On 14 October 2026 in Coimbra, the Polytechnic University of Coimbra (PUC) officially joined the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies after signing a general framework cooperation agreement with the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) during the conference “Coimbra in the European Cultural Routes”.

The Polytechnic University of Coimbra demonstrates significant academic expertise in fields closely connected to Cultural Routes, including cultural heritage, arts and crafts, tourism, sustainability, gastronomy and territorial development. Its academic offer includes programmes and curricular units addressing these themes, as well as intercultural dialogue and local development.

The University brings together six teaching units with complementary areas of expertise. Recent Master's theses and applied research outputs from ESEC (Coimbra Education School), ESTGOH (Oliveira do Hospital Management and Technology School) and ISCAC (Coimbra Business School), among others, address heritage networks, accessibility, historic destinations, sustainable tourism, local traditions and rural areas, highlighting the University's multidisciplinary contribution to research relevant to Cultural Routes.

PUC also supports research initiatives aligned with the objectives of the Cultural Routes Programme. Through projects such as CiTUR Coimbra, SHIFT Coimbra, the Coimbra Gastronomic Region and Erasmus+ initiatives, the University contributes to interdisciplinary research, digital innovation, intercultural dialogue and heritage valorisation.

By joining the Network, the Polytechnic University of Coimbra aims to strengthen international academic cooperation, promote joint research and educational activities, and foster knowledge exchange between universities and Cultural Routes.

The University Network for Cultural Routes Studies promotes research on the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, encourages students to explore these themes in their academic work, participates in the Programme’s annual activities, and provides scientific expertise when necessary.