Training Workshop for Mobility Officers
2026-02-03 09:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Brussels)
When: 3 February 2026

Where: Polytechnic University of Coimbra (Portugal)

Target: UNIgreen staff mobility members

Registration Deadline: Closed

Subject

This activity, organised by Working Package 4 – Mobility of the UNIgreen Alliance, is intended to provide a privileged space for collaboration and knowledge transfer, aimed at national and international Relations (IR) professionals who are UNIgreen partners. It recognises their fundamental role in the operationalisation of European Alliances, in the promotion of academic mobility and in strengthening the sense of belonging to a common European Education Area.

The workshop seeks to encourage a shared vision, foster greater integration within the European context and align practices with the strategic priorities that guide mobility and international cooperation. It is expected that this initiative will contribute to strengthening the network of contacts among the participating institutions and to consolidating a cohesive and collaborative community.

In addition to sessions led by members of the aforementioned WP, representing the eight European partner institutions, two workshops are scheduled featuring the EUTOPIA Alliance – NOVA University Lisbon. This presentation will focus on its experience in the field of academic mobility, highlighting how the EUTOPIA Alliance has contributed to increasing and diversifying mobility opportunities, as well as to strengthening the sense of belonging to a common European space, not only among students but also among academic staff, researchers and technical and administrative staff.

The second workshop, delivered by the University of Minho through its ARQUS Alliance, will focus on the Arqus on the Move initiative, highlighting its experience in enhancing mobility and reinforcing the sense of belonging to a common European space.

We believe that, through the sharing of these different paths, implemented strategies and good practices, a space for joint reflection will be created on the challenges and opportunities associated with mobility within the context of European Alliances. This moment of exchange is also intended to highlight the strategic role of International Relations officers as key agents in the implementation of European mobility policies, in facilitating interinstitutional cooperation and in building strong and sustainable networks.

Programme

9:00 – 9:30

Welcome and Registration

9:30 – 11:00

Presentations/Workshops

11:00 – 11:30

Coffee-Break

11:30 – 13:00

Presentations/Workshops

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00 – 17:00

Presentations

20:00 – 21:00

Rector’s Cultural programme

Welcome Day at SupBiotech
2026-02-03 09:30 - 16:00
SupBiotech are delighted to welcome exchange students for the second trimester and to have you join our international academic community. This welcome day has been designed to help you settle in, discover life in France, and understand the academic and administrative aspects of your exchange.

9:30 – 10:00

Student Arrival

10:00 – 11:00

Informational Presentations about Life in France; Administrative Elements

11:00 – 13:00

Meeting with the Dean of Studies

14:00 – 16:00

Late Lunch in Paris at a traditional French Bouillon

UNIgreen Summit
2026-02-04 00:00 - 2026-02-06 23:59
From 4 to 6 February 2026, the campus of the Polytechnic University of Coimbra will host the third edition of the UNIgreen Summit, bringing together representatives from the eight partner universities of the UNIgreen European University Alliance.

Programme

Day 1 – 4 February

9:00 – 9:30

Welcome and Registration

9:30 – 13:00

General Assembly

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00 – 17:00

Conference”Building Academia–Industry–Community Partnerships for the Green Transition: the role of UNIgreen”

20:00

Free Time

Day 2 – 5 February

9:00 – 9:30

Welcome and Registration

9:30 – 11:00

Joint Sessions I

Session 1.1 – Teaching, Learning and Green Skills (WP2 & Board of Directors)

Session 1.2 – Inter-University Campus Implementation and Social Responsibility (WP5 & WP4)

Session 1.3 – Communication & Dissemination (WP9 & WP7)

Session 1.4 – Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (WP3 & WP6)

11:00 – 11:30

Coffee-Break

11:30 – 13:00

Joint Sessions II

Session 2.1 – Teaching, Learning and Green Skills (WP3 & WP2)

Session 2.2 – Inter-University Campus Implementation and Social Responsibility (WP4 & WP5 & WP7)

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00 – 16:00

Speed Dating + Student’s Council Short bilateral meetings between partners and work packages

UNIgreen Scientific & Pedagogical Councils Meet New Members Scientific & Pedagogical Councils

16:00

Cultural Visit

20:00

Dinner

Day 3 – 6 February

9:00 – 9:30

Welcome and Registration

9:30 – 11:00

Meetings: BoD, Management Panel, Scientific Council, Pedagogical Council and Student’s Council.

