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

The Poitiers–Granada Declaration 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. Newcastle University 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, 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.”

Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Colin Ferguson, said: “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.”

Working together for the local community

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

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

Universities for North East England (UNEE) is a broader regional alliance involving Newcastle University, which aims to boost local investment, regional business and access to higher education.

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