Coimbra Group



A tradition of innovation




Coimbra Group 40th Anniversary

 

Giovanni Molari,  Rector, University of Bologna

In celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Coimbra Group just held in Bologna (10-13 June 2025) constituted a great opportunity to highlight the relevance the network has for each institution involved, and jointly reflect on its mission, future and priorities.

Over the past four decades, the constant and intense interactions among our universities, between academics, staff, and students, have allowed us to broaden our perspectives, sharpen our views and increase our collective impact. Collaboration among member universities has taken many forms and directions and has favored the sharing of best practices not only within academic communities, but also in shaping relations with institutions and society at large.

The conference in Bologna followed the Climate Symposium held last March at Durham University, which culminated in the signing of the “Durham Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainability”. The event focused on the role universities can play in tackling climate change and proposing solutions to protect the environment. In the same spirit – that is, to reinforce the social responsibility of universities – a panel debate in Bologna featuring Rectors of Coimbra Group universities and Mayors of cities explored current and future approaches to “Empower Local and Global Communities”, promoting “Academic Cooperation for a Sustainable Global Future”.

Inter-institutional partnerships increase impact: by sharing interests and complementing expertise, we become stronger in pursuing our goals – both locally and globally, more effective in defending our values, and more beneficial to our communities. Far from standing on their own, universities are called to reinforce their mutual connections and reaffirm the importance of synergies with societies, for the benefit of present and future generations. In an increasingly fragile international scenario, strengthening the synergies between our universities and their home cities amplifies our voices and helps us prepare for future challenges.

As prominent universities, we are committed not only to excellence in education, research and innovation, but also to the idea that these goals are best achieved through cooperation in education, research and outreach – fostering an environment where peaceful interactions can take place. As long-established institutions, we are aware that excellence needs to be accompanied by inclusion, and transformative visions must be grounded in sustainability. In times when collaboration in research and education is under pressure, when conflicts and tension are increasing, where mobility and democratic values are being questioned, Coimbra Group universities have gathered to stress their mutual trust and trust in strong alliances between universities and their municipalities.

By empowering and working closely with our local communities, and by building bridges founded on European culture and academic values, we are increasingly called upon to make a difference worldwide.

Only by emphasizing that science and culture exist in —and for — society, by learning from one another, and by strengthening our connections, will we be able to look ahead and shape long-term visions. Only by continuing to integrate our academic communities and joining forces with society can we truly defend our shared values, pave the way for innovation and lead through inclusion. Only by openly and strongly affirming that tolerance, dialogue and peace are constitutive of academic activities, will we be able truly fulfill our goal of making a lasting difference, promoting responsible internationalization and facilitating multicultural relations through critical times.

Organising entities: Coimbra Group, Utrecht University, with support from the European Students’ Union (ESU)

The Coimbra Group together with Utrecht University are launching the 40th anniversary of the Coimbra Group closing event, 21 November (8h30 – 17h00), at the University Foundation, Rue d´Egmont 11, Brussels. The topic is: “Reinventing Campus Democracy: Bridging Divides and Advancing Solutions”.

Background

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.

This seminar aims to explore how universities can foster dialogue, navigate disagreement, and reinforce democratic principles on campus. The seminar is a step to bridge the gap between scholarly research and campus discourse and will revolve around methodological issues: What insights and examples do universities present to contribute to a viable and sustainable democracy? What principles and procedures does this require on campus?

Programme

Seminar including a series of keynotes and 6 interactive breakout sessions in two cycles of 3 parallel sessions.

•   Keynote speeches:

•     Address by Arno Schrooyen (Vice-President, European Students’ Union – ESU)

And more speakers tbc.

•   Breakout sessions:

Six breakout sessions (divided in two cycles of three parallel sessions) will be organised, to discuss in an interactive format best practices and possibilities on the way in which debate happens on campus, relatively to topics relevant to CG universities. Three topics have already been identified, three more are left open for CG Universities and their students’ community to determine through an open call for contributions. Of these three slots, one will exclusively be determined by the students.

Topics:

  1. Geopolitical tensions and conflicts
  2. Neo-conservativism, neo-liberalism, wokeism: anti-democratic visions and polarisation within societies
  3. Climate change scepticism and anti-scientific sentiment
  4. Open for proposal (through the call for contributions launched)
  5. Open for proposal (through the call for contributions launched)
  6. Open for proposal (through the call for contributions launched, exclusively chosen by CG students)

More information?

For more information on the event, please visit this page. Registrations (upon invitation only) are now open at this link. The deadline for registrations is 24 October 2025. For accommodation recommendations and discounts, please contact info@coimbra-group.eu. The Call for Contributions (selection of breakout topic and nomination of expert) is open via email. The deadline is 1 September 2025.

Coimbra Group, together with EU-LIFE and YERUN, is launching a joint statement urging the European Commission to preserve the bottom-up and non-prescriptive structure of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). The statement is currently supported by 17 leading research and innovation organisations.

The call responds to a recent proposal, in discussion with the member states, to introduce directionality in the MSCA 2026–2027 Work Programme by steering project calls toward predefined areas. Coimbra Group and the other signatories stress that MSCA’s success lies in its openness to all fields and topics, driven by researchers’ initiative and scientific excellence. Imposing thematic restrictions risks narrowing the scope of innovation and limiting opportunities for early-career researchers.

“Bottom-up is the essence of the MSCA actions and Coimbra Group has always been very clear about this, for instance in its recommendations to the Commission on the future orientations of MSCA in early 2024.” said Emmanuelle Gardan, Director of Coimbra Group. “There is no need to put energy into changes and new features in a programme that everyone is happy with – that is both popular and works well according to ALL stakeholders – with one exception, the continued low success rates. In a nutshell, do not change a winning a concept!”

MSCA in its current state already delivers significant contributions to strategic areas even before any political prioritisation is envisioned. More than 1,000 ongoing projects focus on artificial intelligence, backed by nearly €1 billion in EU funding under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. Over 170 projects address quantum technologies, and thousands of MSCA researchers are involved in work related to the EU Missions.

Also notable is that the demand for MSCA continues to grow, while the budget has seen only marginal increases between funding cycles. While the primary message is about preserving MSCA’s model, the signatories also encourage a significant funding boost in the next Framework Programme (FP10) to match the programme’s expanded impact and address the structural challenges that research careers face.

