Author: medialab

Incentives for Researchers to Engage in Policy Dialogue: The Impronta Granada Awards

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Esteban Romero and David Corado

Esteban Romero-Frías (erf@ugr.es) currently works as Vice-Rector for Social Innovation, Employability and Entrepreneurship at the University of Granada and Full Professor in the Department of Accountancy and Finance. His academic and research work focuses on public and social innovation, digital learning, and digital humanities. Through UGR MediaLab, which he has directed since its foundation, he has led various collaborative projects such as Impronta Granada and UnInPública, aimed at building bridges between universities, public institutions, and society to tackle regional challenges.

David Corado (davidcorado@go.ugr.es) is a conference interpreter, translator, and predoctoral researcher in the Languages, Texts and Contexts programme at the University of Granada. Trained at institutions such as the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Universitat Jaume I, he holds an FPU UGR–Santander research contract and is a member of Medialab UGR, where he takes part in projects such as ENGAGEgreen and #YoSigoUGR. He currently combines his teaching and research work with professional conference interpreting, collaborating on a voluntary basis with organisations, associations and non-profit entities. He has participated in academic projects, conferences and publications related to interpreting and communicative competences.

Summary: Key features in a nutshell

Goal: align the University of Granada research with territorial needs and urban and local policy agendas.
Governance: issued and coordinated by the University of Granada (Impronta Granada & Medialab UGR) in institutional partnership with the Provincial Council of Granada.
Who can apply: members (or former members) of the University of Granada who since 2000 presented a Bachelor’s thesis, Master’s thesis, PhD thesis, or published a scientific article.
What is valued: transferability to local challenges; impact, alignment with urban agenda, methodological innovation, academic quality, viability/sustainability.
Incentive design: monetary awards and prime policy exposure—a 2-minute presentation at the Impronta Granada Meeting to the largest audience of regional mayors and provincial policymakers.
Strategic benefit: the awards act as a bridge between university knowledge and municipal needs; they normalise policy-relevant research across all academic stages.

Description

This contribution explains how Impronta Granada, an institutional alliance between the University of Granada and the Provincial Council of Granada, incentivises policy-oriented research through the Impronta Granada Awards.

The awards recognise research that can be translated into territorial transformation projects addressing social, economic and environmental challenges in the province of Granada.

Importantly, the awards are not limited to senior researchers. They include Bachelor’s theses, Master’s theses, PhD theses and scientific articles, fostering early-stage policy awareness in students as well as consolidated academics.

Crucially, awardees present their work at the Encuentro Impronta Granada, the flagship event where UGR’s county-level Living Labs (UGR County Councils) are constituted and followed up, and where mayors and municipal policymakers are most present—creating a high-visibility gateway for research-to-policy dialogue.

How does the format work?

1 – Call & eligibility

Open to anyone in the University of Granada community (current or past) who has, since 2000, produced a dissertation, master’s thesis, a PhD thesis, or a scientific article.

The call is issued annually by the University of Granada through Impronta Granada and Medialab UGR, in institutional coordination with the Provincial Council of Granada (Diputación de Granada).

The Awards are part of the broader Impronta Granada strategy to connect university knowledge with territorial governance. While researchers and students are the main applicants, the initiative is conceived as a territorial knowledge activation mechanism, not solely as an academic award.

The first edition of the Awards was launched in 2024. The year 2000 was selected as the eligibility threshold to ensure:

A sufficiently broad repository of research outputs.
Inclusion of high-quality works produced before systematic digital archiving became standard.
Recovery and valorisation of potentially underused academic knowledge.

This long temporal scope reflects the idea that valuable territorial knowledge may already exist within the university but remains untapped.

2 – Submission package

- Link to the full research work in a repository or external file.
- A project document (max. 10 pages) describing the territorial transformation derived from that research: cover page, executive summary, brief of the original work, relevance to provincial challenges, detailed proposal (objectives, resources, territory, actors/alliances, timeline), and impact (expected results, sustainability, indicators).

* Territorial transformation refers to the capacity of research results to inform, inspire or structure interventions addressing concrete challenges within the province of Granada.

It does not require immediate implementation. Instead, applicants must reinterpret their research into a structured proposal that:

Identifies a specific territorial challenge (e.g., environmental, social, cultural, economic).
Defines potential actors and partnerships.
Outlines objectives, resources, timeline and indicators.

The goal is to translate academic knowledge into a feasible governance-oriented framework that could be piloted or considered by local institutions.

3 – Where to apply

- The internal university application manager: complete form + attach the project document (Word/OpenDocument/Google Drive).

4 – Evaluation criteria & award committee

Submissions are evaluated by a joint award committee composed of representatives from:

The University of Granada (academic leadership and knowledge exchange representatives)
The Provincial Council of Granada (Diputación de Granada). The presence of the Provincial Council ensures policy relevance in the assessment process.

