On 25 September 2026, the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies members met in Yerevan, on the occasion of the 15th Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

The meeting was opened by Prof. Carla Martins, Chair of the Network and President of the Compostela Group of Universities and included an update on recent developments within the Programme by Rui Gomes.

Members discussed the development of the Network, welcoming new members and reviewing the updated application form for candidate universities. The Network’s leaflet was also presented, alongside an introduction by Prof. Silvia De Ascaniis of Università della Svizzera italiana to the theme, objectives and programme of the 2nd International Conference, to be held in November in Lugano, Switzerland.

Discussions also focused on the Network’s areas of expertise, strengthening cooperation between universities and the Cultural Routes network, and the contribution of universities to the 40th anniversary of the Cultural Routes Programme in 2027. Members also discussed the host of the 2028 Conference of Universities before sharing their own initiatives, projects and experiences.

The meeting provided an opportunity to further strengthen the links between academia and the Cultural Routes network and to explore new opportunities for cooperation, research and knowledge-sharing.