The joint statement is currently supported by: YERUN, Coimbra Group, EU-LIFE, ALLEA, Aurora Universities Network, CESAER, EASSH, ECIU, EUA, Eurodoc, Initiative for Science Europe (ISE), LERU, MCAA, PolSCA, SPARC Europe, The Guild, UNICA.
Any other organisation wishing to support this initiative is welcome to help raise awareness by sharing the statement.

Download the full statement:

Coimbra Group Annual Conference and General Assembly 2025
Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna

The University of Bologna hosted the Coimbra Group Annual Conference and General Assembly, 10-13 June 2025. This year’s event held special significance, marking the 40th anniversary of Europe’s oldest university network. Under the theme “Forty Years of Impact: Universities and Cities Shaping a Sustainable Future”, the conference brought together more than 300 delegates from the Coimbra Group’s member universities to reflect on the past, celebrate achievements, and chart a path forward toward sustainability, inclusion, and global engagement.

Working Groups: Foundations for Collaboration and Innovation

The event opened with the Working Groups’ meetings. All twelve Working Groups met to advance their ongoing activities, share updates on recent developments, and plan future activities. These meetings typically serve as vibrant platforms for cross-university collaboration, community building, and the development of joint projects and shared initiatives.

Some Working Group held elections and therefore we address our best wishes to:
– Francesco de Anna (University of Würzburg), reconducted as Chair of the STEM Working Group, with Giulia Licini (University of Padua) as Vice-Chair.

– Chantal Riccardi (Universityof Pavia) for the second mandate ahead of the Academic Exchange & Mobility Working Group, with Daniela Sauge (University of Geneva) as Vice-Chair.

– Siobán O’Brien Green (Trinity College Dublin) for her election as Chair of the Equality & Diversity Working Group, with Iveta Bayerová (Charles University) as Vice-Chair.

– François Lecellier as the new Chair of the Education Innovation Working Group, and Vanessa Viganò (University of Montpellier) as Vice-Chair.

– Ilaria Poggiolini (University of Pavia), elected new Chair of the Social Sciences & Humanities Working Group, with Balázs Apor (Trinity College Dublin) as Vice-Chair.

The groups play a vital role in shaping the Coimbra Group’s collective research agenda and policy development across a wide range of fields. For an overview of all 12 Working Groups please visit this webpage. 

Book launch: “European University Legacies: Problematic Heritage and Contemporary Practices”

One of the intellectual highlights of the week was the launch of the book “European University Legacies: Problematic Heritage and Contemporary Practices” (Edinburgh University Press), led by the Heritage Working Group. Edited by Peter Bille Larsen (University of Geneva) and Markéta Křížová (Charles University Prague), the volume critically examines the complex and sometimes uncomfortable legacies of European universities.

Emerging from two collaborative workshops, and featuring contributions from 14 institutions, the book addresses themes such as colonial histories, restitution, symbolic justice, and the entanglements of universities with power structures past and present. The publication reinforces the Coimbra Group’s commitment to open, critical, and constructive engagement with university heritage and social responsibility.

Public Sessions: Digital Heritage, Local Partnerships for Global Impact, and Decolonisation

Open to a broader audience and live-streamed for accessibility, several thematic sessions led by Working Groups explored complex challenges currently facing universities.

A joint session between the Heritage Working Group and the Una Europa European University Alliance titled “Digital Heritage and the University” addressed the evolving role of digital tools in preserving and interpreting academic and cultural heritage. This was followed by the session on “Decolonising University Heritage”, which delved into the tensions between tradition and equity, offering pathways for institutions to confront historical legacies while embracing pluralism and change.

Meanwhile, another session, organised by the Global Partnerships Working Group, “University and Local Authorities: Global Partnerships in Action”, showcased innovative models of collaboration between universities and municipalities across Europe with global impact.

Erasmus Student Network meeting with the Coimbra Group Universities

This interactive meeting brought together representatives of Coimbra Group universities and volunteers of the Erasmus Student Network to strengthen collaboration between the two organisations. Following presentations of the Coimbra Group’s Durham Declaration, the key findings of the XV ESN Survey, and ESN’s welcome activities and student integration efforts, participants split into smaller groups to clarify their respective expectations regarding collaboration, identifiy opportunities for joint initiatives and student engagement, and align their efforts to improve the quality of support for international students at their universities.

How to handle the social responsibility within the European Universities Alliances? – Open Session on the European Universities Alliances (EUAs)

During the annual Open Session on the EUAs, representative from each of the eight Alliances involving CG Universities presented a concrete initiative illustrating how their Alliance has dealt with social responsibility. They highlighted the impact of their initiative as well as the challenges their Alliance has faced or is currently facing in this effort. Susanne Conze, Head of Unit for Higher Education at the European Commission, then reacted to the presentations, emphasizing the crucial role universities play as actors of societal change within their communities. She also reiterated the European Commission’s support for the Alliances.
Watch the replay here.

Climate and Sustainability Commitments: A Shared Declaration

The keynote speech by Andrea Rinaldo, Stockholm Water Prize Laureate, titled “Reflected in Water: Development, Resilience, Inequalities”, offered an urgent call to address global water challenges and their deep links to inequality and climate justice. His lecture set the stage for the Conference on Climate Change: “From Durham to Bologna; the Durham Declaration”. Building on the Durham Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainability, Durham University and the Coimbra Group presented a roadmap to transform these commitments into action, complemented by reflections from the Rectors of the University of Turku and Utrecht University.

Drawing from the legacy of the Poitiers Declaration (2016), the Durham Declaration firmly places sustainability at the core of the Coimbra Group’s mission moving forward.

Empowering Communities: From Local Impact to Global Engagement

Giovanni Molari, Rector of the University of Bologna, opened the session, followed by addresses from Roxana Minzatu, European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, and Isabella Conti, Regional Councillor for Welfare and Education of Emilia-Romagna. All three speakers emphasized the transformative power of collaboration between universities and local and regional authorities.

This theme continued in the panel discussion, “Empowering Local and Global Communities: from the Poitiers Declaration to the Future”, featuring mayors, rectors, and regional leaders. Together, they explored how universities and cities can collaborate to co-create solutions for sustainable development and enhance civic well-being.

Spotlight on Future Researchers: 3MT Final and Early Career Voices

A lively highlight of the conference was the final round of the Coimbra Group’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, which has become a signature event celebrating doctoral excellence and science communication.

This year’s winner, Almudena Moreno-Borrallo (Trinity College Dublin), captivated the jury and audience with her pitch on “Triggering Healing: Materials that Outsmart Brain Cancer”. Bianca Brandl (University of Graz) and Uffe Kjærgaard (Aarhus University) also delivered impressive presentations on “Personalized Medicine – Health for Every Body” and “Looking Inside the Liver: Unveiling Cancer’s Metabolic Fingerprint”.

