FAQ
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European University Festival 2026
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General Information
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1) What is the European University Festival – Climate Change?
The European University Festival is a European platform dedicated to academic research, innovation and concrete solutions to climate change and major global challenges.
The inaugural edition will take place in Turin from 21 to 24 May 2026, bringing together universities, institutions, researchers and international partners in a public and multidisciplinary format.
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2) What is the mission of the Festival?
The mission is to transform university research into real impact by supporting projects of high scientific, social and environmental value through international visibility and dedicated financial instruments.
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3) What is the theme of the 2026 edition?
The inaugural edition is dedicated to Climate Change and its scientific, environmental, cultural, economic and social implications.
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4) Under which institutional patronage is the Festival held?
The Festival is held under the High Patronage of the European Parliament, a recognition that highlights its institutional value and European dimension.
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5) Why was Turin selected as the host city?
Turin represents one of Europe’s historic centers of scientific and industrial innovation.
The city and its surrounding area also boast one of the most significant meteorological and climatological traditions in Europe. Historical meteorological observations in the Turin area date back to the mid-18th century, with temperature records starting in 1753, precipitation records from 1802 and snowfall records from 1787.
Particularly significant is the historic meteorological station of Moncalieri, active since 1865 at the Real Collegio Carlo Alberto, which represents one of Italy’s longest continuous climate series and a scientific reference point for the study of European climate evolution.
This heritage makes Turin a scientifically and symbolically coherent location for a Festival dedicated to climate change.
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Festival Venue
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6) Where will the European University Festival 2026 take place?
The Festival will be held in the center of Turin, in two iconic locations symbolizing the city’s cultural and institutional heritage.
The official venue details will be announced during the presentation press conference.
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Official Press Conference
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7) Where and when will the official press conference take place?
The official presentation press conference of the European University Festival 2026 will be held on 31 March 2026 at the European Parliament.
The event will mark the institutional launch of the inaugural edition under the High Patronage of the European Parliament.
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Call for Universities
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8) When will the 2026 Call for Universities be published?
The official Call will be published on 1 April 2026.
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9) What is the project submission period?
From 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026 (11:59 PM CET).
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10) Who can participate?
Recognized European universities and higher education institutions presenting projects with measurable impact on climate change and global sustainability challenges.
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11) Which thematic areas are included?
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Science & Marine Impact
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Art & Cultural Innovation
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Sustainable Gastronomy
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Sport & Sustainability
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Interdisciplinary and scalable projects at the European level are strongly encouraged.
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12) How does the selection process work?
The process consists of multiple stages and includes independent scientific evaluation.
Up to 24 finalists will be invited to Turin for official presentations during the Festival.
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13) How many projects will receive financial support?
12 selected projects will receive support through the European University Climate Action Fund.
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14) Is participation free for universities?
Yes. Participation in the European University Festival 2026 is free of charge for universities.
Selected institutions may present their projects without registration fees. Any logistical expenses not directly related to the selection process may be communicated separately by the organization.
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Global Concert for Climate Action
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15) What is the Global Concert for Climate Action?
It is the official opening event of the Festival, launching the program on 21 May 2026 in Turin.
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16) What is the significance of the Global Concert?
It represents the symbolic and public opening of the Festival, combining culture, communication and scientific engagement to deliver a strong European message on climate action.
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17) How will the proceeds of the Global Concert be used?
Net proceeds will contribute to financing selected projects through the European University Climate Action Fund.
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Scientific Committee
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18) Who composes the Scientific Committee of the Festival?
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Guest of Honour
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Professor Michael Oppenheimer
Internationally renowned climatologist, Professor at Princeton University, former member of the IPCC (Nobel Peace Prize 2007).
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Members of the Scientific Committee
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Professor Filippo Giorgi – Climatologist and contributor to IPCC assessment reports.
Professor Carlo Carraro – Environmental economist and expert in climate economics.
Professor Katinka Bellomo – Researcher in climate and ocean sciences.
Dr. Virna Meccia – Researcher at ISAC-CNR, expert in atmospheric dynamics.
Joshua Freedman – International expert in leadership and social innovation.
Gianluca Spinetti – Expert in sustainability and environmental innovation.
Giorgio Chiellini – International sports figure, responsible for Sport & Sustainability.
Chef Igles Corelli – Michelin-starred chef and reference for Sustainable Gastronomy.
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19) What is the role of the Scientific Committee?
To ensure independent evaluation of submitted projects, define methodological criteria and contribute to the scientific and cultural direction of the Festival.
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Governance and Transparency
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20) Who promotes the Festival?
The Festival is promoted by the Union of European Experts Chambers (UCEE), a non-profit NGO accredited in the European Union Transparency Register.
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21) How is transparency ensured?
Through the separation of scientific evaluation, operational management and financial administration, with clear criteria and dedicated reporting mechanisms.
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22) What is the European University Climate Action Fund?
It is the financial instrument dedicated to supporting the concrete implementation of selected projects.
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Partnerships and Media
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23) Is the Festival open to institutional and corporate partnerships?
Yes. The Festival develops partnerships with companies, foundations and institutions committed to innovation and sustainability.
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Official Contact
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24) How can I contact the organization?
For all inquiries (universities, institutions, media, partnerships and general information):