University Highlights

NOTICES
 
Completion of the 2025 teaching self-assessment process
 The activities related to the teaching self-assessment process have been completed, following the approval of the Annual Reviews by Degree Programme Boards and the adoption of the reports of the Joint Student–Staff Committees at Department level. The documentation will now be analysed by the University Quality Assurance Committee for the preparation of the University Quality Assurance System Report, which will be submitted to the University Governing Bodies in 2026.

Emeritus Professors 2025
 The Rector has formally submitted to the Ministry of Universities and Research the request to confer the title of Professor Emeritus on Professors Giuseppe Caia, Andrea Contin, Lorenzo Donatiello and Roberto Tuberosa. All nominations reached the minimum threshold of 150 endorsements and were approved by the relevant Department Councils.

 
TEACHING
 
New degree programmes for 2026-27
 The Governing Bodies examined proposals for new degree programmes for the 2026-27 academic year, submitted by Departments as part of the academic planning process. Based on the sustainability and feasibility assessment carried out by the University Quality Assurance Committee, the establishment and activation of seven new programmes were approved: LM-89 Theories and Techniques for the Study of Works of Art (Ravenna); LM-54 Chemistry and Technology for the Enhancement of Natural Substances (Imola); LM (Materials Science) Materials Science and Batteries (taught in English, Bologna); L-27 Industrial Chemistry and Technologies for Materials (Faenza); LM-55 Digital Minds (taught in English, Bologna); LM-8 & LM-9 Pharmaceutical and Industrial Biotechnology (taught in English, Bologna);
LM-17 Physics of the Earth’s Interior, Ocean and Atmosphere (taught in English, Bologna). A favourable opinion was also expressed on the establishment of the LM-47 Sustainable Sport Management programme, to be activated in the 2027-28 academic year. In addition to these eight new programmes, Departments planned a review of the existing degree programme catalogue, including the discontinuation of six programmes, the redesign of 15 programmes and further non-substantial regulatory changes. As a result, the overall degree programme catalogue for 2026-27 increases by one programme (from 260 to 261).

Affiliation of degree programmes to Departments
 From the 2027-28 academic year, it is proposed to reassess affiliated Departments on an annual basis, removing the minimum threshold of 4% of taught credits and referring decisions to the opinion of the Interdepartmental Committee, to strengthen shared academic planning. The structure of reference Departments will remain unchanged for reasons of continuity and simplification. For 2026-27, the current system of programme affiliations to Departments is confirmed, including the changes introduced in 2022 and 2023.

Professional master’s programmes catalogue 2026-27
 For the 2026-27 academic year, the approved professional master’s catalogue includes 115 programmes, comprising six new proposals and 109 renewals. Structured across first- and second-level professional master’s programmes and covering the medical, social-legal-economic, technical-scientific and humanities areas, the catalogue received a positive assessment from the competent committees and aligns with the University’s strategic priorities for strengthening professional and lifelong learning.

Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Programme 2025–2027
 The programme defining the main lines of action for teaching innovation was approved, with a particular focus on the student-centred approach, decision-making on the use of generative artificial intelligence, the development of blended learning, micro-credentials, transversal skills, faculty development and the enhancement of the teaching role.

Agreement between the University and ARPAE
 The agreement governing the inclusion of the Regional Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy of Emilia-Romagna (ARPAE) within the training network of the School of Specialisation in Microbiology and Virology was approved. The four-year agreement regulates the educational and observational activities of trainees at ARPAE, in compliance with ministerial standards and accreditation procedures for medical specialisation schools.

RESEARCH AND THIRD MISSION 
 
Launch of Fiscal Sponsorship services for fundraising in the United States
 The Governing Bodies approved the start of a collaboration between the University of Bologna and Myriad USA, a New York-based non-profit organisation, to strengthen fundraising activities in the United States. Through the activation of a Donor-Advised Fund, US donors will be able to make tax-deductible contributions in support of the University’s strategic projects. The initiative also enables donations in various forms, including online micro-donations via the Every.org platform, and supports innovative crowdfunding practices.