This initiative, coordinated by the Doctoral Studies Working Group, showcases the Coimbra Group’s investment in the next generation of researchers and its commitment to accessible and impactful science. Learn more about this edition and watch the replay here.

Inclusive, International, and Responsible Universities

The closing sessions focused on critical strategic themes, including the evolving responsibilities of European University Alliances and the importance of institutional self-reflection. One session, titled “Is Your University Truly Inclusive and International?”, and organised by the EUNIVERSE project, prompted an open and sometimes provocative dialogue on structural inclusion, international cooperation, and the challenges of embedding equity into university systems.

These conversations reaffirmed the Coimbra Group’s commitment to being not only a network of academic excellence but also a community of institutions committed to social justice and institutional transformation.

Looking Ahead: New Members and Renewed Governance

The General Assembly voted to formally welcome three new members to the network: University of Leeds, Newcastle University, and University of Wroclaw, further enriching the Coimbra Group’s diversity and reach. Their integration marks a new chapter in the network’s evolution and reinforces its shared vision of inclusive, research-led, and socially engaged higher education.

The Assembly also confirmed the new Executive Board through a series of votes. Daniel Donoghue (Durham University) was re-elected for a third term, while Beatrix Busse (University of Cologne) and Coco Norén (Uppsala University) secured second mandates, and Nicoleta Popa (Alexandru Ioan Cuza University) was elected for her first. Busse and Donoghue will serve respectively as Vice-Chair and Treasurer. Giovanni Molari, Rector of the University of Bologna, was named Honorary President, succeeding Marjo Kaartinen.

In the Rectors’ Advisory Group, Karen O’Brien (Durham University) joined as a new member, alongside returning rectors from Charles University and the University of Barcelona.

A Celebration of Shared Values and Common Purpose

A deeply moving moment came with a letter from the Jagiellonian University, one of the Coimbra Group’s founding members. The letter celebrated 40 years of the network’s commitment to solidarity, civic responsibility, and collective action in service of society. It reminded delegates of the Coimbra Group’s enduring mission – to advance academic freedom, intercultural understanding, and innovation in higher education.

The 2025 Annual Conference in Bologna was not only a celebration of four decades of impact, but also a forward-looking gathering that reaffirmed the network’s commitment to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and collaborative future for universities and their communities.

Photo Gallery

The Coimbra Group is thrilled to announce that its membership has been expanded to 42 universities of high international standard after its General Assembly approved, on Friday 13 June 2025, the applications from the University of Leeds (United Kingdom), Newcastle University (United Kingdom), and the University of Wrocław (Poland).

The three new distinguished institutions will integrate into the Coimbra Group immediately.

Professor Shearer West CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: “We are excited about the opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from, the Coimbra Group. This European university network has a very strong strategic fit with the University of Leeds. In particular, its outward-looking approach, focused on delivering impact for global and local communities, aligns strongly with our own University strategy and mission”.

Professor Chris Day CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, stated: “We are delighted to be joining the Coimbra Group whose mission aligns with our shared values and our fundamental recognition of our responsibility to serve society. Newcastle has multiple shared interests with the Coimbra Group in terms of policy, including open science and open research, rankings and academic freedom. We expect to learn a lot, but also to be able to contribute significantly in areas where we are proud to have innovated and led the global higher education sector”. 

Professor Robert Olkiewicz, Rector of the University of Wrocław, commented: “We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the Coimbra Group. The Coimbra Group’s shared dedication to international cooperation resonates deeply with our own strategic objectives. The University of Wroclaw is actively engaged in a wide array of cutting-edge research fields, including environmental sciences, digital humanities, artificial intelligence, and social sciences. We believe our expertise in these areas can complement the strengths of Coimbra Group members, and we are eager to contribute to interdisciplinary projects, knowledge sharing, and advancing academic discourse in these vital domains”.

Professor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Executive Board of the Coimbra Group since 2017, said the decision to invite the three new members to join the prestigious network was the result of a comprehensive strategic analysis carried out by the Executive Board and its Rectors’ Advisory Group in the past months.

“Like all other Coimbra Group members, Leeds, Newcastle, and Wroclaw excel in research, innovation and education, while championing their contribution to society. We are welcoming each of them warmly as we know they will make an impactful contribution to the network, bringing additional vision, knowledge, and influence. We cannot wait to start engaging with their academic, administrative and student communities in our thematic Working Groups and policy initiatives”, he said.

Founded in 1985 and formally constituted by Charter in 1987, the Coimbra Group is celebrating 40 years in 2025, making it the oldest university network in Europe. The association leverages advocacy and collaboration to promote higher education internationalisation, academic collaboration, excellence in learning and research, and service to society.

After this membership extension, the Coimbra Group now brings together 42 long-established European comprehensive, multidisciplinary universities of high international standard committed to creating special academic and cultural ties, share experience and knowledge and influence policy.

This week, the Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna hosts the 2025 Coimbra Group Annual Conference and General Assembly, celebrating 40 years of the Coimbra Group. With the theme “Forty Years of Impact: Universities and Cities Shaping a Sustainable Future”, the event brings together almost 300 representatives from all our member universities, to reflect on four decades of collaboration and innovation in European higher education.


A major highlight of this year’s Assembly is the renewed focus on two foundational pillars of the network: the Poitiers Declaration and the newly launched Durham Declaration. While the Poitiers Declaration underlines the vital link between universities and their cities in fostering social, cultural, and economic development, the Durham Declaration focuses on the pressing need for climate action and sustainability leadership in higher education.

During the open conference on Environmental Challenges (11 June, 14:30 CEST), participants will explore the outcomes of the Durham-led initiatives and hear from the Coimbra Group Climate Symposium 2025. A dedicated session on sustainability – developed in partnership with Durham University – will showcase how academic institutions can be drivers of environmental transformation.


The second open conference, “Empowering Local and Global Communities: From the Poitiers Declaration to the Future” (12 June, 11:30 CEST), will bring together rectors and city mayors in a high-level roundtable to discuss the evolving university-city alliance and how these partnerships can inspire global models of inclusive growth and shared responsibility.


The programme also features:
– Meetings of the very dynamic 12 Working Groups
– The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Live Final
– An Open Session on the European Universities Alliances focused on social responsibility
– Opportunities for peer exchange between Erasmus Student Network and CG contact points

Livestreams of key sessions will be available via the University of Bologna’s official YouTube channel, allowing participants across Europe and beyond to join in. You will find here all the sessions which will be livestreamed.

