ECIU University Forum 2026 will bring together the entire ECIU University community: learners, teachers, societal stakeholders, staff, and researchers. Please let us know if you are interested in attending as a participant via this call for participants!

Applications are open until the 24th of February (23:59 CET)!

Where to stay in Aveiro

We are currently working with the hotel partners to secure special rates for participants of the ECIU University Forum 2026. The list of hotels will be available soon.

How to get to Aveiro

Aveiro is located on the west coast of Portugal, approximately 75 km south of Porto and 250 km north of Lisbon. The city is easily accessible and well-connected by various transportation options.

By plane from Porto Airport (OPO - Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport)

• By train: Take the metro (Line E) to Campanhã Station (~35 min), then a direct train to Aveiro (~40-75 min)
• By car/taxi/Uber/Bolt: Aveiro is about 1 hour from Porto by car.
• By bus: From Porto Airport (OPO) to Aveiro by FlixBus.
  
  • Take the metro from Porto Airport (Line E - Purple Line) to Porto Campanhã Station (~35 min).
  • Board a FlixBus from Porto (Campanhã) Bus Station to Aveiro (~1 hour).
  • The FlixBus will drop you off at Aveiro Bus Station, which is a short walk or taxi ride from the city centre (Total travel time: ~1.5 to 2 hours)

By plane from Lisbon Airport (LIS - Humberto Delgado Airport)

• By train: Take the metro or a taxi to Lisbon Oriente Station, then a direct train to Aveiro (~2-2.5 hours). Train tickets can be purchased in advance with discounts at our local rail company website.
• By car/taxi/Uber/Bolt: Take the metro or a taxi to Lisbon Oriente Bus Station (~10-15 min by taxi or metro)
• By bus: Board a FlixBus from Lisbon (Oriente) to Aveiro (~2.5 to 3 hours).
  
  • The bus will arrive at Aveiro Bus Station, close to downtown.
• By car: Aveiro is about 2.5 hours from Lisbon by car.

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Choose between Session Types

Panel Discussion

Explore a specific topic, bringing together a group of experts with different perspectives.

• Format: A group of experts joins the panel to discuss the chosen topic, as moderated by the session presenter. Each speaker has approx. 10-12 minutes for presenting and the presentations are followed by an interactive discussion with the audience, led by a panel moderator. 

• ‍Purpose: Offers diverse perspectives, encourages debate, and creates interaction between panelists and the audience.

• Example (from last year’s theme around innovation): “Innovative Practices in ECIU Teaching and Learning Centres”.

• Duration: 1 hour.

• Speakers: 3 or 4.

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Lightning Talk

‍Share one of ECIU University’s innovation and innovative education-related achievements in a short presentation.

• Format: Short, focused presentations, typically lasting 10-15 minutes and followed by Q&A sessions.

• ‍Purpose: Efficiently and concisely communicates a specific idea, project, or concept, while also sharing your experience from ECIU University activities.  

• Example (from last year’s theme around innovation): “Wicked Sustainability: Insights into into Developing Localised Projects for Smart Solutions to Sustainable Cities"

• Duration: 15 min max per speaker (1 hour in total).

• Speakers: maximum 3

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‍Skills Training Session

Are you an expert on a particular topic? Is there something you want to teach the participants? Give a skills training session!

• Format: Highly interactive sessions where participants engage in hands-on activities, training discussions, and exercises aimed to improve certain skills or introduce them to new perspectives.  

• ‍Purpose: Focused learning, skill development, and practical application of concepts.  

• Example: “Challenge expresso: Live a real experience”.

• Duration: 1 or 2 hours.

• Speakers: No limit.

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(Net)working Session

Do you have an idea you want to make a reality? Invite colleagues to collaborate on developing an ECIU University learning opportunity, a project, or a European project application. For example, you can present your current research subject and find partners both for research and future learning opportunities. Are you facing a problem in your organization or work? This may also be your chance to find a joint solution!

• Format: Interactive sessions where participants engage in hands-on activities, discussions, and exercises.

• ‍Purpose: Networking, connecting with societal stakeholders to co-create ECIU University learning opportunities and encourage collaborations.  

• Example: “Building a Climate Network for European Universities”.

• Duration: 1 hour.

• Speakers: No limit.

If you have any questions contact us using the form below or  via events@eciu.eu

The ECIU University Forum is free of charge for all accepted session presenters and participants. If you are selected as a host of a session or participant, mobility grants may be provided by your home institution. Contact your local ECIU University office to inquire about specifics.