11:00 – 11:30

Coffee-Break

11:30 – 12:30

Meetings: Pedagogical and Scientific Councils & BoD and Management Panel.

12:30 – 13:00

Conclusions

13:00 – 14:00

Grab & Go Lunch

REGISTRATION

UNIgreen International Conference
2026-02-04 15:00 - 17:00
The UNIgreen International Conference ‘Building Partnerships between Academia, Industry and Community for the Green Transition: the Role of UNIgreen’ is taking place on 4 February at 15:00 CET in the Auditorium of Coimbra Business School, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, as part of the UNIgreen International Summit and Conference.

Here is the link to live stream the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju7-F9OKRn0

REGISTRATION

Programme

14:00 – 14:30

Registration

14:30 – 15:00

Welcome & OpeningCândida Malça, President of Polytechnic University of CoimbraTomás Lorenzana, UNIGreen General CoordinatorAna Cristina Perdigão, Diretora Nacional Agência Erasmus

15:00 – 15:50

Expert Lecture “Some Experiences on Building Partnerships between Academia, Industry and Community for the Energy Transition”

UNIgreen’s Guest Speaker

Carlos Henggeler Antunes

Full Professor at University of Coimbra and Director of INESC Coimbra

Carlos Henggeler Antunes holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering (specialization in Optimization and Systems Theory) from the University of Coimbra (UC). He is a Full Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the UC, Director of the R&D institute INESC Coimbra, member of the coordination committee of the Energy for Sustainability Initiative at UC, and president of APDIO – the Portuguese Operational Research Society. His areas of interest include multi-objective optimization, meta-heuristics, multi-criteria analysis, bilevel optimization, energy systems and policies with focus on energy efficiency and demand response. He is co-author of the book “Multiobjective Linear and Integer Programming“ (Springer, 2016) and co-editor of the book “Energy and Behaviors” (Academic Press, 2019). He is senior editor of Energy Policy and editor of the EURO Journal on Decision Processes.

15:50 – 17:30

Roundtable Discussion on the topic of “Green Transition Within Academia-Industry-Community Partnerships”

Conference Moderator

Joana Loureiro, Coimbra City Council

Conference Speakers

CoLAB FORESTWISE – José Gaspar, CTO – Chief Technology Officer

ECLECTIC Project – Chiara Pellegrini

Coimbra LLM – SHIFT COIMBRA – Ângela Fernandes, Project Manager SHIFT Coimbra

Portugal – FAIRe – European Students’ Union – Daniel Aragão – Chairman of the Executive Committee of FAIRe Portugal

17:00 – 18:30

Post Conference Cocktail at “Beirão d’Honra”

Welcome Week at PUC
2026-02-05 00:00 - 23:59
On 5 February, during PUC’s Welcome Week event, the Coimbra Institute of Engineering (ISEC) will welcome around 60 new foreign students who have chosen this school to pursue their bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as to carry out practical and research work, particularly in the context of their master’s and doctoral theses.

The welcome session will include a presentation about UNIgreen and its opportunities to students, and also useful information about the school and services.

Welcome Day at UAL
2026-02-09 00:00 - 23:59
It will take place on February 9th and will consist of a workshop (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes) designed to help students get to know each other through several games:

A Kahoot quiz about Almería, with a backpack as a prize.

Speed dating, where we provide questions about cultural differences and change the question every minute.

Post-it surprise: students pick colored papers (without knowing their purpose), and for each paper they have to share a fact about themselves.

