ECIU University
Forum 2026
June 16-17th at the University of Aveiro (Portugal)
About The ECIU University Forum 2026
The ECIU University Forum is the annual event that unites the entire ECIU community. It’s the place where learners, teachers, researchers, staff, and societal partners exchange ideas, share experiences and build the future together.
In 2026, under the theme Futuremakers: Educating for Impact, we’ll explore how education can drive real change and empower people and communities to turn ideas into action and societal impact.
Join us for two inspiring days of connection, collaboration, and co-creation as we shape a future where learning truly makes a difference.
- The call for participants will open in January 2026
The ECIU University Forum is a part of ECIU University activities, co-funded by the European Union. The Forum will take place on 16-17 June 2026 at the University of Aveiro.
If you need support with anything related to the ECIU University Forum, have questions or suggestions, or are interested in collaborating with ECIU University or learning more about the opportunities we offer, please contact us at events@eciu.eu
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.
Applications for presenting a session within the theme of this year’s ECIU University Forum - Futuremakers: Educating for Impact – are now open!
The ECIU University Forum aims to engage its participants in discussions relevant to them – which is why we invite you to contribute. Submit your proposal to facilitate one of the sessions and become part of leading a relevant conversation.
This call is only for presenters. If you would like to join the Forum as a participant, the Call for Participants will open in January 2026. We look forward to your application then.
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.
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
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.
(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
Team Impact Award 2026: Share Your ECIU University Impact Story
The ECIU Team Impact Award celebrates teams that have demonstrated exceptional collaboration, creativity, and dedication in addressing real-world ECIU University challenges. It recognises learners, staff, and external stakeholders who have gone above and beyond to develop meaningful, sustainable solutions with a positive impact on communities.
Applications are open until March 31st.
Whether you're a learner, a “teamcher”, a researcher, a stakeholder or staff — all community members who have taken part in an ECIU University Challenge (in the last year) are welcome to apply. Show the whole community the impact you (and your team) have made — and the journey you have taken.
- The winning team (4 persons max) will be invited to attend the ECIU University Forum 2026 in Aveiro, with all travel and accommodation covered.
- In a big upgrade for 2026, the winning team will receive a professionally produced video created by ECIU, to showcase your challenge, your results, and the real-world impact you and your team have made.
- Your story will also be shared on ECIU’s website and social media — giving your work broad visibility.
- You will receive a digital certificate recognising you as Team Impact Award Winner.
The Programme
coming soon...
Contact us
We look forward to hearing from you!
For any general inquiries or press-related matters, please feel free to reach out to us.