Transfer-oriented scoring emphasising:

Territorial impact (up to 4 points)
Alignment with the urban agenda of Granada (up to 3) – This refers not only to the city of Granada but to broader provincial and regional development frameworks aligned with sustainability, cohesion and innovation principles. While not all researchers are initially familiar with these policy agendas, the call documentation explicitly explains the relevant strategic priorities to guide applicants.
Methodological innovation (up to 3)
Academic quality (up to 3)
Viability & sustainability (up to 3)

5. Awards & ceremony

Prize pool: €8,000 across four modalities:

* Bachelor’s thesis: 4 × €500

* Master’s thesis: 2 × €1,000

* PhD thesis: 1 × €2,000

* Scientific article: 1 × €2,000

Obligation of awardees: present publicly at the Impronta Granada Meeting in front of institutional representatives, the research community and territorial stakeholders.

Challenges

Ensuring projects are genuinely implementable in diverse municipal contexts (urban/rural, varying capacities). However, the awards do not require projects to be implemented. Neither researchers nor policymakers are obligated to execute proposals. The objective is to encourage research designed with territorial relevance in mind and to create opportunities for dialogue that may, but do not necessarily, lead to implementation.
Balancing academic excellence with practical transferability and alignment to the urban agenda priorities.
Securing consistent repository access and complete documentation for older research (since 2000).
Managing high demand for visibility at the Impronta Granada Meeting within limited on-stage time (2-minute pitch).

Tasks and resources

Scientists

Identify territorial relevance and formulate a concise, implementable 10-page project derived from existing research.
Prepare a clear 2-minute pitch for policymakers at the Encuentro.
Define indicators and a feasible timeline for local deployment.

Knowledge exchange managers and research managers

Operate the call, application guidance, and workflows.
Coordinate the jury, ceremony logistics, and the Impronta Granada Meeting programme.
Facilitate visibility across the University of Granada channels and matchmaking with municipalities.

Policymakers

Policymakers do not unilaterally decide on the awards; however, representatives of the Provincial Council of Granada are part of the evaluation committee.
Attend the Impronta Granada Meeting; listen to pitches that map onto local needs.
Initiate follow-up conversations for piloting, co-funding, or integrating proposals into local agendas.

1st Edition – Impronta Granada Awards (2024)

Call Launch: https://improntagranada.es/impronta/se-convocan-los-premios-ugr-diputacion-impronta-granada-para-tfgs-tfms-y-tesis-con-propuestas-de-impacto-para-la-provincia/
Final Resolution / List of Awardees: https://improntagranada.es/impronta/el-consejo-de-gobierno-de-la-universidad-de-granada-aprueba-la-resolucion-de-los-premios-impronta-granada-2024/
Award Ceremony (1st Impronta Granada Meeting): https://improntagranada.es/consejos-comarcales-ugr/i-encuentro-impronta-granada-reune-a-representantes-de-todas-las-comarcas-de-granada/

2nd Edition – Impronta Granada Awards (2025)

Call Launch: https://improntagranada.es/impronta/la-universidad-de-granada-lanza-la-ii-edicion-de-los-premios-impronta-granada-para-impulsar-la-investigacion-con-impacto-territorial/
Final Resolution / List of Awardees: https://improntagranada.es/impronta/acuerdo-definitivo-de-la-ii-edicion-de-los-premios-impronta-granada/
Award Ceremony (2nd Impronta Granada Meeting – Loja): https://improntagranada.es/impronta/el-ii-encuentro-impronta-granada-refuerza-en-loja-la-alianza-entre-universidad-y-territorio/

Empowering Municipal Leadership: Engaging Mayors in Cultural and Territorial Development through the New European Bauhaus

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Esteban Romero and David Corado

Summary: Key features in a nutshell

Central role of municipal leadership in defining and showcasing cultural innovation across rural and urban areas.
Introduction to the New European Bauhaus (NEB) funding framework as a tool for sustainable local development.
Presence of national and European experts to train and inspire policymakers.
Collaborative ecosystem linking mayors, cultural agents, researchers, and citizens.
Integration of the event into the broader Impronta Granada and ENGAGEgreen frameworks for territorial innovation.

Description

This contribution documents the Impronta Granada Conference on Culture and Territory, held on 20 March 2025 at the University of Granada’s Breaker Space (V Centenario building). The event exemplifies how UGR provides a privileged platform for mayors and municipal representatives to present their local projects, gain visibility, and receive direct guidance on European funding opportunities such as those of the New European Bauhaus (NEB).

By placing municipalities at the centre of the dialogue between culture, territory, and innovation, the University of Granada fosters a governance model based on shared responsibility and mutual learning between academia and local administrations.

