Policy Seminar Programme

In a context of growing social and political tensions, both globally and within our own campuses, universities are increasingly called upon to serve as models of open dialogue, inclusive governance, and democratic resilience. However, recent events show the limits and challenges universities face in fulfilling this role.

Democracy is not one encompassing institution but consists of a complex set of formal and informal rules that can potentially conflict with each other, affecting our societies deeply. Values to uphold are pluralism and tolerance and how they translate to decision making. This seminar aims to explore how universities can foster dialogue, navigate disagreement, and reinforce democratic principles on campus. It seeks to bridge the gap between scholarly research and campus discourse by asking:

• What insights and examples do universities offer to contribute to a viable and sustainable democracy?
• What principles and concrete practices should universities adopt to fulfill this renewed democratic ambition?

The seminar aims to set a reference point for future activities within individual Coimbra Group (CG) universities and across the network, enabling us to work together to repair and reinvent democracy on campus.

Main objectives:

• Set examples of dialogue and reconciliation on societal issues.

• Empower participants on the topic of campus democracy

• Rethink university governance

One of the key principles guiding the whole event is active participation from all involved: students, staff and faculty, as well as other audience members affiliated with EU institutions and CG partner organisations.

Following the opening keynote speeches, the seminar’s programme presents six interactive breakout sessions designed to foster engagement and dialogue.

The breakout sessions will be open dialogues designed in an interactive format where everyone is encouraged to express their voice, even if they disagree. To support this degree of participation, attendees are invited to read about the breakout session format in advance and reflect on the preparatory questions outlined for each session.

Together, we will explore how universities can foster dialogue, navigate disagreement, and reinforce democratic principles on campus, co-creating new opportunities for democracy to grow within and beyond the university campus, co-creating new opportunities for democracy to grow within and beyond the university.   

The six breakout sessions are divided into two rounds of three parallel sessions. Each session will be introduced by one (or more) expert(s) and facilitated by a moderator.

We envision single cases to spark a conversation with audience participants on shared goals and challenges and how to address them through concrete practices, capable of fostering democracy on campus.  

Session structure:

• Experts will provide an informed starting point for the conversation, drawing from research and concrete examples. They will play a “co-animating” role alongside the moderators. 
• Moderators will guide the discussion ensuring inclusive participation and respectfully exploring differing viewpoints, not as obstacles, but as tools for achieving better understanding. Each moderator will present the outcomes of their session during the closing plenary panel. 
• Audience participants are invited to play an active role: contributing to the discussion with examples from their own experience, asking questions, expressing doubts or criticisms and sharing comments, challenges and best practices from their own institutions. To support this level of engagement, preparatory questions are provided to all participants as part of the breakout sessions outlines (see below).   

Methodology:

The interactive format chosen for the breakout sessions takes inspiration from the Deep Democracy model (more information available here and here). The goal is to maximise the group’s potential: all contributions are valued equally, and dissenting voices are acknowledged and welcomed.

After a brief introduction and presentation, participants will engage in a conversation designed to create a safe and inclusive environment where every voice is heard and respected. Debate facilitation may include the use of interactive digital tools, at the discretion of session contributors.

Breakout session structure

R1.1 – Partnership in practice: Modelling best practice in institutional-student collaboration 

Experts:  

• Mark Allinson, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Bristol 
• Mia Stevens, Undergraduate Education Officer, Bristol Students’ Union 

Moderator:  

• Kaja Sandvik, Leader of the Student Parliament, University of Bergen

This session will explore how universities can foster democratic engagement and institutional resilience through deep, sustained collaboration between university leadership and student bodies. Using the University of Bristol’s formal and informal partnership mechanisms with its Students’ Union as a case study, the session will examine how co-creation, dialogue, and shared governance can help navigate tensions, align priorities, and enhance the student experience. 

Participants will be invited to reflect on their own institutional practices and share models of student–institution collaboration, particularly in a context of growing social and political tensions.  

Preparatory Questions for Participants 

• What mechanisms exist at your institution for student–institution collaboration? 
• Can you share an example where student voice influenced institutional policy or direction? 
• What tensions have emerged in your context, and how were they addressed? 

Expected Outcomes 

• A shared understanding of how institutional–student partnerships can support democratic governance.  
• A collection of models and practices from Coimbra Group universities, especially regarding how universities (their leadership, faculty and students) can collaboratively address rising tensions and dissent.  
• Recommendations for strengthening student voice and co-creation across member institutions. 

R1.2 – Universities and the future(s) of representative democracy 

Experts:  

• Luca Verzichelli, Professor of Political Science, Team Leader of REDIRECT, University of Siena
• Eline Severs, Associate Professor of Political Science, Team Leader of REDIRECT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Moderator:  

• To be announced

Members of the REDIRECT research team will guide participants in exploring different future scenarios: how can universities contribute to repairing – or rethinking – our democracies and saving them from gradual erosion? 

This session invites participants to reflect on the REDIRECT report, which explores the evolving challenges and possibilities of representative democracy. Using the report as a springboard, participants will imagine different future scenarios for democracy and consider the role of universities within these futures. 

The session will explore how universities might repair, rethink, and reimagine their democratic functions – through governance, education, research, and public engagement. Participants will be encouraged to share experiences, practices, and aspirations from their own institutions, contributing to a collective reflection on how universities can become active agents in democratic renewal. 

Preparatory Questions for Participants 

• How do you perceive the state of representative democracy in the country where you live? How would you imagine its future? And what role would higher education play in this scenario?  
• In what ways could higher education contribute to “repair” representative democracy?  
• Which tensions or challenges could we anticipate?  

