8.30-9.00 Registration
9.00-9.15 Welcome to UniverCities 2026
Organizing committee & vice rector of societal interaction Hanna Snellman
9.15-10.00 Keynote 1: Can Scientific Research Shape Urban Futures? – The Role of Scientific Capabilities to Define Diversification Opportunities of Regions
Ron Boschma, Professor in Regional Economics (Utrecht University) and Adjunct Professor in Innovation Studies (University of Stavanger)
10.00-11.30 Session 1
Theme 1 Tackling Urban Challenges Together & Theme 2 Creating Impactful City–University Partnership Models
11.30-12.30 Lunch and Coffee
12.30-14.00 Session 2
Theme 1 Tackling Urban Challenges Together & Theme 3 Driving Innovation and Economic Development
14.00-14.30 Coffee
14.30-16.00 Helsinki Walks and sights
18.00-19.30 Panel Discussion: Universities and Cities – Towards Shared Dreams Through Better Collaboration
Panelists (more to be added):
Daniel Sazonov, the Mayor of Helsinki
Ron Boschma, Professor in Regional Economics (Utrecht University) and Adjunct Professor in Innovation Studies (University of Stavanger)
Mari Vaattovaara, Professor in Urban Geography and Founder of Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies (University of Helsinki)
19.30-21.30 Standing Dinner at the Main Building of University of Helsinki
08.45-09.15 Coffee
09.15-10.00 Keynote 2: Beyond Town and Gown: What Roles for Universities in Urban Transformation?
Ben Derudder, Professor of Urban Studies at KU Leuven Public Governance Institute and Director of the KU Leuven Urban Studies Institute (LUSI)
10.00-11.30 Session 3
Theme 1 Tackling Urban Challenges Together & Theme 2 Creating Impactful City–University Partnership Models
11.30-12.30 Lunch
12.30-14.00 Session 4
Theme 1 Tackling Urban Challenges Together & Theme 3 Driving Innovation and Economic Development
14.00-14.30 Wrap-up & coffee