As we look ahead to the next 40 years, this week is not just a celebration – it’s a call to action!

Luc Sels, Rector, KU Leuven
Françoise Smets, Rector, UCLouvain

On the occasion of our shared 600th anniversary, UCLouvain and KU Leuven welcomed European rectors and political leaders to Brussels for a milestone conference: “Unlocking Innovation: Research-Intensive Universities as Drivers of Competitiveness and Societal Impact”. The timing could not be more fitting. At a time when Europe is at a strategic crossroads, the role of universities in shaping its future has never been more critical.

Our ambition is clear: to place research-intensive European universities at the heart of societal transformation. This involves aligning excellent science with innovation, sustainable development, and social progress – across disciplines, sectors, and borders.

This conference, which brought together, for the first time, the 47 members of the LERU and The Guild networks (many of them being also members of the Coimbra Group), offered a powerful reminder that universities are more than just centers of knowledge production. They are also stewards of values. In times of crisis, we are not only resilient, but also essential. Our institutions have withstood wars, censorship and destruction, only to emerge stronger and more united.

And this moment demands such unity. From the erosion of academic freedom to the pressures on open science and critical thinking, universities must speak out and take action. Hope is not passive. It is an active force that should guide us through difficult times.

We were deeply inspired by the global perspective offered by our colleagues from both sides of the Atlantic. Their message was consistent: universities must be razor-focused on their missions yet never retreat from their responsibility to society. Our role is not only to produce knowledge, but also to defend the conditions that allow it to thrive.

As Europe charts its future, its universities must be at the table — not as stakeholders, but as strategic partners. The European institutions are drafting plans to implement recommendations from several high-level reports, such as the Draghi and Letta reports. Research-intensive universities will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing these plans.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us in Brussels, and we are looking ahead with a shared sense of purpose as we work with all our partners, including our fellow members of the Coimbra Group. The time to act is now, driven by the belief that the more challenging the international context becomes, the more collaboration we need among ourselves and with our stakeholders.

Coimbra Group Statement ahead of the EU-UK Summit of 19th May 2025

Today, 19th May, the first post-Brexit EU-UK Summit is taking place in London. In the lead-up to this Summit, both parties have expressed their desire to “reset” the EU-UK relations, and work towards a closer relationship in a series of policy areas. Amongst the topics to be discussed during the Summit, the possibility to establish a Youth opportunity scheme is on the agenda.

This new tentative agreement, similar to the reciprocal youth mobility agreements the UK already has with 13 countries and territories, would allow young people between 18 and 30 years old to move, study and work freely between the UK and EU countries for a limited period of time. The Coimbra Group welcomes the high priority to this topic given by policy makers, and calls both the EU and the UK to tackle the discussion with mutual understanding, open-mindedness, and ambition.

Coimbra Group universities – the longest established European network, formed by 39 leading institutions from across the continent, including Bristol, Durham and Edinburgh in the UK – strongly support the establishment of a youth opportunity scheme between the EU and the UK. “Even without re-establishing fully-fledged free movement for our students, such a scheme could nevertheless address partially some of the concerns that Universities have been raising since the withdrawal of the UK from the EU in 2020, and the progressive end of the participation of UK universities in the Erasmus+ programme”, said Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board.

The Coimbra Group highlights how international study and work experiences provide young people with a set of unique competences and skills that enhance academic progress, social resilience, intercultural understanding, individual employability and the development of a highly skilled and globally minded workforce. Enhancing youth exchanges would thus produce a range of direct and indirect benefits for both the UK’s and the EU’s economies and societies, and for Europe as a whole.

In the current changing geopolitical context, Coimbra Group encourages the UK government and the EU to find common ground for an agreement to be reached in a reasonable timeframe, and not to postpone this negotiation again indefinitely. We recognise though that realism is needed at a time in which many Universities are impacted by significant financial constraints. We therefore call the EU and the UK to strike the right balance between ambition and realism. To this end we strongly encourage both parties to adopt a creative approach and come to a mutually beneficial agreement in good faith.

Resetting opportunities for EU and British students

Coimbra Group is delighted to announce the names of the three finalists for the ninth edition of its annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition:

Congratulations to all participants and special applause to our 2025 finalists! Almudena, Bianca and Uffe have been shortlisted among 28 talented presenters from 19 countries, following an online vote among all Coimbra Group Universities. Voters (one vote per institution) were asked to assign 3, 2 and 1 point(s) to their preferred top three candidates, all of them PhD students nominated by one of our member universities.  

They will now go on to perform LIVE at the eagerly awaited final, taking place this year at the University of Bologna on Thursday,  12 June, from 13h45-14h00 CET (also live streamed on YouTube).

The three finalists will have a unique opportunity to pitch their research in 3 minutes to the broader European community forming the Coimbra Group in connection with the network’s 40th Anniversary Annual Conference & General Assembly.

The live final is the second and last phase of the competition, where the three shortlisted candidates are assessed by a judging panel for a first prize of € 2.000 and two runners-up of € 1.500 each. The results will be announced on the same day.

The Coimbra Group launched its 3MT Competition in 2017, as an initiative of its Doctoral Studies Working Group to advance the professional development of PhD candidates.

Founded by The University of Queensland, Australia, 3MT cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

Input from the Coimbra Group on the EU’s next MFF 2028-2034

The Coimbra Group (CG) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the European Union’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) during this development phase. We highly appreciate the chance, in these challenging times, to engage in this important process and contribute to shaping the EU’s post-2027 long-term budget.

To gather insights and experiences and elaborate our network’s position, the 39 CG universities, all long-established research-intensive leading European higher education institutions, located in 22 countries, were consulted. Our contribution focuses mostly on the consultations on the EU funding for competitiveness (1) and the EU funding for cross-border education, training, and solidarity; youth, media, culture, and creative sectors; values, and civil society (2) – with a particular emphasis on our views for the future Erasmus+ programme and EU’s framework programme for research and innovation (R&I).

The first section of our input paper submitted in response to the Commission’s public consultation on the EU’s next MFF presents a set of considerations and recommendations, followed by concrete feedback on:

EU funding programmes are essential for our universities, bringing a wide range of benefits and opportunities. However current programmes remain largely underfunded. Coimbra Group therefore calls for significantly strengthened budgets for the next generation of both Erasmus+ and the EU R&I framework programme.

We look forward to continuing collaborating actively with the European Commission and other EU institutions on this important work.

