University and council join forces for ‘lasting impact’

A North East university has strengthened its commitment to driving innovation, opportunity and positive change through a new European declaration.

Newcastle University and Newcastle City Council have jointly signed the Poitiers–Granada Declaration, reinforcing their long-term commitment to collaboration between universities and the cities they serve.

Launched by the Coimbra Group of Universities in Granada in June, the declaration provides a renewed framework for partnerships between research-intensive universities and civic organisations.

It builds on the original Poitiers Declaration of 2016, reflecting the growing role of university-city collaboration in addressing challenges including climate change, sustainability, digital transformation and inclusive economic development.

Newcastle University joined the Coimbra Group in 2025 and says the agreement will strengthen local collaboration while connecting the city to wider European efforts around research and innovation.

Professor Chris Day, vice-chancellor and president of Newcastle University, 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 Newcastle City Council, and a shared ambition to drive inclusive growth and opportunity in the city and wider region.”

The declaration builds on a number of existing partnerships across Newcastle.

These include Newcastle Helix, a 24-acre city-centre innovation district developed by the university, council and Legal & General on a former industrial site.

The scheme supports around 4000 jobs and more than 500,000 sq ft of commercial and research space, with approximately 450 homes also planned.

Elsewhere, the Collaborative Newcastle Universities Agreement brings Newcastle and Northumbria University together to support economic growth and create a more sustainable and inclusive region.

Newcastle University is also part of Universities for North East England, an alliance focused on attracting investment, supporting businesses and widening access to higher education.

Its civic partnerships extend into communities and culture through organisations including North East Museums, Tyne & Wear Citizens and Newcastle United Foundation.

Officials say the declaration formalises a shared ambition to use research, education and civic collaboration to deliver long-term benefits for Newcastle and the wider region.

Councillor Colin Ferguson, leader of Newcastle City Council, added: “As a university city, Newcastle is blessed with two high performing universities.

“The city council has done some amazing partnership working with Newcastle University on Newcastle 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 Newcastle University 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.”

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