Future cards: students write what they hope to gain from their experience in Almería; we read them aloud and place them on a board.

The students received an email with an attached form to confirm their attendance.

Women and Girls in Science Week
2026-02-12 09:00 - 10:00
We are pleased to announce an upcoming in-person seminar hosted at Agricultural University – Plovdiv, led by Rositsa Beluhova-Uzunova, member of WP2. It is organized as a joint initiative between Work Package 5 and Work Package 2.

Topic

Women and Girls in Science Week.

When and Where?

The seminar will take place on 12 February 2026 at 09:00 as an on-site event.

Subject

Women and Girls in Science is a dedicated seminar celebrating the achievements, resilience, and impact of women in scientific research. The event aims to inspire students, researchers, and young women by showcasing role models who have shaped science through innovation, leadership, and perseverance.This edition will place special emphasis on Bulgarian women in science, highlighting their contributions to research, education and national scientific development. Through inspiring stories and real-life career paths, participants will gain insight into the challenges and successes of women scientists in Bulgaria and their role in advancing knowledge and society.

A key focus of the seminar will also be Elinor Ostrom, the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2009). Ostrom is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work on the governance of common-pool resources, demonstrating that communities can successfully manage shared natural resources without central government control or privatization. Her research transformed economic and environmental policy thinking, promoting sustainable resource management, collective action, and institutional diversity. Ostrom’s legacy continues to influence fields such as environmental governance, climate policy, public administration, and sustainable development.

The seminar will include presentations and discussions, encouraging dialogue on gender equality in science, career development, leadership, and the importance of empowering women in research and innovation.

Event Objectives

To celebrate and promote the achievements of women in science

To highlight Bulgarian female scientific role models

To introduce Elinor Ostrom’s scientific legacy and global impact

To encourage dialogue on gender equality and inclusive academic environments

Stay tuned: After the event, we will share the seminar on UNIgreen YouTube Channel.

Packaging-related Strategies for Addressing Sustainability in Food Chains
2026-02-12 11:00 - 12:00
UNIgreen’s JRC3 – Food Technology, Quality and Safety Webinar Series: Episode 1

This event, organized within the UNIgreen JRC3 Food Technology, Quality and Safety, brings together researchers, students and food industry professionals to discuss packaging-related strategies for addressing sustainability in food chains.

Thematic

Packaging plays a key role in food quality preservation and in the prevention of food wastage. For this reason, food packaging is, by definition, aimed at sustainability. However, some approaches in the design may improve its environmental performances.

Packaging lightweighting, the use of materials from renewable sources, the adoption of compostable materials and increasing circularity through the incorporation of recyclate are potential strategies that need to be assessed while maintaining the centrality of the primary role of packaging.

When?

On Thursday, 12 February, 2026, join us for an online event, from 11:00 to 12:00 CET with expert speaker and engaging discussions.

REGISTRATION

Who should join?

Researchers, students, food industry professionals and anyone curious about food quality preservation and in the prevention of food wastage.

Speaker

Fabio Licciardello

Associate Professor of Food Science and Technology at the Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

Lecturer of “Food Packaging” and “Product and Process Innovation”. Coordinator of the Coordinator of the UNIgreen Joint PhD Course in Agri-food Science, Technology and Biotechnology (STEBA). President of the Italian Scientific Group of Food Packaging (GSICA).

Designing a Sustainable and Responsible Education Program
2026-02-16 00:00 - 2026-02-20 23:59
Language: English (Level B2)

Dates physical mobility: 16 to 20 February 2026

Location: HEPL – Campus Gloesenet, 6 quai Gloesener – 4020 Liège (Belgium)

Dates virtual mobility: 11 February 2026 at 2 PM

Maximum number of participants: 40 (5 per institution)

Target Participants

As a teacher, dive into an immersive program dedicated to sustainable development and its practical integration into education.

