08 October 2025
Bilbao Campus
The University of Deusto has taken a decisive step in promoting the internationalisation of research with the creation of the Global Research Alliance of Jesuit Universities (GRAJU), a new international network of seven Jesuit universities worldwide aimed at fostering collaboration in research on a global scale. The alliance, established on 4 August, comprises Ateneo de Manila (Philippines), Fordham (USA), Georgetown (USA), ITESO (Mexico), Sogang (South Korea), Namur (Belgium), and Deusto.
GRAJU was born out of the shared commitment of these Jesuit institutions to academic excellence, social justice and service to the common good. Its strategic objectives include: fostering joint research projects on pressing global challenges aligned with Jesuit values; encouraging international academic exchanges; promoting interdisciplinary innovation; and seeking collaborative funding through national and international funds and grants.
The first major meeting of the network will be the GRAJU Annual Symposium, to be held on 9-11 March 2026 at Ateneo de Manila University. Entitled «The AI Frontier and the Distinctives of Global Jesuit Higher Education», the event will bring together academics, educators and international leaders to discuss how to harness emerging technologies to uphold human dignity, enhance education and build a more hopeful future. This aligns with the University of Deusto’s approach to Artificial Intelligence, which is based on an ethical and responsible framework for its implementation across all levels of the organisation.
The "call for papers" for the GRAJU Inaugural Symposium is open until 1 December. Proposals may be submitted on, among other topics, the following topics: “AI in Ignatian pedagogy and curriculum design”, “AI for university management and strategic planning”, “AI in research, creative work, and innovation”, “Ethical, equitable, legal, and policy implications of AI”, and “Global collaboration and future models”.
As the promoter and founder of GRAJU, and as part of the Executive Committee driving this Alliance, Deusto strengthens its international profile and its commitment to collaborating in a network with other Jesuit universities. Furthermore, this participation opens up new opportunities for academic and scientific cooperation and consolidates Deusto's commitment to research with a social and ethical impact.
