Countdown to Granada: Preparations underway for the 2026 Coimbra Group Annual Conference
07 October 2025
The University of Granada (UGR) will welcome the 2026 Coimbra Group Annual Conference from 16 to 19 June 2026, as officially announced by Rector Pedro Mercado at the closing of this year’s Annual Conference at the University of Bologna.
Preparations are already well underway. Earlier this week, key preparatory meetings were held in Granada between Coimbra Group Executive Board Chair Ludovic Thilly, Office Director Emmanuelle Gardan, and the UGR leadership team.
This included Rector Pedro Mercado, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation Inmaculada Marrero Rocha, Vice-Rector for Social Innovation, Employability and Entrepreneurship Esteban Romero Frías, Director of the Rector’s Cabinet José Claudio Gil Reyes, and Director for International Projects and Networks Irene Pedreira Romero.
During the visit, both teams reviewed the full programme in detail, reviewed the speakers’ proposals, discussed logistics and confirmed the venues. They also coordinated responsibilities and agreed on the next steps to ensure a smooth and successful conference.
Under the theme, “Transforming the local and social environment through Research and Innovation“, the 2026 Annual Conference will explore how universities drive local development, strengthen democratic processes, and foster ecosystemic collaboration across academia, industry, government and society. Key topics will include the societal impact of research, knowledge valorisation, public sector innovation, living labs, science advisory mechanisms, knowledge-driven solutions for the common good.
The event will take place in two iconic Granada locations:
– the historic Old Royal Hospital, now the University’s headquarters
– the dynamic Health Sciences Technology Park, a hub of innovation and research open to its environment
The Annual Conference programme discussed during the preparatory visit includes:
Tuesday 16 June:
• Executive Board (EB)
• Working Groups (WGs) meetings
Wednesday 17 June:
• Meetings of the EB with all CG Representatives and WGs Chairs and Vice-Chairs
• WGs meetings
• WGs thematic open sessions (public & webstreamed) / inter-WGs meetings
• Welcome Reception
Thursday 18 June:
• Public conference (web streamed)
• Coimbra Group 3MT Competition (public & web streamed)
• Closed Rectors’ Meeting
• Joint meeting of ESN local sections and CG Universities’ contact points
• Gala Dinner
Friday 19 June:
• General Assembly
• EB meeting
• Cultural programme
As every year, the 2026 Annual Conference promises rich opportunities for knowledge-sharing, creative exchange, networking and heritage visits. Stay tuned for further updates and registration details!