1. Explore current sustainable development challenges and grasp the essential role of education in the ecological transition.2. Through experts and practical tools, learn how to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals and enhance your students’ green skills.3. Leave with resources that can be immediately used in your courses and on your campuses.

Subject

Understanding the issues to take better actionExplore current sustainable development challenges and grasp the essential role of education in the ecological transition.

Sustainably integrate the SDGs and green skills Through experts and practical tools, learn how to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals and enhance your students’ green skills.

Supporting students in a changing worldDiscover how to calmly address eco-anxiety, meet basic human needs, and support your students in the face of environmental challenges.

Take action with concrete and inspiring tools Leave with resources that can be immediately used in your courses and on your campuses.

Highlights

Presentations from recognized experts to clearly understand climate and societal challenges.

Practical teaching tools to easily integrate the SDGs, green skills, and sustainability into your courses.

A network of committed teachers to share best practices and create new synergies.

Support for students’ emotional challenges, including eco-anxiety, with practical approaches.

Engaging field activities, such as tree planting, to experience sustainability in a way that goes beyond the classroom.

lnspiring collaborative workshops to exchange ideas, discover initiatives, and leave with ready-to-use solutions.

How to Apply?

If you are interested in registering, please contact Priscilla Lenaerts: priscilla.lenaerts@provincedeliege.be and bri@hepl.be

Deadline for admission is 17 December 2025.

Climate Resilience in Urban Forest
2026-02-18 11:00 - 12:00
We are pleased to announce an upcoming hybrid seminar on “Climate Resilience in Urban Forest: Biological responses, Growth dynamics and Adaptive strategies” with Prof. Ana Clara Cobas (CONICET – UNNOBA, Argentina) hosted at Padiglione Besta, Reggio Emilia (Room H0.3).

Topic

Climate Resilience in Urban Forest

Stay tuned: after the event, we will share the seminar on UNIgreen YouTube Channel.

When and Where?

The seminar will take place on 18 February 2026 at 09:00 as an hybrid event.

Streamed Link

Subject

Urban forests are living laboratories. They integrate ecophysiology, stress biology, carbon allocation patterns, and long-term adaptive strategies under increasingly variable climatic regimes. Understanding their resilience mechanisms is no longer optional, it is foundational for sustainable urban planning and climate mitigation policies.

Be part of the conversation.The seminar will analyse the causes, consequences and policy responses related to the gender pay gap, with an emphasis on recent developments within the European Union. The seminar will provide a comprehensive explanation of how the gender pay gap is measured and interpreted, distinguishing between the unadjusted pay gap based on overall earnings differences and the adjusted gap, which accounts for variables such as education, sector of employment and working hours.

Who

For students: an opportunity to explore how plant biology, environmental stress physiology, and ecosystem science translate into real-world impact.For researchers: a space to discuss growth modelling, plasticity, and adaptive responses in urban forest systems within a global change framework

Advances in Plant Molecular Physiology
2026-02-19 10:00 - 11:00
UNIgreen’s JRC1 – Biochemistry & Biotechnology Webinar Series: Episode 5

Theme

Title: Advances in Plant Molecular Physiology

Unlocking the potential of sustainable agriculture starts with advances in plant molecular physiology. This knowledge is key to driving the innovation supporting the transition to more sustainable food production systems.

Join our webinar to deepen your understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind plant life, adaptation, and resilience; and discover how these insights can inspire the next generation of farming practices.

When?

On Thursday, 19 February 2026, join us for an online event, from 10:00 to 11:00 CET with an expert speaker and partake in engaging discussions regarding molecular mechanisms!

REGISTRATION

Speaker

Prof. Piotr Gawrownski

Associate Professor at Warsaw University of Life Sciences

Welcome Week at UNIMORE
2026-02-19 10:30 - 11:00
Welcome to the UNIMORE Welcome Day. This event is designed to support international students as they begin their academic journey at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Through practical sessions and meetings with key university and local services, you will receive essential information to help you settle in, both academically and socially. We wish you a successful and enjoyable start at UNIMORE.

