University Highlights: Key Resolutions – January 2026

NOTICES
 
Collaborations with Israel  
Communication was given of the resolution adopted by the Board of Governors at its December meeting, clarifying the legal scope of application of the Academic Senate’s resolution of 23 September 2025. In particular, to avoid the risk of discrimination, it was clarified that the resolution refers to collaborations with legal entities with branches in Israel and not to individuals solely based on their Israeli nationality. Furthermore, collaborations that involve violations of existing obligations assumed by the Italian Republic at international or supranational level, such as those relating to membership of the European Horizon Europe Framework Programme, are excluded. Finally, the provisions apply to collaborations initiated after 23 September 2025, and a comprehensive review of the matter will be carried out by March 2026.

 HEARINGS

Annual Report of the Evaluation Group 
The Annual Report of the Evaluation Group has been presented, offering an overall assessment of the University's Quality Assurance system, in line with the ANVUR 2025 Guidelines and the AVA3 model. The document reports on the activities carried out in 2024 and the progress made in 2025, including recommendations and suggestions for the continuous improvement of governance, teaching, research and Third Mission processes.

APPOINTMENTS
 
Establishment of the Disciplinary Board 2026-2029 
The new constitution of the Disciplinary Board for the three-year period 2026-2029 was approved, following the expiry of the term of office of the current Board (2022-2025) and its extension until 31 January 2026. 

TEACHING
 
2026/27 Programme Catalogue: Changes and Approvals

The green light has been given to changes to the degree regulations of 25 degree programmes, as part of the overall review of the programme catalogue for the 2026/27 academic year, the launch of seven new programmes (in addition to one for the 2027/28 academic year) and the discontinuation of six degree programmes, for a total of 261 degree programmes planned. The Governing Bodies also approved the educational potential of restricted access degree programmes and the quotas of reserved places for international students on restricted access degree programmes.

New Regulations for Professional Master’s and Training Programmes 
The regulations governing professional master’s programmes and other training programmes have been approved, reorganised in line with the distribution of competencies between the Education and PhD programme Division and the Innovation Division. The regulations introduce an accreditation procedure for managing bodies, expand the requirements for management positions and strengthen management and budget flexibility.

Deadlines and Guidelines for CAF, CFP and Summer/Winter Schools 2026/27 
 New deadlines have been approved for the presentation of post-graduate programmes and lifelong learning courses for the 2026/27 academic year and the related annual guidelines, which also govern summer and winter schools.

Criteria for Internal Exemptions from Hourly Teaching Costs Pursuant to Article 23 of Law 240/2010
The criteria for granting exemptions to the maximum hourly costs for adjunct lecturers pursuant to Art. 23 of Law 240/2010 have been defined and approved by the Board of Governors in December 2025. Exemptions, in compliance with the limits established by Ministerial Decree no. 313/2011, are permitted in the following cases: teaching requirements within international degree programmes; revision of the entire departmental teaching planning, with the identification of specific teaching activities that require an increase in the hourly cost and a simultaneous overall reduction in the hours to be assigned for remuneration for basic and core learning activities; renewals for reasons of teaching continuity.

RESEARCH AND THIRD MISSION
 
2026 University Research Evaluation: Criteria and Planning
The criteria, tools and planning for the 2026 University Research Evaluation (VRA) have been approved, confirming the structure of the 2024 VRA and strengthening its qualitative and reward-based approach, in line with the principles of the CoARA (Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment) and with the University's policies on open science, research integrity and data management. The main changes concern the methods for calculating the score to be assigned to scientific output, as well as the introduction of an Open Science award and Division reward criteria. The University will be able to use the results of the 2026 VRA to allocate resources to the Departments for 2027.

Agreement with FEV Italia: transfer and renewal of the Joint Research Laboratory 
A new Joint Research Laboratory agreement will be signed with FEV Italia S.r.l., which, among other things, provides for the transfer to FEV's new premises in Casalecchio di Reno, strengthens collaboration in the field of sustainable mobility and includes a corporate contribution to support research activities and doctoral activities.

Memorandum of Understanding with ASviS  
The University of Bologna and ASviS will sign a three-year agreement aimed at promoting joint research, training and dissemination activities on the topics of sustainability, foresight and long-term scenarios.

STUDENT SERVICES
 
Selections for the 2026/27 Academic Year: Confirmation of Criteria and Procedures 
The selection systems and procedures adopted by the Departments for admission to degree programmes for the 2026/27 academic year have been approved and the general framework rules already approved by the Governing Bodies have been confirmed, ensuring consistency with the procedures established in previous years and with the new Regulations for Access to Degree Programmes. 

INTERNAZIONALISATION
 
New Framework Agreements for International Cooperation
The signing of cooperation agreements with Sungkyunkwan University (South Korea) and Université Internationale de Rabat (Morocco) was approved to promote student mobility and teaching staff mobility, joint research activities, the possibility of double degree/dual degree programmes and participation in European programmes.

Scholars at Risk 2026 
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 Departments, subject to available funds (€80,000 in total). 

BUDGET, PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT
 
Integrated Activity and Organisation Plan (PIAO) 2026-2028 
The adoption of the University of Bologna's PIAO 2026-2028, required by Decree Law No. 80/2021, has been approved. The PIAO, fully integrated with the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, rationalises the University's planning and defines three-year objectives and targets until 2027, actively involving the Departments through the Departmental Strategic Plans.

STAFF AND ORGANIZATION 
 
University Policy on the Ethical and Responsible Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Administration
The Policy on teaching and research activities, already approved in 2024, is complemented by the new University Policy governing the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in administrative and management activities, including communication and support for research, teaching and the Third Mission. The document promotes its conscious and effective use, recognising its limitations and potential risks and reiterating the importance of human contribution, in particular knowledge and critical judgement.

TEACHING, RESEARCH, AND SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE
 
New structure of the Department of Classical Philology and Italian Studies – FICLIT 'Centre for Contemporary Poetry' 
Favourable opinion on the establishment of the 'Centre for Contemporary Poetry', which will promote the exchange of experiences and documentation on contemporary poetry at national and international level. To this end, the Centre will promote and organise meetings, seminars, festivals, workshops and awards dedicated to poetry.

PARTICIPATION IN EXTERNAL ENTITIES  
 
Interuniversity Centre for Conflict Resolution, International Security & Peace
The Interuniversity Centre for Conflict Resolution, International Security & Peace will be established, involving the University of Bologna, the University of Florence, the University of Genoa and the University of Milan. The Centre will carry out research activity, scientific collaboration and advanced training on armed conflicts, international security and peace processes.

 
All resolutions are available on Organi web and Intranet