In2CoP 2026 – International Conference on Co-Creation Processes in Higher Education brought together the STARS EU community for three days of collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange, hosted by Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB) within the framework of the STARS EU.

This edition placed a strong emphasis on STARS EU’s Thematic Interest Groups (TIGs), particularly Circular Economy and Arts & Creative Industries, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to address contemporary challenges in technology, sustainability, health and social intervention.

The conference gathered over 180 participants from 11 countries – Portugal, Brazil, Ireland, Poland, the Netherlands, Albania, Spain, Sweden, Germany, India and Norway – representing more than 20 higher education institutions, research centres and partner organisations.

Co-creation as a driver for innovation

Throughout the conference, more than 60 co-creation prototypes were presented by international, multidisciplinary teams, highlighting the strong link between education, research, creativity and societal impact.

Award-winning prototypes

Three outstanding prototypes were recognised with monetary awards, one per category: Technology – Designing a Game to Enhance Productivity and Engagement; Sustainability – Trachea Implants Made from Resilin-Based Materials and Health & Social Intervention – CuboNutri: An Educational Game for Building Balanced Lunchboxes.

A conference aligned with the STARS EU vision

Beyond plenary sessions, thematic panels and prototype presentations, In2CoP 2026 promoted networking, collaboration and strategic reflection on the future of European higher education.

The conference reaffirmed the shared commitment of STARS EU partners to a more collaborative, inclusive and innovation-driven higher education ecosystem, demonstrating how co-creation can be a key instrument in responding to social, economic and environmental challenges at regional and global levels.

On January 28, Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB) – a partner institution of the STARS EU European University Alliance – celebrated the 43rd anniversary of its foundation with a formal ceremony held in Chaves, Portugal.

The event brought together members of the academic community, institutional representatives, national and international partners, alumni and guests, highlighting IPB’s journey as a public higher education institution firmly committed to regional development, innovation, internationalisation and people-centred education.

A key moment of the ceremony was the Opening Lecture, delivered by Henrique de Barros, Professor of Epidemiology and President of the Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto, who challenged the academic community to reflect on entrepreneurial attitudes as drivers of healthier lives and societies.

During the ceremony, IPB awarded its Honorary Medals, recognising strategic partnerships at the national and international level. The International Honorary Medal was awarded to the University of Vigo (Spain) in recognition of its long-standing contributions to cross-border academic and scientific cooperation.

The celebration also marked 10 years of the Double Degree Programme with CEFET/RJ (Brazil), a flagship example of sustained international collaboration and academic mobility.

Excellence in education and research was further recognised through Alumni Career Awards, Merit Scholarships, academic prizes, and distinctions for applied research with territorial impact, reflecting IPB’s strong connection between higher education, innovation and regional transformation.

As a STARS EU partner, IPB’s 43rd anniversary highlights the alliance’s shared values – transforming regions and empowering people through education, research, and innovation across Europe.

Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB), Portugal, received a delegation from the University West (UW), Sweden, on a strategic visit focused on strengthening institutional cooperation in applied research, doctoral training and work-integrated learning, within the framework of STARS EU.

The visit aimed to consolidate new avenues of academic and scientific collaboration between both institutions, with special emphasis on joint doctoral programmes, mobility, educational innovation and knowledge transfer, thus reinforcing their commitment to a structured and sustainable cooperation model at European level.

Research, innovation and knowledge transfer at the core

One of the central axes of the program was the reinforcement of collaboration in applied research and its connection with social and regional needs. During the visit, the delegation toured several IPB research centres and units, including LiveWell, CITeD, UNIAG, CeDRI and GICoS, where they learned about projects in areas such as health and well-being, education and development, applied management, digitalisation, smart robotics and sustainable construction.

The Swedish delegation was led by Per Assmo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Internationalization at University West, and included heads of research, doctoral training, program coordination, and implementation of STARS EU. During their stay, the representatives held various working meetings with management teams, researchers and academic managers of the IPB.