10:30 – 10:40

Welcome and greetings from the International Relations Office

10:40 – 10:50

International Welcome Desk: getting familiar with Italian administrative procedures

10:50 – 11:00

ESN Modena (Erasmus Student Network): “How to be internationally Italian” – insights on culture, language, and living in ItalyTo follow:

International Relations Office – general information on your mobility at UNIMORE

International Welcome Desk – accommodation, residence permit, fiscal code, bank account, and related services

University Language Centre (CLA) – Italian language courses and placement test registration

UNIMORE Libraries (SBA) – access to libraries and related services

TalentiAMO – Municipality of Modena project for attracting and supporting talent in Emilia-Romagna

CUS Mo.Re – university sports activities

ESN Modena – student life and integration initiatives

Aliens and Flames - When Fire Ecology Meets Invasion Ecology
2026-02-24 14:00 - 15:00
UNIgreen’s JRC4 – Biodiversity, Forestry, and Agroecology Webinar Series: Episode 4

This event, organized within the UNIgreen JRC4 Living Lab framework, brings together researchers, students, and forest practitioners to discuss aliens and flames – when fire ecology meets invasion ecology.

Thematic

It is widely known that plant invaders normally benefit from disturbance. Fire is one of the best examples of this relationship.

The relation between fire and invasive plants can be bi-directional when fire promotes plant invasions and these promote fire, leading to a feedback loop that is in many cases hard to break.

Here we explore this relationship using examples mostly from Portugal and other mediterranean-type regions. Given the changes in climate, this topic is also relevant for countries and regions where fire occurrence is expected to increase in the future.

When?

On Tuesday, 24 February, 2026, join us for an online event, from 14:00 to 15:00 CET with expert speaker and engaging discussions.

REGISTRATION

Who should join?

Researchers, students, forest managers, and anyone curious about forest ecology and sustainability.

Speaker

Joaquim Sande Silva

Professor at Polytechnic University of Coimbra

Joaquim Sande Silva holds a BSc and a PhD in Forestry from the University of Lisbon, and a Master’s degree in Environment and Renewable Resources from the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), Greece.

He is Professor at the Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Portugal, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in fire ecology and fire management. He has been a Visiting Professor at the University of Bari, Italy (2019, 2022, and 2025).

He has led or currently leads six nationally funded research projects and has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, primarily in forest ecology, invasion ecology, and fire ecology. In addition, he has authored over 190 non-indexed publications, including conference proceedings, book chapters, and technical reports, and has served as editor of six books. He has served on six national scientific expert panels on forest fires, appointed by the Portuguese Government and the Portuguese Parliament. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the environmental NGO League for the Protection of Nature (LPN) and a member of the Portuguese Society for Forest Science.

Solar Energy for Sustainable Rural Development
2026-02-26 09:00 - 10:00 | Agricultural University – Plovdiv, 12 Mendeleev Blvd, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
We are pleased to announce an upcoming in-person seminar hosted at Agricultural University – Plovdiv, led by Rositsa Beluhova-Uzunova, member of WP2.

Topic

Solar Energy for Sustainable Rural Development: Assessing Potential, Opportunities, and Policy Frameworks.

When and Where?

The seminar will take place on 26 February 2026 at 09:00 as an on-site event.

Subject

This seminar will explore the role of solar energy as a key driver for sustainable rural development. It will examine the technical potential of solar energy systems, economic and social opportunities for rural communities, and the policy frameworks needed to support their successful adoption. The discussion will focus on how renewable energy solutions can enhance energy security, stimulate local economies, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the broader goals of the green transition.

Key Topics

Economic benefits for local communities, farmers, and small businesses

Integration of solar solutions with agricultural and rural infrastructure

Policy instruments, funding mechanisms, and EU-level support for renewable deployment

Case studies and best practices for sustainable implementation

Challenges, regulatory considerations, and future development pathways

Stay tuned: after the event, we will share the seminar on UNIgreen YouTube Channel.

