From 22 to 26 September 2025, the Polytechnic University of Setúbal (IPS) proudly hosted the E³UDRES² Autumn Summit, bringing together the alliance’s leaders, students, researchers, and partners for a week of exchange, co-creation, and celebration. The Autumn Summit was one of the most significant annual moments for the alliance as it provided a space for strategic reflection, strengthened collaboration across institutions, and shaped the future directions of E³UDRES². This year marked an important milestone as it coincided with the conclusion of the E³UDRES² Ent-r-e-novators project, as well as the celebration of the fifth anniversary of the alliance.

Inspiring Keynotes and Strategic Dialogues

Highlights of the programme included an opening keynote by Manuel Heitor, former Portuguese Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, who addressed the theme “Align, Act, Accelerate: Research, Technology and Innovation to boost European competitiveness.” Strategic forums and board meetings throughout the week allowed leaders to evaluate achievements, strengthen cooperation, and define priorities for the years ahead.

Workshops and trainings offered during the Summit focused on resilience, open science and education, student engagement, sustainable educational processes, and citizen science. The summit also introduced innovative tools such as the E³UDRES² Arena, a new digital collaboration platform fostering transnational learning and innovation. A special highlight was the Sines Leadership Hackathon, where institutional leaders, regional stakeholders, and E³UDRES² experts explored the potential of an embedded IPS Sines Campus, connecting education and innovation with regional development.

Leaders of the E³UDRES² institutions celebrated the five-year anniversary of the alliance with a toast.

Community at the Heart of E³UDRES²

Student engagement remained a cornerstone of the alliance. Dedicated sessions for the Student Board and interactive workshops ensured that learners’ voices actively shaped the alliance’s future. Throughout the event, it was evident that this year’s summit was particularly symbolic as the alliance celebrated its 5th anniversary and concluded the Ent-r-e-novators project, which over the past years has fostered entrepreneurial and innovative mindsets across universities and regions. The final day of the event connected E³UDRES² with the broader public during European Researchers’ Night in Setúbal, where research teams and students shared projects, sparked conversations, and engaged communities with science and innovation.

Located just south of Lisbon, Setúbal offered participants of the E³UDRES² Autumn Summit a vibrant blend of cultural heritage, coastal beauty, and regional innovation. From the historic Monastery of Jesus to the scenic Tróia Peninsula, the city provided a unique setting that enriched the summit experience.