On January 20, 2025, the School of Architecture (ETSAG) in Granada hosted a significant event that reinforced the impact of the University of Granada on the territorial development of the province. This event was part of the Impronta Granada project, an alliance between the University of Granada and the Provincial Council of Granada.

The event, organized by MediaLab UGR, brought together representatives from all regions of the province, researchers from the University of Granada, students, private sector stakeholders, and citizens to reflect on the crucial role of the university in the social and economic progress of the province.

In his opening remarks, the Rector of the University of Granada, Pedro Mercado Pacheco, emphasized the importance of “connecting the University and the territory, always placing innovation at the center.” Similarly, Antonio Díaz Sánchez, Deputy for European Funds, Development, Industry, and Employment, reaffirmed the firm commitment to continue collaborating on this alliance as well as other projects with the University of Granada.

One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the Impronta Granada Awards, which recognized outstanding projects in three categories: Doctoral Thesis, Master Dissertation, and Undergraduate Dissertation, as well as an honorary award presented to Gregorio Jiménez López, former Chair of the Social Council of the University of Granada. The winners showcased their proposals, which addressed key provincial issues, such as urban green infrastructure, smart tourism in Sierra Nevada National Park, and energy-efficient school renovations.

In the words of Gregorio Jiménez López, «Throughout my professional life, I learned that research and education are the critical pillars for driving innovation; they are the keys to development.”

The event also included an important session focused on initiatives with an impact on the province. Sandra Haro Márquez, Executive Coordinator of MediaLab UGR, presented Impronta – Granada Ceuta and Melilla, highlighting that “in this 2025 academic year, this connection between scientific knowledge and public policies will be implemented for the first time in the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.”

One of the key moments of the event was the establishment of the Regional Councils, inaugurated by Esteban Romero Frías, Vice-Rector for Social Innovation, Employability, and Entrepreneurship. The purpose of these councils is to promote dialogue between science and policy to identify the specific needs of each region in Granada. During the event, the Regional Councils presented their strategies, emphasizing the importance of projects adapted to local realities, all within the framework of the Erasmus+ ENGAGEgreen project.

José Mateos, Director General of Employment and Sustainable Development of the Provincial Council of Granada, underlined the relevance of these projects for the future of the province.

The meeting also shed light on other emerging projects, such as Granada Tierra Viva, which explores environmental and social solutions for the region, and the Granada Capital Cultural 2031 candidacy, presented as an opportunity to culturally project the province within Europe. Víctor Medina, Technical Coordinator of the candidature, stressed the importance of this opportunity for both the city and the province.

With over 200 participants from all regions of Granada, this event marked a pivotal step in building an innovative model of collaboration between the university and the territory, aligned with the challenges of Urban Agendas and the goals of the 2030 Agenda.

Check out the event album.