Full position paper:

Emmanuelle Gardan, Coimbra Group Office Director

As a network of universities which recently committed to enhancing their collaboration on climate change and sustainability, there is a lot that the Coimbra Group can do to facilitate the work of the European Commission related to climate and environmental policy. This is the message that echoed on 30 April during a fruitful high-level meeting where the Coimbra Group was invited by the European Commission’s Director-General for Climate Action, Mr Kurt Vandenberghe, and his team, to outline the main orientations of the Durham Declaration and its next steps.

The discussion reflected a great sense of alignment between the Coimbra Group (CG) and DG CLIMA. In these times marked by radical changes globally, but one unchanged issue at the nexus of all others – the challenge of climate change –  the cooperation between the academic community and the European Commission was emphasized as being more essential than ever. As such the Durham Declaration was welcomed as a very strong signal.

Several promising opportunities for future dialogue and collaboration with DG CLIMA have emerged from this meeting, which was attended by the Executive Board (EB) Chair, Ludovic Thilly, together with the Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, Karen O’Brien, EB member Danny Donoghue, and CG Brussels Office. They will further nurture the first orientations of the implementation roadmap.

The need to continue doing science and advancing the scientific knowledge base on climate change and this, in all disciplines, including also the social sciences and humanities, was largely discussed in light of the current context. It was also commonly agreed that more transdisciplinary research and cross-sectoral work are still needed in this field.

The meeting addressed the critical role that universities play in translating knowledge into innovations and solutions to the climate crisis. Networks like the Coimbra Group, where member universities are closely engaged with their cities and local communities, can greatly contribute to scale up local experiments at European and global levels to help achieve the climate and sustainable development goals. They can also help building more success stories about sustainability, and what it means for the industry, for the economy, for society.

Other dimensions tackled during the exchange of views include the impact of education; universities’ engagement in science-based policy making; climate disinformation; as well as the importance of international engagement on climate and sustainability. Universities have by nature a fundamental role to play here. At the Coimbra Group, we can count on the Global Partnerships and Latin America Working Groups and their long-standing relations with partners outside Europe. The announcement of a presentation of the Durham Declaration at the COP30 in Brazil later this year also received positive feedback.

We now look forward to engaging CG members in this constructive dialogue with the Commission, in alignment with the commitment taken to “support transformative change through our actions as partners with public organisations”, one of the seven principles promoted in the Durham Declaration signed by the Rectors of CG Universities on 26 March 2025.

Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Coimbra, 23 – 27 June 2025

The Coimbra Group and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Coimbra (Portugal) are delighted to invite you to take part at the International Summer School on European Multilingualism that will take place at the University of Coimbra (Portugal) from 23 to 27 June 2025.

With the support of the CG universities as well as the Erasmus+ KA131 program,  the teachers from University of Coimbra (Portugal), University of Graz (Austria), University of Würzburg (Germany), University of Salamanca (Spain), University of Pavia (Italy), University of Poitiers (France), Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Germany), Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi (Romania) and University of Turku (Finland), all Coimbra Group members, will propose, in collaboration with the teachers from the University of Nis (Serbia), an intensive short programme (BIP) on European Multilingualism and Cultural Mediation Studies with the aim of sharing innovative approaches to teaching and learning languages.

The International Summer School on European Multilingualism that will take place at the University of Coimbra (Portugal) is a great opportunity to discover the very dynamic and attractive city of Coimbra and its cultural assets. Situated on a hill overlooking the city, the University of Coimbra with its colleges grew and evolved over more than seven centuries within the old town. Notable university buildings include the 12th century Cathedral of Santa Cruz and a number of 16th century colleges, the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, which has housed the University since 1537, the Joanine Library with its rich baroque decor, the 18th century Botanical Garden and University Press, as well as the large “University City” created during the 1940s. Its cultural heritage has become an attractive place to start intercultural dialogue and to share the history and values from this part of Europe.

For more information on the programme and the application form, please follow this link.

The Coimbra Group is proud to announce that registrations are now open for its Annual Conference and General Assembly 2025, hosted by the University of Bologna from 10 to 13 June. This year marks a special milestone as the network celebrates its 40th anniversary, under the overarching theme:

“Forty Years of Impact: Universities and Cities Shaping a Sustainable Future”

Since its foundation in 1985, the Coimbra Group has worked to foster academic collaboration, mobility, and shared values among Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities. The 2025 edition of the Annual Conference will honour this legacy while looking to the future – especially focusing on the essential role of universities and cities in building sustainable societies.

Spotlight on the Poitiers Declaration

At the heart of the programme is the Poitiers Declaration, an initiative launched by the Coimbra Group in 2016 to champion stronger and more structured cooperation between universities and their cities. As we reflect on nearly a decade of its implementation, the 2025 Conference will serve as a platform to evaluate its impact and explore new avenues for collaboration in the context of sustainability and civic engagement.

Two open conferences

As part of the week-long programme, two open conferences will be held:

Main highlights

As in every edition, all Coimbra Group Working Groups will hold their annual meetings, many of which will include joint workshops and collaborative events, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and shared learning.

Additional highlights of the week include:

Join us in Bologna

All relevant information, including the online registration form (open until 15 May) and the detailed programme, is available on the event website. We warmly invite colleagues from our member universities to take part in this special celebration of 40 years of impact.

In the meanwhile, don’t forget to keep updated with our activities and developments through the Coimbra Group social networks, and follow the hashtags #CoimbraGroup2025 and #CG40Years!

Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Durham University 

Durham University was proud to host the Coimbra Group’s inaugural Climate and Sustainability Symposium and to act as the convenor for the Coimbra Group’s Durham Declaration on Climate and Sustainability, which affirms our shared commitment to tackling climate change and placing sustainability at the heart of what we do as universities.

Dr Tony Juniper, the Chair of Natural England and a longstanding environmental campaigner, opened the symposium, noting that climate change is not a ‘future’ threat but is upon us now with real world consequences and that we need ambitious goals and targets to do something about it. The science underpinning climate change is overwhelming (a point emphasised too by keynote speaker Professor Mike Bentley, Durham University) – the challenge is for a shift in culture using a cross-disciplinary approach that emphasises the importance of deploying the social sciences and humanities. Tony Juniper urged the Coimbra Group, as research intensive and comprehensive universities, to recognise that they are in a very powerful position to do something about this. He also emphasised the aesthetic appeal of the natural world and the arts in reaching out to a wider public and motivating action to preserve and restore our planet.