UNIgreen Day at UAL
2026-03-05 00:00 - 23:59
UNIgreen Day will be held on 5 March and will include a webinar and an on-site activities.

The day will include a workshop in which participants will be divided into groups to collaborate on creating ideas to make UAL’s campus more sustainable.

Webinar

The webinar will be delivered by Pilar Casado. The subject coming soon.

One-site Activity

The on-site activity will be a debate on how to achieve a sustainable campus, inviting students and dividing them into groups.

UNIgreen Day at AUP
2026-03-06 00:00 - 23:59
To celebrate UNIgreen Day, students from Agricultural University – Plovdiv has planted a tree on 6 March.

This symbolic action reflects our shared commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and the long-term impact of the UNIgreen Alliance.

To learn more about the activities that took place at AUP, follow the link below:

UNIgreen Day at AUP Article

Enter Study Days 2026 at AUP
2026-03-09 08:00 - 2026-03-11 17:00 | Agricultural University – Plovdiv, 12 Mendeleev Blvd, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
ENTER Study Days, “European education in transition: Digitalization, Internationalization and Innovation” will take place in Plovdiv, Bulgaria from 9 to 11 March 2026. The objective is to obtain a global vision of the work done and to plan the future activities of the Alliance.

The event brought together representatives of Work Package 6 and international partners. In line with the domain of UNIgreen and the activities of WP6 the keynote speakers introduced techniques for Integrating the green and sustainability aspects in the teaching programmes (Prof. Vladislav Popov, Agricultural University of Plovdiv) methods for flexibilization of teacher training curricula (Ms. Marjolein Wallenaar, Aeres University of Applied Sciences Wageningen, Netherlands), and teachers’ sustainability competencies (Eveliina Asikainen, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland), as well as current Sustainability Practices in Higher Education (Ms. María del Pilar Casado Belmonte, University of Almeria, Spain). During the event, a tree planting initiative took place. On the second day of the event, the participants visited the private company Opora Back Yard, whose fields are used to demonstrate good practices for students, research activities, and cooperation with the academic community and to conduct student internships.

Subject

In a rapidly changing world, teacher education in agricultural and environmental fields holds unique potential to shape a more sustainable and resilient future. As our world faces social, environmental, and digital transitions, there is an urgent need to reimagine how we prepare educators – not only with knowledge, but with the tools to inspire, engage, and reflect.

Today’s teacher training is called to respond to evolving learner needs. Programs play a key role to activate curiosity, foster critical thinking, and reflect European values such as inclusion, democracy, and sustainability. Education for sustainable development (ESD) is no longer a niche – it is a necessity. To meet this need, curricula need to become more flexible, personalized, and connected to real-world challenges.Digitalization opens new possibilities for engaging learners, while internationalization enriches perspectives and broadens horizons.

Designing attractive study programs means aligning educational content with purpose and relevance in order to motivate a new generation of teachers to start their careers in the field of agricultural and environmental education.The ENTER Study Days 2026 offer a shared space to explore how we can build teacher education programs that are not only academically sound, but socially meaningful: programs that empower educators to become change-agents in a world that urgently needs them.

REGISTRATION

Deadline is 28 February 2026

Programme

Day 1

9:00 – 9:30

Registration of participants and morning coffee

9:30 – 10:00

Opening and welcome speeches

Assoc. Prof. Boryana Ivanova, Rector of the Agricultural University – Plovdiv

Mr. Jan-Willem Noom- President of ENTER, AERES University of Applied Science (Wageningen)

Ms. Ivana Radonova- (affiliation to be added)

10:00 – 12:10

Plenary session

Integrating the green and sustainability aspects in the teaching programmes, Prof. Vladislav Popov, Agricultural University of Plovdiv

Topic on digitalisation-keynote to be confirmed

Flexibilization of teacher training curricula, Ms. Marjolein Wallenaar, Aeres University of Applied Sciences Wageningen, Netherlands