 Advancing doctoral education and Work-Integrated Learning

Doctoral cooperation was high on the agenda, especially in areas such as Production Technology and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). The sessions addressed models of joint and double doctoral degrees, thesis co-supervision mechanisms, incorporation of doctoral students funded by third parties and governance frameworks compatible with the regulations of both institutions.

The WIL model, one of the distinctive elements of University West, was analyzed as a strategic opportunity to strengthen the connection between higher education, research and the labor market. Discussions focused on conceptual alignment, practical tools, expected outcomes and transferability of this approach within the context of STARS EU.

In addition to the planned activities, University West representatives visited other academic units of the IPB, such as the Higher School of Public Management, Communication and Tourism (EsACT) and the Higher School of Health (ESSa), expanding their vision of the training and scientific ecosystem of the Portuguese institution.

Towards a shared roadmap within STARS EU

The visit concluded with a strategic meeting in which both institutions defined priority areas for action, next steps and a timetable for future cooperation. This roadmap will serve as a basis for promoting joint initiatives in education, research, mobility and innovation, in line with the objectives of STARS EU as a European alliance committed to regional development, applied knowledge and social impact.

With this meeting, the IPB and University West reinforce their role as active partners within STARS EU and underline the value of international cooperation to generate concrete opportunities for students, researchers and communities across Europe.

Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB) represented the STARS EU Alliance at the Forum of Portuguese Higher Education Institutions in European University Alliances (FOR.UE.PT), an event that brought together more than 60 representatives from universities across the country to discuss the challenges and opportunities of higher education internationalisation in Europe.

Held at the University of Algarve (Faro, Portugal), the forum featured the participation of Luís Pais, Vice-President of IPB and member of the STARS EU Steering Committee, who emphasised the alliance’s commitment to interuniversity cooperation and to promoting a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable higher education system.

The FOR.UE.PT aims to coordinate common responses to the challenges faced by European university alliances, promote academic mobility, and strengthen the sustainable funding of international projects. It also serves as a platform for sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among Portuguese institutions that are members of European university networks.

The meeting included the roundtable “The Future of Europe – Skills Union and European Alliances”, moderated by Carla Ruivo, coordinator of the Erasmus+ Programme in Portugal, which addressed the role of universities in building a European Skills Union focused on talent retention, innovation, and inclusive education.

The discussion featured Manuel Heitor, former Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education and author of the report “Align, Act, Accelerate”; Daniel Aragão, President of FAIRe; and Rodrigo Carlos, President of the Academic Association of the University of Algarve.

Challenges of internationalisation

In the afternoon session, Cristina Perdigão, Director of the Portuguese Erasmus+ National Agency for Education and Training, presented “Challenges for Internationalisation – The Next Erasmus+ European Financial Framework”, highlighting Portugal as a European benchmark in the implementation of the Erasmus+ programme.

Following this, Vanessa Vargas, from CAPES (the Brazilian Federal Foundation for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel), delivered the presentation “Beyond Europe: Partnerships with Global Institutions”, reflecting on international cooperation beyond the European area, particularly with universities in Brazil and Latin America.

The forum’s conclusions underlined the need to strengthen communication and student engagement within the alliances, as well as to expand funding and reduce economic inequalities that still limit access to international experiences for many students.

A delegation from Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës (UAMD), Albania, one of its strategic partners within the STARS EU Alliance, visited Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB) from 26 to 30 June. The delegation, led by Rector Shkëlqim Fortuzi, included Vice-Rector Azeta Tartaraj, deans and faculty members from various scientific fields.

The visit aimed to deepen institutional cooperation already underway between the two institutions, while promoting strategic alignment in areas such as Management, Education, Languages, Public Administration and Law.

The programme began on 26 June with an official reception at the IPB Presidency, followed by a visit to the School of Technology and Management (ESTiG) and UNIAG – Applied Management Research Unit. Discussions focused on ongoing and potential collaboration within the International Business Management joint degree and other shared initiatives in Management and Information Systems.

