Shaping Europe’s Higher Education Landscape
Embark on a transformative journey by joining us at The Shape(s) of RUN-EU International Conference to be held at the Polytechnic University of Leiria, Portugal, from 16 – 17 November.
This unique event unites the seven regional Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) under the banner of the Regional University Network – European University (RUN-EU).
A visionary collaboration that transcends borders, bringing together academic, scientific, cultural, social, and translational strengths to foster the diverse and innovative skills necessary for Europe’s global competitiveness.
DATE
16 – 17 November
LOCATION
Polytechnic University of Leiria, Portugal
School of Technology and Management
Our Conference is a dynamic arena to reflect on the creation and future of RUN-EU
Expect engaging discussions that delve into the profound impacts at the institutional level, with the participation of students, educators, researchers, and associated partners.
Together with guest experts, we’ll reflect on the achievements of the past three years and explore the design and implementation of new educational offerings and services, while envisioning exciting prospects for future growth with our valued stakeholders.
Programme
Thursday, 16 November 2023
8h30–9h00 • REGISTRATION
9h00–9h30 • OPENING SESSION
— Carlos Rabadão – President of the Polytechnic University of Leiria, Portugal
— Gonçalo Lopes – Mayor of the Municipality of Leiria, Portugal
— Pedro Nuno Teixeira – Secretary of State for Higher Education · Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Portugal
9h30–10h30 • SPECIAL SESSION
Beyond RUN-EU – A Broader View of European Universities
CHAIR — Ruaidhri Neavyn – RUN-EU Special Advisor / Higher Education Authority, Ireland
GUEST SPEAKERS
— Sophia Eriksson Waterschoot – Director for Youth, Education and Erasmus+ / European Commission representative (Online)
— Ludovic Thilly – University of Poitiers, Executive Vice-Rector for the EC2U Alliance and European Networks / Chair of the FOREU2 group (Online)
— Cesaltina Pires – Full Professor at the Department of Management, University of Évora / EU GREEN Alliance
— RUN-EU Presidents / Rectors / CEOs
10h30–11h00 • COFFEE-BREAK
11h00–12h30 • PANEL SESSION 1
Situation: Where We Were Three Years Ago and Where We Are Now
CHAIR — Pedro Assunção – Vice-President of the Polytechnic University of Leiria, Portugal
GUEST SPEAKERS
— Magali Gillain – RUN-EU Project Officer, EACEA – European Commission
— Ruaidhri Neavyn – RUN-EU Special Advisor / Higher Education Authority, Ireland
— Júlia Szőke – Vice-Dean for International Affairs, Faculty for Humanities, Pedagogy and Social Sciences – Széchenyi István University, Hungary
— Peter de Boer – RUN-EU Project Leader – NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
— Ana Rita Freitas – Student Council – Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave, Portugal
12h30–14h00 • LUNCH
14h00–15h30 • PANEL SESSION 2
Transits: Crossing Regions – Fostering Interregional Cooperation
CHAIR — Liam Brown – Vice-President for RD&I – Technological University of the Shannon, Ireland
GUEST SPEAKERS
— John Edwards – Secretary General of EURASHE
— Mathias Bertsch – Head of Regional Development, Economic Development Agency / RUN-EU Associated Partner – Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, Austria
— Ileana Greca – Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation and Cooperation – University of Burgos, Spain
— Ricardo Moura – Design Manager – SKANSTEC • Portugal / Ireland
— Azzah Uwineezah – Student Council – NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
15h30–16h00 • COFFEE-BREAK
16h00–17h30 • PANEL SESSION 3
Learning: The Students of the Future Now – Skills of the Future and Regional Impact
CHAIR — Paula Tavares – Vice-President – Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave, Portugal
GUEST SPEAKERS
— Liisa Postareff – Häme University of Applied Sciences, Finland
— Antonella Poce – Professor of Experimental Pedagogy – University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
— Mieke Demeyere – Vice-Rector – Howest University of Applied Sciences, Belgium
— Billy Shu Hieng – Student Council – Technological University of the Shannon, Ireland
Friday, 17 November 2023
9h00–9h30 • SAP ASPECTS OF INTERREGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Cultural Challenge
Presentation by students
9h30–10h00 • SAP ASPECTS OF INTERREGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Digital Challenge
Presentation by students
10h00–10h30 • SAP ASPECTS OF INTERREGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness Challenge
Presentation by students
10h30–11h00 • COFFEE-BREAK
11h00–11h30 • SAP ASPECTS OF INTERREGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Cooperation and Inclusiveness Challenge
Presentation by students
11h30–12h00 • Results from RUN-EU & Panel Conclusions
Pedro Assunção • Vice-President – Polytechnic University of Leiria, Portugal
12h30–14h00 • LUNCH
19h30 • FINAL GALA
Quinta das Silveiras · Leiria
Unless otherwise specified, all activities will be hosted at the Polytechnic University of Leiria.
Organising Committee
Pedro Assunção • João dos Santos • Clara Espírito Santo • Rita Cordeiro • Joana Ferreira
Eco-Friendly Shapes
• Bring your water bottle
• Fill up your water bottle with tap water
• Want a RUN-EU water bottle? Use the sticker to customise yours
• Use public transportation
• Walk! It’s healthy and a great way to get to know a new place
• At the end, keep the badge and return your lace. It will be used again next year.
Accomodation Tips
We have set a helpful information and accommodation list in Leiria.
Contact shapes.RUNEU@run-eu.eu if you have any queries.