12:10 – 12:20

Group photo

12:20 – 13:20

Lunch

13:30 – 14:30

Transfer to VET School in Chirpan

14:30 – 16:30

Activities in the VET School (dialogues)

Visit to Chateau Trendafiloff and official dinner (to be confirmed)

19:00 – 20:00

Bus transport from Chirpan to Plovdiv

Day 2

9:00 – 9:30

Registration of participants and morning coffeeChallenge Labs (in parallel the whole day)

9:30 – 10:15

Current Sustainability Practices in Higher Education, Pilar Casado, University of Almeria

10:15 – 11:15

General Assembly ENTER

11:30 – 12:00

Painting with soil

12:00 – 13:00

Lunch

13:30 – 15:00

Round of workshop activities (in parallel)

From Participation to Engagement: Activating Learners in Agricultural and Forestry Education, Karoline Meixner-Katzmann, University College of Agricultural and Environmental Education (HAUP), Austria

Stress management, CZU, Prague

15:00 – 15:30

Field trip (transfer to Opora Zaden Dvor )

15:30 – 16:45

Get to know the host

16:45 – 17:15

Transport from Tsalapitsa to Plovdiv

17:15

Free time

Day 3

9:00 – 9:30

Registration of participants and morning coffee

9:30 – 11:00

Peer-coaching, Methods for collaborative learning (learning from each other), AERES, Wageningen

11:00 – 11:30

Overall summary and closure

11:30

City tour (optional)

Welcome Week at AUP
2026-03-11 08:00 - 17:00
Agricultural University – Plovdiv will welcome the international students and Erasmus+ exchange students on 11 March 2026.

Programme

Welcome speech from Prof. Dimo Atanasov – Vice Rector Scientific and International Activities

Meetings with the administrative staff at Erasmus office and Department of Foreign  Languages

Presentation of Plovdiv

University tour – Library, Faculties, the Research Center, Sport facilities, Agro-machinery park

Visit of Experimental fields, vineyards and Wine cellar

Group photo

Eco-cycling PUC 2026
2026-03-11 14:00 - 17:00
The Polytechnic University of Coimbra invites the entire academic community to join an EcoPedalada bike ride through the city of Coimbra on 11 March!The initiative includes a bike ride starting at the Campus of the Coimbra Higher School of Agriculture (ESAC) (next to the IPC Gymnasium) and stopping at strategic locations, such as Parque Verde and Rebolim, where participants will contribute to waste collection, promoting the preservation of the city’s natural and urban spaces.An activity that combines physical activity, socialising and environmental responsibility.Registration is free but mandatory via the following link.

REGISTRATION

UNIgreen Day at SupBiotech
2026-03-16 00:00 - 2026-03-23 23:59
UNIgreen Day at SupBiotech is a sustainability‑focused event led by the Biocampus student association. Throughout the week, students take part in the “Atelier 2 Tonnes” workshop, where they explore future scenarios and learn how to reduce their environmental impact. In parallel, a Sustainable Development Challenge runs on the Eli app, inviting teams to complete ecological missions from March 16 to March 20. Participants register through the app, and teams are formed at the start of the challenge.

During the week, students also receive seeds of local flora and fauna to plant around the campus, helping enrich biodiversity and strengthen their connection to environmental action. The winners of the sustainability challenge are announced on March 23, concluding an engaging week dedicated to raising awareness and promoting eco‑responsible behavior across the campus.

Green Economy – Current Challenges of Trade in The EU?
2026-03-19 10:00 - 12:00
This event is organized within the framework of UNIgreen Day, in collaboration with Work Package 6: Knowledge Transfer, Society and Ecology.

The webinar will focus on “Green Economy – Current Challenges of Trade in the EU?”, exploring how trade policies and market dynamics are evolving in response to the European Union’s sustainability and climate objectives. The speaker will address key challenges at the intersection of green transition and international trade, highlighting both emerging constraints and new opportunities for a more sustainable economic model.