Participation in Helix’25 Conference

In the following days, UAMD representatives took part in the international Helix’25 Conference, hosted by IPB. The event gathered researchers, academics, and public and private stakeholders to discuss regional innovation and sustainability.

Further meetings were held at the School of Education (ESEB) and CITeD – Transdisciplinary Research Center in Education and Development, to explore cooperation in Education and Language studies.

This visit reflects the growing bonds within STARS EU, reinforcing the alliance’s mission to foster internationalisation, knowledge co-creation, and sustainable regional development across Europe.

A total of 34 students and 12 faculty members from seven European universities participated in the BIP Sustainability and ESG program that took place between April and May, culminating in an Intensive Week held from May 5th to 9th at the Bragança  Polytechnic University of (IPB), within the framework of the STARS EU consortium. The partner institutions included the Bragança Polytechnic University (Portugal), University of La Laguna (Spain), Hochschule Bremen (Germany),  Krakow Polytechnic University (Poland), University Aleksander Moisiu (Albania) and Silesian University in Opava.   (Czech Republic).

The program aimed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable business practices and highlight the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in transforming how companies operate. Participants explored the impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors on corporate performance, analysed sustainability strategies adopted by organisations from different countries, and developed sustainability reports with recommendations for improvement.

In addition, six company leaders contributed to the program by sharing their real-world experiences and launching practical challenges to the student groups. These challenges formed the basis of the final project, which culminated in a pitch session where participants presented their solutions. The entrepreneurs were actively involved in evaluating the proposals, promoting a constructive and collaborative learning environment.

This BIP fostered international collaboration, critical thinking, and the exchange of knowledge, while reinforcing the importance of integrating sustainability and social responsibility into the core of business strategies today.

The 4th edition of the BIP – Blended Intensive Programme Local Markets,  organised by Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB), has concluded, bringing together 33 students and nine teachers from Portugal, Romania, Spain, Croatia, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Moldova, and Brazil. This cross-border programme, in which students from STARS EU participated, blends culture, art, community, and international cooperation.

Over the course of two months, participants undertook a multidisciplinary creative journey in Multimedia, developing projects in photography, design, audiovisual media, and illustration. Final presentations were held last week in Mirandela and Bragança, the heart of the programme’s in-person activities.

The program was developed from a holistic perspective as a starting point for developing creative projects in animation, design, photography, film, drawing, architecture, digital media, and music. These initiatives are closely linked to local markets and their cultural origins, ensuring their relevance and authenticity.

Coordinated by Professors Ana Lúcia Pinto and Carlos Casimiro Costa from the Multimedia degree at EsACT-IPB, with support from Tiago Fernandes, Arlindo Santos, and Roberto Vaz, through the Integrated Project curricular unit, the programme was carried out in collaboration with several partner institutions: Ștefan cel Mare University (Suceava, Romania), Politehnica University of Timișoara (Romania), University of La Laguna (Spain), Silesian University in Opava (Czech Republic), University of Osijek (Croatia), University of the National Education Commission (Poland), and the Federal Institute of Science and Technology of Maranhão (Brazil).

Special recognition is given to Kinga Racoń-Leja, from Kraków University of Technology (Poland) and Jana Orlova Silesian University in Opava (Czech Republic), representing STARS EU, and to Stefan Sfichi (Romania), the project’s longest-standing international partner.

Local visits

Local partners played a vital role in the success of the programme, including Galeria do Mercado, Graça Morais Mountain Arts Lab, ACIMirandela, Georges Dussaud Photography Centre, Côa Museum, the Confraria da Alheira de Mirandela, Padaria Seramota, Café Rodrigues, the Cooperative of Honey and Nuts from Terra Quente, and the Municipality of Mirandela. The initiative also received institutional support from EsACT-IPB and ESEB.

The programme also celebrated community spirit and friendship, with music by Eduardo Beça closing the week in true Erasmus+ style.

