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[La redazione CIVIS ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom) 2. Democracy in Action: CIVIS opens new opportunities for universities–society collaborations Democracy in Action: CIVIS opens new opportunities for universities–society collaborations ========================================================================================== 2 novembre 2026 How can universities, students, public authorities, civil society organisations and local communities work together to address today's most pressing challenges? This question lies at the heart of new CIVIS initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration between universities and society across Europe and beyond. Under the common theme **“Democracy in Action: Healthy, Equitable, Sustainable Cities & Communities”**, CIVIS supports initiatives addressing challenges such as environmental sustainability, health, social inclusion, democratic participation and community resilience. ![Dr Claire Ramjan, Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education, University of Glasgow](https://civis.eu/storage/files/dr-claire-ramjan-lecturer-in-initial-teacher-education-university-of-glasgow.jpg) > We aim to promote and support transdisciplinary collaboration between universities and local actors. By encouraging participatory methods, co-creation and community-led projects, the theme supports solutions that empower under-represented groups, strengthen social resilience and reinforce inclusive democratic practices Dr Claire Ramjan, Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education, University of Glasgow Building relationships before building projects ----------------------------------------------- Meaningful civic engagement takes time. Experience from previous CIVIS initiatives has shown that lasting partnerships cannot be built overnight: they require dialogue, mutual trust and a shared understanding of the needs and priorities of both universities and the communities they engage with. To support this process, CIVIS has selected ten transnational workshops that will take place between **November 2026 and February 2027**. These workshops will provide spaces for academic and non-academic partners to meet, exchange perspectives and explore common interests as a basis for future collaboration. Whether participants are building on an existing partnership or exploring a new idea, the workshops offer an opportunity to develop relationships and lay the foundations for long-term cooperation. ##### The selected workshops are : 1. **SONAR: Socially-Oriented Narratives***Aix-Marseille University, University of Bucharest, University of Tübingen, Autonomous University of Madrid, Hassan II University of Casablanca, University of Sfax* 2. **Schools as Anchors for Healthy, Equitable and Sustainable Communities: a Transnational Communities of Practice Approach***Sapienza University of Rome, Aix-Marseille University, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens* 3. **Living Lab for Habitable Worlds***University of Lausanne, Université libre de Bruxelles, University of Bucharest, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Glasgow, Makerere University* 4. **Making Democratic Memory: A Transnational Civic Engagement Project: From Exhumation to Memorial Site***Aix-Marseille University, Autonomous University of Madrid, Université libre de Bruxelles* 5. **Combating Health Misinformation: Co-designing an Educational "Safe-Space" Chatbot for Youth***National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University of Bucharest, Sapienza University of Rome* 6. **Contemporary Racism: Educational Actions and Tools for European Democratic Citizenship***Université libre de Bruxelles, Autonomous University of Madrid, University of Lausanne, Aix-Marseille University* 7. **Renewing Democracy in Cities: Reimagining Participation in an Era of Polarisation and Populism***University of Glasgow, Université libre de Bruxelles, University of Bucharest, University of Tübingen, Sapienza University of Rome* 8. **Civic Co-Create Lab: Creative Tools for Democratic World-Making***University of Glasgow, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Autonomous University of Madrid, Stockholm University* 9. **The School as a Civic Space Autonomous***University of Madrid, University of Lausanne, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens* 10. **Scaling up Civic Engagement in CIVIS Local Ecosystems***University of Bucharest, Aix-Marseille University, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Université libre de Bruxelles, University of Tübingen, Autonomous University of Madrid, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Salzburg, University of Lausanne* A new funding opportunity for ambitious civic engagement projects ----------------------------------------------------------------- The next step will come with the launch of **the CIVIS call Universities and Society in Action on 2 November 2026.** Through this call, CIVIS will support up to **five projects** over a **twelve-month period**. The aim is to help collaborative initiatives develop and demonstrate their societal impact, strengthen transnational partnerships and generate approaches that could be adapted or scaled up across the CIVIS Alliance. Selected projects will be expected to develop concrete actions in partnership with societal actors and produce tangible outcomes that respond to their needs and can be shared, used or adapted by others, both within and beyond academia. Participation in one of the workshops is not a prerequisite for applying to the project call. The call remains open to **all eligible CIVIS teams and societal partners** with a strong project proposal. ### THE UNIVERSITIES AND SOCIETY IN ACTION CALL FOR PROJECTS [Register here](https://civis.smapply.io/prog/universities_and_society_in_action/) Strengthening the role of universities in society ------------------------------------------------- Through these activities, CIVIS seeks to move beyond isolated initiatives and strengthen long-term collaboration between universities and society. The ambition is not only to support individual projects, but also to foster a growing community of researchers, students and societal partners who work together to address real-world challenges through participatory and collaborative approaches. By creating opportunities for dialogue, co-creation and experimentation, CIVIS aims to demonstrate how universities can contribute to building healthier, more equitable, more sustainable and more democratic communities. Key dates --------- - **Workshop activities:** November 2026 - February 2027 - **Launch of the Universities and Society in Action Call:** 2 November 2026 - **Information Session:** 25 November, 10:00 CET; - **Application deadline:** 4 March 2027, 23:59 CET - **Projects begin:** May 2027 Contact point ------------- Related news ------------ - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-waves-800x600.jpg?token=4ea7a62e44f510793d7d4762d1bfd7d0)CIVIS Waves: bringing participatory research to life, one conversation at a time Communication and Dissemination 26 ottobre 2026 ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/civis-waves-bringing-participatory-research-to-life-one-conversation-at-a-time) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-connect-square-800x600.jpg?token=13e9a018f9012f042f030e0c877db28b)CIVIS Connect explores how citizens and scientists join forces for cleaner air Communication and Dissemination 7 maggio 2026 ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/civis-connect-explores-how-citizens-and-scientists-join-forces-for-cleaner-air) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-waves-800x600.jpg?token=4ea7a62e44f510793d7d4762d1bfd7d0)Make Some Waves: CIVIS Launches New Podcast Series Communication and Dissemination 7 aprile 2026 ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/make-some-waves-civis-launches-new-podcast-series) [ Scopri tutte le nostre storie ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom) [ University of Glasgow invites us to join the conversation at European Science Engagement Conference ](%20https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/university-of-glasgow-invites-us-to-join-the-conversation-at-european-science-engagement-conference%20) ![CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance](https://civis.eu/build/assets/civis-CCpvK1nT.svg) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Europe’s Civic University Alliance ![Co-funded by the European Union](https://civis.eu/build/assets/co-funded-by-the-european-union-DSKLW1us.png)Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). 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