The Climate Symposium showcased a range of exciting projects already underway within the membership that demonstrated the importance of building meaningful long-term civic and academic partnerships, influencing policy, and ensuring that universities play a leading role in shaping a greener, more resilient future. Professor Chris Smith (representing Science Europe and UKRI) provided the important message that research funders are also moving in this direction and want to work with universities to support this transition, including efforts to shape the broader research funding and policy discourse on climate and sustainability within Europe.

Student involvement before and during the symposium, including a keynote speech by Lana Par of the European Student Union, demonstrated the creativity, passion and commitment of young people. We were delighted that in advance of the symposium, many Coimbra Group universities participated in ‘Eyes on the Future’, a serious game about sustainability developed by Utrecht University. The winners of the student competition, travelled from Norway and Romania using an Interrail pass and participated fully in the symposium.

Sam Barratt, Chief, Youth, Education & Advocacy at UNEP, joined us and led discussions on the role UNEP could play in helping to accelerating progress on the actions outlined in the Declaration. He asked us to reflect on best practice for student participation, developing the green skills component and integrating their agency into the process. He also commented that the impact of our excellent existing initiatives could be expanded by working closely with other networks to provide outreach beyond Europe and to inject pace into activities. ‘Are we being radical enough’ was a key challenge posed by Sam. It was a challenge reflected too in relation to the unequal exposure to climate change experienced by nations around the world during an outstanding after-dinner speech by H.E. Mr Francois Jackman, Ambassador of Barbados and Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

While Coimbra Group universities have already created important and positive outcomes as innovators, educators, partners and investors, the symposium demonstrated that that there is so much more can be done by working together and sharing good practice on climate change and sustainability.

The symposium emphasised that we are faced with the triple planetary crisis of climate, pollution and biodiversity, all of which impact on the health of our human and natural environments. Working together across the Coimbra Group, we seek to engage with our student and staff groups of 1.5 million people to influence policy and research funders, advance education on climate and tackle global-scale research problems through strong research partnerships. In striving to do so, we place ourselves as central actors in the challenge of addressing the needs of the ‘life support system’ that is our planet and all those for whom it is home, and to do so in a way that protects against exacerbating global inequalities in wealth, health and education.

As Vice Chancellor of the host institution, I warmly thank all my fellow Rectors and Vice Chancellors for signing the declaration so quickly. Your enthusiasm and commitment send a very powerful public message that the Coimbra Group Universities are united in their commitment to sustainability and climate action. The adoption of the Durham Declaration marks a defining moment for the Coimbra Group and its member universities and underscores the Coimbra Group’s role as a global leader in higher education.

In signing the Declaration our member universities unite behind a shared set of principles that commit us to work to address climate change through research, education and policy engagement. The Declaration will help to guide the Group’s activities moving forward, including efforts to shape the broader policy discourse on climate and sustainability within Europe, to help shape public opinion, and to work together to turn ambition into meaningful impact.

From March 24-26, Durham University proudly hosted the Coimbra Group Climate Symposium, marking the official launch of the network’s 40th anniversary celebrations. The event gathered Rectors, Vice-Chancellors, researchers, students, and policymakers from across Europe to address the urgent role of universities as catalysts for transformative change in climate action, sustainability, and planetary health.

A symposium driving change

The two-day symposium provided a platform for rich discussions on the role of universities as Innovators, Educators, Partners, and Investors in sustainability. From groundbreaking climate research to embedding sustainability in education and policy, Coimbra Group universities reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the pressing global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Key highlights from the symposium

Graphic live illustration from the event

By Laura Brodrick, Graphic and Creative Facilitator, Think Big Picture

The launch of the Durham Declaration

The highlight of the symposium was the official adoption of the Durham Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainability, a landmark commitment by Coimbra Group universities to strengthen collective action in addressing climate challenges.

The Declaration, jointly prepared by Durham University, the Coimbra Group Executive Board, and the Rectors’ Advisory Group, outlines seven key principles guiding universities’ contributions to sustainability through research, education, and collaboration. It also sets a framework for Coimbra Group members to work together on practical initiatives, from advancing climate research and education to fostering sustainable practices and influencing policy at global levels, including at the upcoming UNFCCC COP30 Climate Conference.

A ceremonial signing of the Durham Declaration was held, with Professor Ludovic Thilly (Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board), Professor Karen O’Brien (Vice-Chancellor, Durham University), and Professor Giovanni Molari (Rector, University of Bologna) among the signatories.

Looking ahead: The Coimbra Group’s commitment to sustainability

The Symposium concluded with a fireside chat between Sam Barratt (UNEP) and Professor Charlotte Clarke (Durham University), emphasizing the importance of continued engagement in sustainability education and policy.

In his closing remarks, Professor Ludovic Thilly highlighted how this symposium laid the foundation for further collective action within the Coimbra Group and beyond. Looking forward, the Coimbra Group will build on the momentum generated at Durham as it prepares for the 2025 Coimbra Group Annual Conference in Bologna.

Join the conversation

The success of the Durham Declaration campaign was underscored by the rapid engagement of Coimbra Group universities in signing the document. The dedicated Durham Declaration webpage now features the full text of the declaration, along with photos of most signatories and further resources.

The Coimbra Group Climate Symposium was a powerful reminder of the impact universities can have when they act together. Through innovation, education, collaboration, and investment, Coimbra Group universities are committed to shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Programme and Presentations

(Download the programme in PDF)

