University Highlights: Key Resolutions – February 2026

NOTICES

Annual Report by the Confidential Counsellor

Professor Fiorella Giusberti presented her report for the period 23 November 2024 – 31 December 2025. The Confidential Counsellor, a body established under Article 17 of the Statute with the function of preventing and combating discrimination and harassment in work and study environments, handled 94 reports, distributed among faculty and researchers (41%), PhD candidates and research fellows (22%), students (18%), and professional staff (19%), with a predominance of female cases and cases from departments. The most common issues concerned workplace conflicts, psychological harassment and situations attributable to mobbing. The activity was carried out through one or more face-to-face meetings and, where necessary, further institutional consultations, with the most appropriate forms of intervention agreed with the individuals concerned, in accordance with the principles of confidentiality and shared decision-making.

Results of the Dual Career Path call for applications – Student athlete status for the 2025/26 academic year and satisfaction survey for the 2024/25 academic year

The call for applications for the Dual Career Path – Student Athlete Status for the 2025/26 academic year closed in October 2025: there were 251 admissions in total, out of 330 applications submitted. The path will involve 96 degree programmes, across all Campuses. Student athletes who participated in the satisfaction survey for the 2024/25 academic year gave a score of approximately 4 out of 5, while tutors and student tutors gave a score of over 4.

Report on online donations received by the University of Bologna in 2025

A report has been presented illustrating the results of online donations received in 2025 by the University of Bologna through the Unimpatto website. The proceeds will be used to support projects related to the Right to Higher Education, scientific research, social inclusion and the enhancement of cultural heritage.

APPOINTMENTS

Institute of Advanced Studies: appointment of Director and member of the Scientific Council

Professor Cesare Biserni has been appointed Director of the Institute of Advanced Studies. Professor Giuseppe Notarstefano will be a member of the Scientific Council for the Industrial and Information Engineering area.

Appointment of member of the University Research Evaluation Committee (VRA)

Professor Elisa Conticelli has been appointed member of the Research Evaluation Committee for Area 8A Architecture, for the remainder of the 2023-2026 term.

TEACHING

Selection for admission to non-medical health specialisation schools - 2025/26 academic year

Pending the issuance of the Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) concerning the activation of the Schools and the allocation of funding for scholarships, the selection procedures will be launched for the Specialisation Schools for non-medical graduates in the healthcare sector (Medical Genetics, Microbiology and Virology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Physics, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Hospital Pharmacy) and for the School of Clinical Psychology. The sole purpose of the selection process is to draw up a ranking list of eligible candidates, as the activation of courses and enrolments remain subject to the issuance of the DPCM.

42nd-cycle PhD programmes – 2026/27 academic year

The activation of PhD programmes for the 42nd cycle - academic year 2026/27 has been approved. There are 51 programmes that will start on 1 November 2026, subject to accreditation and verification of compliance with the requirements set by the MUR. The selection procedures will be launched subject to the positive outcome of the ministerial evaluation.

Agreement for the award of a double degree between the University of Bologna and Universidad Argentina de la Empresa

An agreement will be signed between the University of Bologna and the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa for the award of a double degree in Fashion Studies and a Two-year Master's degree in Curaduría en Moda, Diseño e Innovación.

RESEARCH AND THIRD MISSION

Startup Day 2026

Startup Day 2026 will take place on 24 June as part of We Make Future (WMF), an international fair that brings together businesses, startups, institutions, researchers and citizens. The WMF context allows for wide national and international resonance, maximising the impact of the event in terms of attractiveness, networking and integration with the innovation ecosystem.

Memorandum of Understanding Almacube - Golinelli Foundation

Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Bologna, Almacube Srl, Confindustria Emilia Division-Centro, Golinelli Foundation and G-Factor Srl. The transaction involves the Golinelli Foundation joining Almacube's shareholding structure and the possible transfer to Almacube of a branch of G-Factor specialising in acceleration, innovation and entrepreneurial training programmes for companies, start-ups, universities and research centres.

STUDENT SERVICES

Extension of the deadline for payment of the third instalment of tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year for students from Iran

The deadline for the payment of the third instalment of student fees for students from Iran has been extended to 30 June 2026. The measure responds to the serious economic, political and humanitarian crisis in the country, which has made it particularly difficult for Iranian students to contact their families and obtain financial support.

Motion for the protection and support of eligible students who are not recipients of study grants

The University Governing Bodies have resolved to mandate the Rector to initiate discussions with the Board of Governors and the Emilia-Romagna Region in order to identify solutions that mitigate the effects of the lack of full study grants for the 2025/26 academic year. In addition, the University is committed to maintaining constant dialogue with ER.GO, the Region and other Universities, promoting structural planning to guarantee the Right to Higher Education in the coming years, also in view of the conclusion of the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan).

STAFF AND ORGANIZATION

Regulations on missions, internal mobility and travel

The new Regulations on missions, internal mobility and travel have been approved, in line with the tax changes introduced by the 2025 Budget Law and the clarifications provided by the Revenue Agency. The Regulations, which will come into force on 1 March 2026, incorporate the new provisions on reimbursements within the municipal territory and introduce specifications for archaeological expeditions in Italy.

PARTICIPATION IN EXTERNAL ENTITIES

Guidelines for PNRR-funded Bodies

The “Guidelines concerning entities established for the implementation of projects funded under the PNRR” have been approved. The aim is to provide guidance to assess whether the University of Bologna should continue its participation in entities established with PNRR funding.

CORDIMUS Interuniversity Centre

A new Inter-University Centre for the Study, Documentation, Conservation, Restoration and Digitisation of Musical Instruments – CORDIMUS will be established, involving the University of Bologna, the University of Pavia, the University of Padua and the Polytechnic University of Milan.

All resolutions are available on Organi web and Intranet