How does the format work?

The Impronta Granada Conference: “Culture and Territory” was conceived as a participatory policy dialogue space designed to:

Strengthen the visibility of municipalities as cultural and social innovation actors.
Provide capacity-building opportunities for local authorities to access EU programmes such as the NEB.
Promote mutual learning between policymakers, academic experts, and cultural professionals.

The event was organised by Medialab UGR, under the Vice-Rectorate for Social Innovation, Employability and Entrepreneurship, and brought together over 60 participants, including mayors, councillors, cultural officers, researchers, and civil-society organisations.

The structure of the day reflected the three pillars of the New European Bauhaus — sustainability, inclusion, and beauty — and was divided into complementary segments combining training, inspiration, and peer exchange.

Why did it attract local policymakers?

Presentation of the New European Bauhaus initiative by Laura Hagermann, Policy Officer at the European Commission, highlighting opportunities for municipalities to apply for NEB funding.
Panel of mayors and cultural officers representing municipalities such as Purullena, Galera, Santa Fe, Alpujarra de la Sierra, Guadix, and Dúdar, who shared local experiences in decentralised cultural programming, heritage revitalisation and citizen participation.
Keynote by Federico Buyolo, Director of Culture at the Ortega-Marañón Foundation, discussing “Culture and Territory: Development and Citizenship in Rural Areas” and emphasising collective intelligence as the basis for sustainable development.
Networking session and policy roundtable, enabling local representatives to connect with university researchers and EU programme officers for project ideation and collaboration.

Challenges

Ensuring continuity beyond the one-day conference through follow-up actions.
Translating theoretical discussions (NEB principles) into actionable funding proposals.
Balancing participation between urban and rural municipalities with uneven resources.
Adapting European frameworks to the cultural and socio-economic context of small towns.

Tasks and resources

Scientists

Presented and contextualised NEB principles for local adaptation.
Supported municipalities in identifying project ideas aligned with EU frameworks.
Collected and synthesised examples of culture-driven territorial innovation.

Knowledge exchange managers and research managers

Coordinated event logistics, registration, and communication.
Facilitated connections between local governments and funding opportunities.
Produced press releases and audiovisual documentation to ensure dissemination.

Policymakers

Participated as speakers and presenters, sharing municipal cultural projects.
Engaged in dialogue with European Commission representatives and national experts.
Explored opportunities to integrate NEB principles into local development strategies.

Case studies

Impronta Granada Conference: “Culture and Territory” (Granada, Spain, 20 March 2025)
The event positioned mayors and cultural officers as primary agents of change. Each municipality had the opportunity to present its own cultural initiatives and challenges, reinforcing the visibility of local government action within a European framework.

Through the introduction of the New European Bauhaus, the University of Granada enabled direct knowledge transfer on EU funding schemes, linking local innovation to continental policy priorities.

The participation of high-level experts and the presence of European Commission representatives elevated the dialogue, turning the conference into a capacity-building milestone for municipal leadership in the province.

How is format conducted

The format combines formal presentations and participatory dialogues.

Introductory session led by the Vice-Rectorate to contextualise Impronta Granada.
Expert training segment introducing NEB principles and funding mechanisms.
Municipal showcase where mayors present their ongoing or planned projects.
Inspirational keynote by a national expert to foster reflection on culture and citizenship.
Networking and informal exchange, promoting cooperation between municipalities and academic staff.

All sessions were held in-person at the University of Granada’s Breaker Space, with open registration and free participation.

Available resources (what are the main tasks)

Event recordings, press releases, and photographic documentation.
NEB funding guidelines distributed among attendees.
Contact database of municipalities and cultural officers.
Collaboration templates for joint project proposals (UGR–municipalities).
Visibility through Medialab UGR, Impronta Granada, and institutional communication channels.

What works? What doesn’t? (Lessons learnt)

Works:

Giving mayors a visible and vocal role creates strong engagement and legitimacy.
Introducing European frameworks (NEB) empowers local leaders with practical knowledge.
Involving national and EU-level experts strengthens credibility and institutional learning.
Holding events at the university symbolises openness and institutional support.

Doesn’t:

One-off sessions without follow-up limit continuity.
Overly technical explanations may discourage smaller municipalities.

Lessons learnt:

Combine expert presentations with local storytelling for better understanding.
Provide written guides on funding schemes.
Include time for informal dialogue between policymakers and researchers to spark collaboration.

How do you evaluate the activities?

Outputs:

1 major event with 60+ participants (mayors, cultural officers, researchers).
6 municipalities showcased cultural initiatives.
Training session on NEB principles and funding opportunities.
Press and media coverage across university and local outlets.