Support for pre-entrepreneurial initiatives
 The agreement with the Emilia-Romagna Region was approved to support pre-entrepreneurial initiatives targeting students, graduates, PhD candidates, researchers and informal entrepreneurial teams. The agreement provides for training, mentoring and innovation support activities in 2026, with a regional contribution of €200,000 and the involvement of the University, including through Almacube.

New framework agreements with Ferrari and Hera
 A favourable opinion was expressed on the signing of new collaboration agreements with Ferrari S.p.A. and Hera S.p.A., aimed at consolidating and expanding cooperation in research and innovation, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, education and training, environmental sustainability, the circular economy and career guidance.

Public Engagement Call 2026
 Approval was given to the Public Engagement 2026 call, which enables Departments to launch or consolidate initiatives with a high social impact in collaboration with local authorities and civil society organisations. With a total budget of €310,000 – over half of which derives from the 2023 “5x1000” campaign – the call supports initiatives with direct impacts on the right to the city, sustainability, inclusion and the reduction of inequalities.

Collaboration agreement for the Third Metropolitan Strategic Plan (PSM) 2050
 A collaboration agreement was signed with the Metropolitan City of Bologna to provide the University’s contribution to the drafting of the Third Metropolitan Strategic Plan (PSM) 2050. Academics and researchers, appointed by the Rector based on specific expertise, will participate in the process and provide technical, scientific and methodological support.

Allocation of 2023 5x1000 Campaign Funds 
 Funds from the 2023 “5x1000” campaign will be used to renew research and tutoring grants aimed at strengthening inclusive institutional communication with the student community, to deliver mandatory training for students involved in activities with specific risks, and to co-finance the Unibo – Public Engagement 2026 call. Innovation, competitiveness, research, inclusion, excellence and regional development will guide the 2026 campaign.

Framework agreement with the National Council of Industrial Property Consultants
 The framework collaboration agreement with the National Council of Industrial Property Consultants was approved with the aim of promoting awareness of industrial property and the profession of intellectual property consultant, particularly considering changes introduced by new technologies

Joint research laboratory between the University of Bologna, Ferrari and NXP
 Approval was given to the signing of a single agreement between the University, Ferrari S.p.A. and NXP Semiconductors Netherlands B.V. to establish a Joint Research Laboratory. The initiative aims to promote and coordinate research projects focused on the development of new lithium cells and innovative battery technologies.

STUDENT SERVICES
 
Motion to protect and support students eligible for but not receiving scholarships for 2025-2026
 In light of the current inability of the Emilia-Romagna Region to guarantee full scholarship coverage for all eligible applicants, a motion was approved calling on the University to advocate at regional and national level for full funding and to assess alternative financial solutions to support the affected student community.

Access to “related” programmes and open-access first- and single-cycle programmes following the “open semester”
 The University approved the measures necessary to implement regulations governing the academic careers of students who, following the open semester and related exams, do not gain access to Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine. Access to so-called “related” programmes will be possible, including above the standard intake limits, up to 20% of total places. Students will also be allowed to enrol late in open-access first- and single-cycle degree programmes. Rules were established for enrolment and the submission of academic-career requests (study plans, part-time status, etc.). An extraordinary window for submitting the 2025 ISEE declaration was set from 9 February to 12 March 2026. Tuition fees will be calculated in accordance with the provisions of Ministerial Decree no. 431/2025, which sets out differentiated reductions for Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine programmes, as well as for “related” programmes, and must be paid in a single instalment by 28 May 2026.

Collegio Superiore 2025-2026: number of places and benefits
 For the 2026-27 academic year, calls will be issued for 18 places for first- and single-cycle students, six for second-cycle students and 10 for the third-cycle International PhD College. Students enrolled in first-, second- and single-cycle programmes will receive free accommodation at the Irnerio Residence, full exemption from tuition fees for Collegio Superiore courses and a financial contribution based on ISEE. Students enrolled in the third-cycle programme will be entitled to free accommodation in a dedicated residence or to a partial housing allowance, provided they do not receive other housing-related support.

