Academies
Twelve seasonal schools co-designed by the University of Parma, the Municipality of Parma, and national and European stakeholders to envision transformative policies and contribute to building the legacy of Parma European Youth Capital 2027.
The Academies are an integral part of the official Parma European Youth Capital 2027 programme. Each Academy is linked to one of the eight Piazze (Squares) in the bid dossier: Piazza of Contemporary Agorà (light blue), Piazza of Regeneration and Housing (light blue), Piazza of Climate Disarmament (green), Piazza of Open Education (green), Piazza of Beauty (pink), Piazza of Inclusive Sport (pink), Piazza of Food (orange) and Piazza of Future Ateliers (orange).
The Academies are open to Italian and international students, with 93 grants available to cover travel and accommodation costs for participants coming from outside Parma. The dates shown on the cards refer to in-person activities held in Parma.
The Perform Academy trains students in communication, marketing and the organisation of cultural and sports events through workshops and internships with local organisations. The programme also helps develop communication guidelines for PEYC 2027 initiatives. In Italian.
Five days of training to design educational initiatives for young people, combining digital, social and environmental skills and working with local organisations to develop a framework for non-formal education. In Italian.
Futures and Sustainability trains the University’s doctoral students to explore future scenarios and emerging changes, helping them incorporate tools and approaches into their research to address sustainability challenges. In Italian.
StartHER is an academy supporting women entrepreneurs under 35. Over three days of training and workshops, participants develop a business idea, with the strongest proposals presented at a final event. In Italian.
CSAC Creative Labs offers two five-day programmes in which participants explore the University’s archives and develop creative projects that bring together memory, innovation and exchange across generations. The programme will culminate in a public exhibition in Parma in November 2027. In Italian.
UniPR Sport Special promotes sport as a way to include people with intellectual disabilities through activities and experiences that encourage respect, cooperation and participation. In Italian.
Parma LivingLab Academy engages participants in redesigning eight squares in Parma to make them more inclusive, accessible and sustainable. Their work will lead to a “Piazza Activation Toolkit” to be shared with the City Council and local communities.
Food City Design trains young graduates to design more sustainable cities through food. The programme brings together urban food systems, sustainability, tourism, well-being and creativity to develop proposals that support Parma’s Food Policy.
Politics Lab introduces young people to politics and active citizenship through workshops and meetings with public institutions, associations and businesses. Together, they will create a “Map for Good Politics” to help shape a sustainable and inclusive future. In Italian.
The Academy offers two days of training on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in workplaces and businesses. Lectures, practical case studies and discussions with experts explore AI applications, ethics and data management, helping to shape a Manifesto for Responsible AI.
The Digital-Energy Nexus is a five-day international academy exploring the relationship between digital technology and energy. Lectures, workshops and technical visits examine data centres, waste heat recovery and smart grids, with the aim of developing recommendations for more sustainable energy systems.
CAPAS Academy brings together young people and students in a programme spanning theatre, music and media, inspired by Orpheus and culminating in a public performance at the Teatro Farnese. In Italian.