The Rector of Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës (UAMD), Shkëlqim Fortuzi, received a delegation from the Bragança Polytechnic University (IPB) in recent days. A meeting in which both institutions strengthened relations and on which Fortuzi highlighted the “successful cooperation and close relationship” between both academic centers, as partners of the European University Alliance STARS EU.

The meeting served to point out the strengthening of current common projects thanks to the implementation of the Joint Studies Program in International Business Management, which will be crowned with the incorporation of four UAMD students in the IPB, during the next academic year.

The IPB delegation, ─headed by Nuno Ribeiro, Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Management─ was made up of Sónia Nogueira, Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Public Administration and Tourism; Paula Odete Fernandes, Coordinator of the Applied Management Research Unit; Nuno Moutinho, Director of the Bachelor’s Program in International Business Management; José Carlos Rufino, professor of Computer Science; Rute Couto, as well as the professors of Law and Public Administration, Bernardete Bittencourt and Filipe Rodrigues.

Cristina Mesquita, from the Office for International Relations, and Elisabete Silva, Coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Education and Development, highlighted the “close cooperation” between both institutions. The lecturers, along with other participants in the meeting, emphasised the need to deepen joint projects in scientific research, academic and student exchange, as well as the shared multidisciplinary path towards internationalisation.

This meeting forms part of the initiatives being carried out by both UAMD and IPB to strengthen institutional, pedagogical and student cooperation, with the aim of jointly contributing to the European academic area and regional development—key objectives outlined in STARS EU.

Silesian University in Opava (Chzechia) welcomed a delegation composed of five deans from the Bragança Polytechnic University (Portugal), a valuable partner within the European alliance of universities STARS EU. This official visit was an important opportunity to deepen international cooperation, focused on joint and double degree programs, collaborative research projects, thematic seminars and development of Mixed Intensive Programs (BIP).

The three-day program showcased the diverse academic and innovative capacities of the faculties of the University of Silesia to the delegation composed of Nuno Adriano Baptista Ribeiro (School of Technology and Management), Carlos Teixeira (School of Education), Pedro Bastos (School of Agriculture), Sónia Paula da Silva Nogueira (Faculty of Communication, Public Management and Tourism) and Maria José Alves (School of Hospitality and Welfare).

The visit began in Opava with the welcome to the Portuguese deans by the Vice-Rector, Michaela Weiss, together with other representatives of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and continued with meetings at the institutes of Mathematics and Physics in which researchers Karel Hasík and Zdeněk Stuchlík were present. The programme also included a reception with the Rector of the University of Silesia, Tomáš Gongol, in which both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to long-term strategic cooperation.

Subsequently, the delegation visited the Institute of Film, Television and Radio Production, where they were received by the director of the Institute, Monika Horsáková, the vice-dean, Gabriela Rykalová, and Jana Orlová. There they were able to attend an active filming session, explore the mobile streaming unit, a demonstration of the Brainfitness program, and participate in a curated screening at the Unisphere Science Center.

Visit to Karviná

On the second day, the delegation moved to the School of Business Administration (Karviná), where they visited the academic facilities of the faculty, led by Daniel Stavárek and the vice-deans Tomáš Pražák, Martin Klepek and Dalibor Šimek. The tour also included the UniLab innovation center and the Business Gate, which connects academic work with business practice.

During the last day, the Dean of the Faculty of Public Policy of Opava, Marta Kolaříková, the Vice-Dean Kateřina Janků, Markéta Skalná, and the coordinators of Erasmus+, Jana Bortlíková, and Jana Srovnalová, toured with the guests the state-of-the-art educational and simulation spaces, such as the dental hygiene laboratory, the obstetric simulation rooms,  the Snoezelen multisensory room, as well as the interview simulation room for training in social sciences and criminology.

During their three-day visit, the delegation was received and assisted by Petra Daníšková, Petra Skoumalová and the project communicator, Barbora Hamplová, who agreed on the importance of these actions, as a reinforcement of the strong academic ties between the University of Silesia in Opava and the Polytechnic University of Bragança, both members of STARS EU,  alliance that promotes innovation, cooperation and excellence in higher education across Europe.