The relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability, the growing impact of AI in universities, and the role of higher education in promoting responsible digital transformation will be highlighted in the 4th edition of Sustainability Days at the University of Coimbra (UC), an event taking place from September 30 to October 15, according to a press release.
According to the same source, under the theme “Sustainability in the AI Era,” the initiative aims to promote reflection on AI’s potential to address environmental, social, and economic challenges, but also on the need to ensure that its development and use are ethical, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.
The event — with sessions scheduled at different spaces in UC’s Polo I — brings together specialists, university leaders, students, and civil society representatives to discuss the transformations that these technologies are introducing in teaching, in research, in innovation, and in civic participation, as well as the challenges associated with digital infrastructures, institutional responsibility, and AI governance.
The program begins on September 30, with a session dedicated to the opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence in teaching, in research, and in innovation (10:30 a.m., Hybrid Auditorium of the Faculty of Medicine building in Polo I). It continues on October 2 with a debate on sustainable digital transformation, technological infrastructures, and institutional responsibility in universities, with a focus on the UC example (10:00 a.m., Auditorium 2 of the Student Hub).
Student participation also takes on particular relevance in the Sustainability Days program at UC. On October 7, the Botanical Garden will host an afternoon dedicated to debate and civic engagement of young people, with two sessions (at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.) that will address the challenges of leadership, sustainability, digital responsibility, and volunteering in the AI era. The initiative also includes a Volunteer Marketplace, reinforcing the University of Coimbra’s commitment to active citizenship and marking the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.
On October 9, higher education specialists will gather to reflect on the future of universities in a context marked by Artificial Intelligence, knowledge production, and sustainability challenges (10:00 a.m., Hybrid Auditorium of the Faculty of Medicine building in Polo I).
The initiative closes on October 15, starting at 9:00 a.m., with the international conference “Appropriate Guardrails for AGI: The Crucial Role of Universities,” which will address the role of universities in defining principles and safeguards that guide the development of advanced Artificial Intelligence systems in a responsible, ethical manner and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
With the exception of the last session (restricted access), all activities are open to the university community and the general public, upon registration, using the form available here. Registrations are open until September 23.
“Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we work, organize services, manage resources, and make decisions. This transformation opens up new opportunities, but also poses important environmental, social, and ethical challenges regarding how we can harness AI to make our institutions more efficient and sustainable, while ensuring responsible and people-centered use. In this event, we intend to involve the entire community in this reflection, discussing the role that technology and institutions can play in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future,” says the University of Coimbra’s Vice-Rector for Planning and Sustainability, Patrícia Pereira da Silva.
The full program, more information, and the registration form for Sustainability Days at UC 2026 are available here.