Outcomes:

Increased awareness of EU funding among local governments.
Strengthened cooperation between municipalities and the University of Granada.
Creation of a provincial network of cultural policymakers committed to sustainable development.

Indicators:

Number of municipalities represented.
Participant satisfaction and follow-up contacts.
Number of municipalities preparing NEB-inspired proposals.

From local concern to policy dialogue: A case study on sustainable pest control through academic and municipal collaboration

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Summary: Key features in a nutshell

Originated from an academic participant’s observation of a local problem (pest outbreaks affecting agriculture).
Mobilized the quadruple helix model (academia, policymakers, private sector, civil society).
Resulted in a hybrid seminar/webinar on sustainable pest control, led by a UGR biotechnology expert.
Emphasized biotechnological alternatives to chemical insecticides, with scientific insights and practical solutions.
Included open debate and networking, fostering a replicable model for other territories.

Description

This case study showcases how a localized agricultural problem — a pest outbreak in the Vega de Granada area — evolved into a multi-stakeholder science-policy dialogue, coordinated under the Erasmus+ ENGAGEgreen framework through the University of Granada’s County Councils initiative. This process demonstrates the potential of the Living Lab methodology and quadruple helix collaboration in transforming grassroots concerns into informed public policy actions, fostering sustainable solutions through academic expertise and political engagement.

How does the format work?

The initiative began with the concern raised by a University of Granada academic, a nursing lecturer and participant in the Metropolitan Area County Council. Though pest control was not her field, she noticed a significant caterpillar infestation affecting local crops in Huétor Vega, her place of residence. She brought this issue to the attention of the County Council and, through the coordination team at the University of Granada’s Vice-Rectorate for Social Innovation, received direct contact information for local policymakers.

With the support of Huétor Vega’s mayor and local councillors, and the involvement of the University of Granada coordination team, a collaborative strategy was launched. The academic participant’s concern was matched with the expertise of Susana Vílchez Tornero, a Full Professor of Biotechnology and Director of the Biotechnology Institute of the University of Granada.

The coordination team proposed a public awareness seminar on sustainable pest control. The event was held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person attendance (for networking and knowledge exchange) and virtual participation via live webinar. The seminar recording was made available online to ensure wider dissemination and long-term accessibility.

Challenges

Mobilizing a cross-disciplinary response to a highly localized and technical issue.
Aligning institutional logistics across academic, municipal, and technical domains in a short timeframe.
Ensuring accessible communication to non-specialist audiences, while maintaining scientific rigour.
Bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical policymaking.

Tasks and resources

Scientists

Identified and mobilized expertise in biotechnology and pest control.
Delivered scientific content during the seminar.
Provided practical, environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional pest control methods.
Participated in a post-seminar debate to clarify technical issues for other stakeholders.

Knowledge exchange managers and research managers

Coordinated stakeholder engagement and event logistics.
Ensured hybrid technical setup and post-event dissemination.
Facilitated connections between academia and public institutions.

Policymakers

Supported the initiative logistically and politically.
Participated in the event and discussion sessions.
Helped promote the seminar locally to reach agricultural communities and interest groups.

Examples

Seminar title: “Sustainable Alternatives for Pest Control in Agriculture”
Event venue: La Sinsombrero, Edificio V Centenario, University of Granada
Format: Hybrid (on-site + live webinar)
Total participants: 40+, including academics, local policymakers, technical staff, and citizens.

Sources and further reading

County Councils microsite: https://improntagranada.es/consejoscomarcalesugr/

Case studies

How is format conducted

Triggered by grassroots concern.
Coordination between academia and local government.
Expert-led seminar (scientific input).
Debate and open discussion among quadruple helix stakeholders.
Recorded and disseminated for broader access.

Available resources (what are the main tasks)

Coordination of event logistics and hybrid platform.
Preparation of content and visual aids.
Internal and external promotion of the event.
Facilitation of stakeholder dialogue.

What works? What doesn`t? (Lessons learnt)

What works:

Starting from a local concern makes the initiative highly relevant and participatory.
Word-of-mouth and territorial networks are powerful for mobilising stakeholders.
Hybrid formats enhance participation and long-term visibility.
Scientific expertise can be activated quickly if institutional coordination is fluid.

What doesn’t:

Highly technical content may need extra effort to be accessible to non-experts. This can be addressed by simplifying scientific or administrative terminology without losing accuracy, incorporating infographics, diagrams or short videos instead of purely technical presentations, and showcasing real-world cases or on-site demonstrations.
Rural actors may need additional support to access online formats.

How do you evaluate the activities?

Participant feedback after the seminar.
Level of representation across the quadruple helix.
Number of views/downloads of the recording.
Initiatives launched or explored after the event (e.g., follow-up actions in Huétor Vega).