Expected Outcomes 

• A shared understanding of how universities can respond to democratic challenges. 
• A collection of scenarios, reflections, and practices from Coimbra Group universities. 
• Recommendations for institutional change and collaborative action. 

R1.3 – Climate change scepticism and anti-scientific sentiment: What role for universities?

Outline in progress!

R2.1 – The many roles of a university: Rethinking democratic responsibility  

Expert:  

• Linda Wedlin, Professor of Business Studies, Director of the research program “Democracy and higher education”, University of Uppsala 

Moderator:  

• Arno Schrooyen, European Students’ Union 

This session invites participants to critically examine how university governance and institutional missions have evolved – and what may have been lost in the process. As universities increasingly adopt market-oriented goals and language, their foundational role in fostering democratic citizenship risks being sidelined. 

Drawing on reflections presented by Uppsala University colleagues, the session will discuss what it means for universities to reclaim their civic mission. Participants will share experiences and practices from their own institutions, contributing to a broader conversation about the democratic responsibilities of higher education.  

Preparatory Questions for Participants 

• Can you share an example where your university policies supported democratic learning or civic engagement? What about the opposite? Can you think of instances where your institution’s policies were implemented to the detriment of its civic mission? 
• In your institution, do you perceive any tensions between the different missions that universities are expected to fulfill (disseminating knowledge, preparing students for the labour market, responding to labour market needs, educating democratic citizens…)? 
• What new initiatives could help reclaim the university’s role within and for a democratic society? 

Expected Outcomes 

• A shared understanding of the evolving (and sometimes conflicting) missions of universities and their democratic responsibilities. 
• Recommendations (of principle and practice) for strengthening the civic mission of higher education institutions. 

R2.2 – Why EDI matters: Fostering inclusive dialogue and campus democracy 

Experts:  

• Siobán O’Brien Green, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Trinity College Dublin 
• Iveta Bayerová, Equal Opportunities Agenda Coordinator, Charles University Prague

Moderator:  

• European Students’ Union (tbd)  

This session explores how Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) can strengthen democratic  practices and inclusive dialogue in universities. Drawing on the Coimbra Group Equality and Diversity Working Group’s activities and forthcoming book Why EDI Matters: Equ(al)ity, Diversity and Inclusion in European Universities, facilitated discussions will explore structural, cultural, and practical factors that enable EDI on campus. 

At a moment when democratic values are under pressure worldwide, the book highlights the role of universities in safeguarding EDI as a foundation for both academic excellence and democratic resilience. Published for the Coimbra Group’s 40th anniversary, the book brings together 20 chapters by scholars and practitioners from member universities, offering diverse disciplinary, regional, and institutional perspectives. EDI is not only a matter of fairness but also a precondition for inclusive dialogue, participation, and the renewal of campus democracy. Bridging divides within academic communities requires attention to structural inequalities as well as practical strategies to strengthen belonging and voice. 

Participants will share and explore together how universities can ensure that underrepresented groups and minority voices are heard, feel empowered to participate, and are able to express disagreement safely. By combining insights and examples from the contributors with participants’ experiences, the session aims to identify strategies and solutions for fostering inclusive participation, equitable governance, and a campus-wide democratic culture. 

Preparatory Questions for Participants 

• Can you identify existing initiatives, activities, projects and/or actions at your university that have successfully fostered EDI and enhanced inclusive dialogue? 
• How can disagreement and debate be encouraged while maintaining and environment of critical thinking, respect and inclusivity? 
• How does attention to EDI enhance and contribute to broader goals of campus democracy, dialogue, and resilience? And move beyond our campuses to our communities and cities? 

Expected Outcomes 

• A shared understanding of the connection between EDI and campus democracy. 
• A collection of critical insights and practical examples from Coimbra Group universities and other participants. 
• Recommendations for follow-up initiatives, collaborative projects, or knowledge sharing at the Coimbra Group level. 

R2.3 – Opening campuses, opening minds:  Universities as living spaces of democracy

Experts:  

• Bernadette Biedermann, Curator of the University Museum, University of Graz    

 Moderator:  

• tbd 

This session explores how universities can embody and express democratic values not only through governance, curricula, and research, but also through their cultural and public engagement initiatives.  

Taking as a starting point the University of Graz’s current exhibition, “Experiencing Democracy – Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Future.”, participants will reflect on how universities can make democracy visible, tangible, and participatory on campus and within the broader society.  

The discussion will consider how creative and interdisciplinary projects – such as exhibitions, public dialogues, and community events – can foster open debate, critical reflection, and inclusion, helping to cultivate universities as living spaces where democracy is experienced, questioned, and renewed.  

The conversation will connect the experience of the University of Graz with broader experiences across Coimbra Group universities from participants in the room. 

Preparatory Questions for Participants 

• An initiative, event, or space in your university that sought to engage the community around democratic values or civic participation, linking academic reflection with public participation? 
• What challenges, tensions or resistances did emerge in that process? 
• What new initiatives could your institution imagine implementing to make democracy more tangible in university life? 
• How could your institution better connect cultural or educational efforts with structural democratic practices (e.g. decision-making, representation, transparency)? 

Expected Outcomes 

• A shared understanding of the potential and the limits of cultural and public engagement as a driver of democratic transformation on campus. 
• A collection of critical insights and practical examples from Coimbra Group universities and other participants. 
• Recommendations for follow-up initiatives and collaborative actions at the Coimbra Group level to further promote democratic engagement.