater Research Institute on Global Challenges and Climate Change (ALMA CLIMATE). The changes align both centres with the new framework for strategic-interest centres, defining their governing bodies (Director, Council, Scientific Committee), participating departments, and administrative procedures.

All resolutions are available on OrganiWeb and Intranet.