Cooperation Agreement Between Canary Islands Government and UNED

Overview

The Canary Islands government has officially published a cooperation agreement with the National University of Education to Distance (UNED), aimed at facilitating research and innovation in public educational centers. Signed on July 24, 2025, this four-year agreement sets out the protocols for UNED faculty and students to access non-university public schools within the region for interviews, surveys, observations, and other research techniques.

Goals and Emphases

This collaboration strives to:

• Enhance educational practices
• Improve student and teacher outcomes
• Foster a culture of continuous learning fueled by research and technological development

While there are no financial commitments involved, both parties agree to:

• Share resources and responsibilities to achieve these goals

Data Protection and Ethical Considerations

The agreement emphasizes strict data protection measures, ensuring compliance with privacy laws such as GDPR.

It mandates that:

• Research activities should not disrupt daily school operations
• Participation is voluntary, with explicit consent required from teachers, students, and parents

Oversight and Evaluation

A dedicated commission will oversee the project's implementation, address issues, and evaluate progress annually.

Significance

This initiative marks a significant step in integrating academic research into everyday educational settings in the Canary Islands, fostering innovation and evidence-based improvements that ultimately benefit the region’s youth and educators.