25th March 2025

Opening Keynote address
Followed by Q&A		Dr Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England Introduced by Professor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, Professor, University of Poitiers
Q&A facilitated by Professor Martin Evans, Executive Dean in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Durham University
Universities as Innovators• Professor Annetje Ottow, President, Leiden University
• Professor Jane Stout, Vice President for Biodiversity and Climate Action, Trinity College Dublin
• Dr. Max Jungmann, Managing Director of the Heidelberg University Center for the Environment
• Professor Zamorano Toro, Vice-Rector for Infrastructure and Sustainability, University of Granada  
Q&A facilitated by Anna Gumbau, Moderating EU
Universities as InvestorsChair: Professor Harriet Bulkeley OBE, Professor of Geography, at Durham University and at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University
• Professor Lenka Henebergová, Member of the Rectors’ Board for Social Affairs and Sustainable Development; Vice-Dean for Internationalisation, Charles University Prague
• Professor Patrícia Pereira da Silva, Pro-Rector, University of Coimbra
• Dr Susan Simon, Director UKRI Environmental Sustainability Programme  
Keynote address Followed by Q&AProfessor Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and member of the Science Europe Governing Board (online) Keynote proceeded by an introductory talk (in person) by Professor Mike Bentley, Professor of Geography at University of Durham: “What does the funding and collaboration landscape look like for polar climate change researchers?”
Q&A facilitated by Anna Gumbau, Moderating EU
Universities as EducatorsChair: Sam Barratt, Chief of the Youth, Education and Advocacy Unit in the UN Environment Programme’s Ecosystems Division
• Professor Teresa Sauras-Yera, Vice-Rector for Sustainability and climate action, University of Barcelona
• Professor Kirk Junker, Vice-Rector for Sustainability, University of Cologne
• Andrea Pichelli, Director for Global Strategic Engagement (GLOBEC), University of Pavia
• Shatakshi, Durham University M.Sc.- Sustainability, Energy & Development ’24  
Gaming Towards a Sustainable Future                  Utrecht University to present the story behind the ‘Eyes of the Future’ Serious Game initiative and competition, with presentation of certificates to winning teams from Bergen and Iaşi, by Professor Kjetil Rommetveit, University of Bergen.
• Professor Karin Rebel Professor of Sustainability Science & Education, Utrecht University
• Dr Gemma O’Sullivan, Educational Scientist, Utrecht University  
Closing Keynote addressLana Par, Vice-President, European Student Union

26th March 2025

Universities as Partners  • Professor Sébastien Castelltort, Vice Rector for Research and Sustainability, University of Geneva
• Professor Ludovic Thilly, Vice-Rector for a European University, Poitiers University
• Léonore Moncond’huy, Mayor of Poitiers
• Professor Giovanni Molari, Rector, University of Bologna
• Professor Marjo Kaartinen, Coimbra Group Honorary President and Rector of Turku University
• Professor Michele Acuto, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), University of Bristol  
Introduction to the Durham Declaration and scene-setting for The Coimbra Group 2025 Annual Conference in BolognaIntroduced by Professor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, Professor, University of Poitiers
• Professor Daniel Donoghue, Professor of Geography, Durham, and Coimbra Group Executive Board member
• Professor Petra Minnerop, Professor of International Law, Durham University  
Ceremonial signing of the Durham Declaration• Professor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, Professor, University of Poitiers
• Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice Chancellor, Durham
• Professor Giovanni Molari, Rector, University of Bologna  
Fireside ChatFacilitated by Anna Gumbau, Moderating EU
• Sam Barratt, Chief of the Youth, Education and Advocacy Unit in the United Nations Environment Programme’s Ecosystems Division
• Professor Charlotte Clarke, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health), Durham University  
Closing RemarksProfessor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, Professor, University of Poitiers

Durham University and the Coimbra Group are proud to announce the official launch of the Durham Declaration on the collaboration of Coimbra Group Universities on Climate Change and Sustainability. The Declaration, adopted during the Coimbra Group Climate Symposium, reflects the shared commitment of 39 prestigious universities across Europe to tackle climate change and embed sustainability in all areas of academic life.

As universities are uniquely positioned to drive transformative change, the Durham Declaration articulates a unified vision for how higher education can contribute to global climate action. The Declaration’s seven guiding principles aim to foster collaboration among Coimbra Group members, strengthen research and education on sustainability, and enable universities to play a leading role in the fight against climate change.

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University outlined: “Universities have a mission to shape society for the better through educating each new generation and conducting transformational research. Durham University is proud to act as the convenor for the Coimbra Group’s Declaration and to affirm our shared commitment to tackling climate change and placing sustainability at the heart of what we do as universities.”

A Landmark Moment for Coimbra Group Universities

The adoption of the Durham Declaration underscores the Coimbra Group’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and climate action, as well as its role as a global leader in higher education. The Declaration will guide the Group’s activities moving forward, including efforts to shape the broader policy discourse on climate and sustainability at international forums like the UNFCCC COP30 Climate Conference.

Professor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, expressed the importance of this milestone: “The Durham Declaration marks a defining moment for the Coimbra Group and its member universities. By uniting behind a shared set of principles, we are reinforcing our collective commitment to sustainability and climate action. This Declaration is not just about words – it is about building long-term collaborations, influencing policy, and ensuring that universities play a leading role in shaping a greener, more resilient future. It reflects our belief that higher education institutions must be at the forefront of the global response to climate change, working together to turn ambition into meaningful impact.”

A Commitment to Collaboration and Action

While the Durham Declaration emphasizes the importance of shared principles, it also recognizes that each university may choose the specific actions it takes to meet the climate challenge. The Coimbra Group Brussels Office will facilitate cooperation and knowledge-sharing to ensure that these principles translate into meaningful, tangible results.

This Declaration marks the beginning of a new phase of collaboration for Coimbra Group universities, as they work together toward achieving sustainability goals, sharing best practices, and playing an active role in shaping the global climate agenda.

Durham Declaration _ FinalDownload

Thursday 24 April 2025, from 2.00 to 3.30 pm (CET)

With Francesc Pedró (Director of the UNESCO Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean)

Register for this event

On 24 April, the Inter-Working Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI) will organise the webinar “AI Transforming Teaching in Higher Education”. The event, which will take place between 2 and 3.30pm (CET), will feature keynote speaker Dr. Francesc Pedró, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This is the second in a series of webinars organised by the Coimbra Group (CG) and its Working Groups, with the aim of presenting different perspectives and experts in the field.  The first event took place on 13 March, in which the Equality and Diversity Working Group organised a discussion on “AI in Ethics and Governance”.

This webinar is open to the students, academics and members of staff from CG Universities, and anyone else interested in the broader higher education community – upon prior registration. We aim for an engaging and constructive discussion between the keynote, the respondents and our online audience. Register for this event, here.

AI Transforming Teaching in Higher Education

AI is revolutionising higher education by enabling personalised learning experiences, streamlining administrative processes, and enhancing data-informed decision-making. In this webinar we will look at how generative AI is transforming universities. Drawing on real-world examples – from Ivy Tech’s predictive analytics that identify at-risk students early on, to CSU’s system-wide AI rollout – Dr. Francesc Pedró will delve into how data-driven insights and adaptive platforms enhance teaching, boost retention, and expand access for underserved learners.

During the event, we will also look at the ethical and policy frameworks developed by UNESCO, the importance of global collaboration in shaping these frameworks, and the need for a human-centred view vision for AI.

About the keynote

Dr. Francesc Pedró is the Director of the UNESCO Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean. He has held senior roles at UNESCO Paris, OECD’s Centre for Educational Research and Innovation, Pompeu Fabra University, and Open University of Catalonia.

