This project, funded by UPF, will be dedicated to research aimed at diagnosing and offering solutions to societal challenges. With over a hundred researchers, the center will focus its work on three main areas: justice, youth, and resilience.
“"The distinguishing feature that makes Àgora a unique project in Europe is that challenges will be tackled from beginning to end. Not only will public policies be evaluated and scientific evidence provided to address the challenge, but a personalized solution will also be offered."
The leadership of Pompeu Fabra University has emphasized that this new project is conceived as a 'do tank' rather than a 'think tank', as its ultimate goal is to implement concrete actions and, in some cases, measure the impact of the proposed solutions. In this way, the Àgora will complement the scientific complex of the Mercat del Peix, joining the future Barcelona Biomedical Research Park Ciutadella (PRBB Ciutadella) and the headquarters of the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE: CSIC-UPF).
The 'do tank' researchers will use the city of Barcelona as a model to generate collective responses and build shared futures. They are expected to address aspects related to youth, seeking to identify emerging problems and needs of young people between twenty and forty years old in areas such as housing, employment, and future prospects. They also aim to reimagine the system of rights and duties to reduce inequalities.
“"Researchers will not come to pursue their own challenge or article; the challenges will be defined with public administrations, and then the rest will follow."
Currently, UPF is finalizing the tender for the construction of the Àgora Barcelona for Societal Well-being, with works expected to commence between June and July.
