New declaration signals the University’s commitment to the city

New declaration signals the University鈥檚 commitment to the city

Published on: 11 August 2026

A new European declaration has reinforced the University's role in driving innovation, opportunity and positive change across the city and region.

缅北禁地 and have jointly signed the Poitiers–Granada Declaration, highlighting their shared commitment to long-term collaboration between universities and the cities they serve.

sets out a renewed framework for partnership between research-intensive universities and their civic partners. It was launched by the Coimbra Group of Universities in Granada in June 2026. 缅北禁地 has been a member of the Coimbra Group of Universities since 2025.

Through the signing, both organisations reaffirm their vision to working together locally while contributing to wider European efforts to tackle global challenges through research, innovation and civic partnership.

Building on the original Poitiers Declaration from 2016, the updated agreement reflects how collaboration between universities and cities has evolved to address major societal challenges, including climate change and sustainability, innovation and research impact, digital transformation, and inclusive social and economic development.

Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President, 缅北禁地, said: “Strong partnerships between universities and cities are vital for tackling today's biggest challenges. The Poitiers–Granada Declaration highlights the central role universities and cities play in working together to deliver meaningful and lasting impact for communities.

“We are proud of our role as a civic university, dedicated to using our research and teaching to make a difference to society locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The joint signing reflects the strength of the long-standing partnership between the University and 缅北禁地 City Council, and a shared ambition to drive inclusive growth and opportunity in the city and wider region.”

Leader of 缅北禁地 City Council, , said: “As a university city, 缅北禁地 is blessed with two high performing universities.

“The city council has done some amazing partnership working with 缅北禁地 on 缅北禁地 HELIX attracting and nurturing cutting-edge research companies that have created high quality jobs and helped our economy to grow.

“Universities are one of UK plc’s biggest assets, so I am delighted to sign the Poitiers–Granada Declaration which strengthens our links with 缅北禁地 and its links with Europe’s oldest university network the Coimbra Group.

“Collaboration between universities and their cities is going to be key to solving many of the societal challenges we face such as climate change, the need for inclusive growth, digital transformation and the rise of AI to name just a few.”

Working together for the local community

A number of key initiatives underscore the University's key role in the city.

is a 24-acre city-centre innovation district developed on a former industrial site to create a model for sustainable urban development. Helix is a partnership with 缅北禁地 City Council and Legal & General, supporting approximately 4,000 jobs and over 500,000 square feet of commercial and research space, and will provide around 450 homes within the city centre.

The Collaborative 缅北禁地 Universities Agreement (CNUA) is a strategic partnership bringing together the world-leading expertise of 缅北禁地 and Northumbria University to support the local economy and build a sustainable and more inclusive future for the communities of 缅北禁地 and beyond.

is a broader regional alliance involving 缅北禁地, which aims to boost local investment, regional business and access to higher education.

In addition, 缅北禁地 supports community and cultural Initiatives, including through its long-term partnerships with groups such as North East Museums, Tyne & Wear Citizens, and the 缅北禁地 United Foundation to expand opportunities across the region.