Dr. Pedró holds a PhD in Comparative Education and focuses on comparative lifelong education policies and technology in education. He has authored influential publications including “Connected Minds,” “Policy Levers for Education 2030,” and “Digital Services for Education in Africa.” His expertise spans higher education, adult learning, and ed tech innovation on a global scale.

The Coimbra Group (CG) will formally launch the celebration of its 40th anniversary with an inaugural Climate Symposium, hosted by Durham University, from March 24th to 26th.

The central theme of the two-day Climate Symposium is the role of universities as agents of transformative change for climate, nature, planetary health, and society. Universities are at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change, drive innovation, and embed sustainability across all aspects of life. The symposium will emphasize the urgency of addressing the climate emergency through research, education, and policy engagement.

The symposium will convene Rectors, Vice-Chancellors, and distinguished guests from member universities to address pressing climate challenges and explore sustainable solutions within higher education. The event underscores the Coimbra Group’s commitment to fostering collaboration and driving impactful environmental initiatives.

Adoption of the Durham Declaration

A key highlight of the symposium will be the adoption of the “Durham Declaration on the collaboration of Coimbra Group Universities on Climate Change and Sustainability.” Jointly prepared by a dedicated Working Group at Durham University and the Coimbra Group Executive Board, with input from CG’s Rectors’ Advisory Group, this important document intends to be both inspirational and aspirational, aligning with CG universities’ sustainability strategies.

We are committed to ensuring that the Durham Declaration delivers a long-lasting legacy, shaping both the Coimbra Group’s and the wider higher education sector’s response to climate change. This Declaration will also contribute to global discussions on sustainability, including at the upcoming UNFCCC COP30 Climate Conference, reinforcing the Coimbra Group’s international influence in climate policy.

Speaking about the significance of the event, Professor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, stated: “The Coimbra Group Climate Symposium is a vivid embodiment of our collective responsibility as universities to lead the way in addressing climate change. The adoption of the Durham Declaration reflects our shared commitment to sustainability, reinforcing the essential role of higher education institutions in shaping a greener future. Universities are uniquely positioned to drive transformative change through education, research, and collaboration. By uniting our efforts, we can influence policy, inspire future generations, and develop tangible solutions for a more sustainable world. The Coimbra Group is proud to take this important step forward, reinforcing our role as a catalyst for meaningful change.”

Student Engagement

In the lead-up to the symposium, the ‘Eyes of the Future’ competition engaged students in envisioning sustainable futures through an app-based game developed by Utrecht University. This initiative reflects the Coimbra Group’s dedication to empowering students as catalysts for environmental change.

Academic freedom and institutional autonomy are universal, fundamental values that ought to be upheld everywhere in the world. With all of its member universities being signatories of the Magna Charta Universitatum, the Coimbra Group endorses the statement issued by ALLEA, the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities, on “Threats to Academic Freedom and International Research Collaboration in the United States“ – as found below. We fully share the position and views expressed in this statement, and we extend our support to all those impacted.

ALLEA Statement

“The European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities expresses grave concern over the escalating threats to academic freedom, both in the United States and beyond. Recent developments regarding science and scholarship in the U.S., including executive orders freezing billions in federal research funding and censorship around topics such as climate change and gender, are forcing many U.S. science agencies and research organisations to abruptly suspend normal operations. Such censorship and political suppression of language, research topics, and methodologies – whether through funding restrictions, legislative control, or institutional interference – fundamentally compromise the integrity of scientific and scholarly endeavours not just in the U.S. but around the world due to the global nature of the research ecosystem.

Academic freedom is a fundamental pillar of democratic societies and essential for knowledge production and innovation worldwide. The open and collaborative nature of global research strongly depends on the ability of researchers and scientific institutions to operate free from undue political interference. ALLEA is deeply concerned that the actions of the U.S. administration could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for essential (global) research programmes, particularly in fields such as health, climate, gender, and the social sciences. These new restrictions also threaten the careers of the younger generation of scholars, engineers, and health professionals, and may cause lasting harm to the fundamental research that underpins most scientific breakthroughs, as well as efforts to secure a healthy, just, and safe world for all. For instance, restricting transatlantic data sharing jeopardises research on both sides of the Atlantic, putting at risk decades of collaboration that have led to groundbreaking discoveries. The long and fine tradition of data exchange between the U.S. and Europe has been instrumental in advancing scientific progress, and the new executive orders set back not just science but society as a whole.

We therefore encourage our members, partners, and like-minded organisations, and urge national governments and international institutions in the U.S., Europe and beyond to remain vigilant and strengthen ongoing efforts to safeguard academic freedom and the autonomy of scientific institutions, committing to actions and measures adopted through inter-institutional and supranational agreements in Europe and globally”.

Download the ALLEA Statement on Threats to Academic Freedom and International Research Collaboration in the United States

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Statement’s list of signatories

The Coimbra Group will formally launch the celebration of its 40th anniversary with an inaugural Climate Symposium, hosted by Durham University, at the end of this month, from March 24th to 26th. The “Durham Declaration on the collaboration of Coimbra Group Universities on Climate Change and Sustainability” will be adopted on this occasion. The Durham Declaration is a landmark commitment that will shape the Coimbra Group and the wider sector’s response to climate change. The Declaration will also contribute to discussions at the upcoming UNFCCC COP30 Climate Conference, further enhancing the Coimbra Group’s international influence. 

Rectors and Vice-Chancellors from across Europe will be in Durham for a thought-provoking two-day event. The Coimbra Group 40th Anniversary Climate Symposium will explore the role of universities as agents of transformative change for climate, nature, planetary health, and society. As institutions at the forefront of research, education, and policy engagement, universities play a critical role in addressing the climate emergency. The theme reflects the urgent need to embed sustainability across all aspects of life and academia. 

Ahead of the Symposium, the University of Durham invited students to participate in an innovative sustainability education competition, ‘Eyes of the Future’. This app-based game, developed by Utrecht University, encourages players to envision a sustainable future while deepening their understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

In the game, students worked in teams to navigate their city or campus, watch nano-talks on the SDGs, and complete interactive challenges such as ‘inspire a stranger.’ Teams earned points by uploading photos and notes to an interactive city map and engaging with other teams’ submissions. 

Seven teams from across the Coimbra Group network took part. The two winning teams, ‘EnviroTeam’ from the University of Iași, Romania, and Team ‘Wet Zero’ from the University of Bergen, Norway, will join the Climate Symposium in Durham to share their perspectives on sustainability and climate action.

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