In Granada, the Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Coimbra Group

The annual conference and General Assembly of the Coimbra Group took place from 16 to 19 June at the University of Granada, which is celebrating its 500th anniversary this year. Representatives from the network’s 42 member universities gathered to discuss the theme “Transforming the Local and Social Environment through Research and Innovation” through plenary and working-group meetings, with contributions from international experts and representatives of local, national and European institutions.

The University of Bologna participated in the event with Rector Giovanni Molari, Honorary President of the Coimbra Group from June 2025 to June 2026, and a delegation including several University representatives involved in the network’s various working groups.

Discussions focused on the perspectives, activities and tools adopted by member institutions to foster research development and maximise the societal benefits of research outcomes. The meetings provided an opportunity to share both partners’ best practices and the challenges emerging in an increasingly fragmented global landscape, often compounded by declining financial resources at the local level.

Among the outcomes of the event was the promotion of the Poitiers–Granada Declaration, which builds on, expands and renews the previous Poitiers Declaration, reaffirming the commitment to supporting the translation of research results into positive impact for local communities and territories. The document will be signed in the coming months by the Rectors and Presidents of the member universities, together with the Mayors of the cities that host them.

The University of Bologna’s active participation in the Coimbra Group will continue through its ongoing contributions to the network’s working groups and through the Rector’s role as a member of the Rectors’ Advisory Board.