INTERNATIONALISATION
 
Una Europa consortium agreement – “Micro-Credential One Health in Governance”
 A favourable opinion was expressed on the signing of the framework agreement among Una Europa partners for the implementation of the "Micro-Credential One Health in Governance" pathway. A pilot phase is planned, during which a preliminary version of the micro-credential will be presented to a group of stakeholders to gather feedback and refine both content and promotional strategy.

BUDGET, PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT
 
University Budget forecast: annual 2026 and three-year 2026–2028
 The annual authorised University Budget forecast for 2026 and the three-year forecast for 2026–2028 were approved. Despite a context of resources not aligned with the growth of recent years, the University remains committed to maintaining and improving quality and performance across all areas: teaching, research, student services, third mission and operations. The 2026–2028 period is characterised by the stabilisation of revenues and contributions compared to 2025, particularly the Ordinary Funding Fund (FFO), which shows a slight increase amid broadly stable national allocations, alongside rising costs.

Regulations on Administration, Finance and Accounting (RAFC)
 Following discussions with the Ministry of Universities and Research, further amendments to the RAFC were approved to support a more efficient and systematic understanding of the University’s accounting framework and procedures.

Guidelines for the management of receivables
 The Guidelines for the management of receivables were approved, establishing shared accounting, legal and tax criteria across all University units for recording and monitoring receivables and managing potential disputes.

RELATIONS WITH THE NHS
 
Agreement with IRCCS AOSP – healthcare activities of PhD candidates and new contractual roles 
 A favourable opinion was expressed on the agreement between the University and the IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna concerning the involvement in healthcare activities of PhD candidates and holders of research grants, research fellowships, research assignments, post-doc appointments and research contracts in medical and healthcare disciplines. The agreement extends healthcare activity eligibility to new contractual roles and defines access and operational arrangements.

STAFF AND ORGANIZATION
 
Amendments to regulations on missions, internal mobility and travel
 Effective from 1 January 2026, the regulations were amended following the full digitisation of processes related to missions, internal mobility and travel, with the aim of harmonising reimbursement rules – including those for archaeological excavations – within a single framework.

Performance Measurement and Evaluation System (PMES) 2026 Update
The new PMES promotes a stronger performance culture and greater alignment between objectives and outcomes, enhancing shared accountability and continuous service improvement. Key innovations include the definition of organisational performance down to the lowest structural level; the introduction, for non-managerial professional staff, of organisational performance elements (objectives, activities and customer satisfaction) alongside traditional individual performance indicators; and the revision of organisational behaviours used to assess the Director General and senior Heads of Division, developed in collaboration with the National School of Administration (SNA).

Draft supplementary labour agreement for professional staff – 2025
 The University signed, with several trade unions (FLC CGIL, CISL FSUR and ANIEF), the draft supplementary labour agreement for professional staff for 2025 (CCIL 2025). The agreement allocates increased financial resources to supplementary pay schemes across all professional staff categories. Total resources for supplementary remuneration in 2025 increase by approximately €610,000 compared to the previous year, reaching around €14 million. The criteria for allocating FFO resources for the enhancement of professional staff – approximately €1.5 million per year – are confirmed for 2025.

ASSETS AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
 
Programming of Passive Leases and Other Real Estate Agreements
 The proposed programme for 2026, covering passive leases and other real estate agreements, has been presented. These include leases terminated in 2025, those currently in force or under execution, potential renewals or releases, University bequests, agricultural leases and passive agreements involving cost reimbursement.

Three-year plan 2026–2028 for property sales and enhancement
 The three-year plan for property sales for 2026–2028 was approved, providing for the sale of 18 properties. At the same time, the Board of Governors acknowledged the update to the 2025–2027 plan.

PARTICIPATION IN EXTERNAL ENTITIES
 
Piano di revisione periodica delle partecipazioni societarie dirette e indirette – dati 2024
 The periodic review plan of the University’s direct and indirect corporate shareholdings for 2024 and the related action lines concerning 34 companies were approved. The measures adopted – primarily maintaining shareholdings, alongside withdrawals and mergers – aim to rationalise participation, contain expenditure and safeguard competition and market dynamics.