When?

On Thursday 19 March, 2026, join us for an online event, from 10:00 to 12:00 CET with expert speaker and engaging discussions.

REGISTRATION

Registration is already open, and we warmly invite you to secure your spot.

Speaker

Pilar Casado

Doctor of Finance and Accounting and an Associate Lecturer in the Business and Management Faculty at the University of Almería.

In terms of teaching, I specialise in accounting subjects and the preparation and analysis of financial statements. My main area of research focuses on the usefulness of business reporting, particularly the impact of sustainability reporting and assurance. I am currently responsible for internships and employability in the Vice-rectorate of Postgraduate and Institutional Relations.

Moderator

Dafinka Grozdanova

Assistant in the Department of Economics at the Faculty of Economics at the Agricultural University-Plovdiv

The academic work includes participation in the development and implementation of research and innovation projects, teaching activities, and support for educational and scientific initiatives within the university. She is actively engaged in research collaboration, project preparation, and the dissemination of scientific results in the fields of agricultural innovation and policy.

Food-derived Bioactive Substances for Human Health
2026-03-31 10:00 - 11:00
UNIgreen’s JRC1 – Biochemistry & Biotechnology Webinar Series: Episode 6

Topic

Phenolic Compounds and Their Gut Microbial Metabolites in Human Health: Focus on Colon Cancer Prevention

“Let food be the medicine and medicine be the food.”With these words, Hippocrates intuited a profound truth: nutrition is not merely about providing energy or building blocks, but also about shaping health and preventing disease. Two millennia later, the fields of metabolomics and metagenomics have made it possible to explore the intricate links between diet and physiopathology, revealing the molecular and cellular mechanisms at work.

This webinar will focus on the protection offered by phenolic compounds against cancer to illustrate this relationship. Join us to explore these groundbreaking discoveries and discuss their implications for future biotechnological innovations.

When?

On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, join us for an online event, from 10:00 to 11:00 CEST with an expert speaker and partake in engaging discussions regarding molecular mechanisms!

REGISTRATION

Speaker

Davide Tagliazucchi

Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

His scientific career has focused on investigating the role of dietary phenolic compounds and their gut microbial metabolites in human health. In recent years, his research has particularly focused on the preventive role of these compounds in colon cancer, using physiologically relevant conditions and cell culture models. He is the author of more than 100 scientific publications (H-index of 42).

"Climate-Friendly Parks" as urban practice
2026-03-31 14:00 - 15:00
UNIgreen’s JRC4 – Biodiversity, Forestry, and Agroecology Webinar Series: Episode 5

This event, organized within the UNIgreen JRC4 Living Lab framework, brings together researchers, students, and forest practitioners to discuss aliens and flames – when fire ecology meets invasion ecology.

Thematic

This seminar presents a case-study of natural restoration intervention carried out in the “Marco Biagi” Park in Reggio Emilia (Italy), within the LIFE CityAdap3 project. The study quantifies ecosystem services provided by an urban green area enriched with multiple landscape elements, offering a replicable model of urban restoration. Four types of NBS are analyzed: two micro-forests, rural edges, tree rows, and a constructed wetland. The micro-forests were established following the Miyawaki method, using both native and Mediterranean-adapted species. Preliminary results from two years of monitoring (2024–2025) highlight differences in biodiversity, structure, and ecosystem functioning among the interventions. The study also evaluates microclimatic mitigation by comparing green and built-up areas.

When?

On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, join us for an online event, from 14:00 to 15:00 CEST with expert speaker and engaging discussions.

REGISTRATION

Who should join?

Researchers, students, forest managers, and anyone curious about forest ecology and sustainability.

Speaker

Giulia Santunione

Researcher at University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

Giulia Santunione is a researcher in Environmental and Applied Botany at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy). She holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and a MSc in Biology. Her research focuses on urban vegetation, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, with particular attention to urban forestry and Nature-Based Solutions for climate adaptation. She works on the assessment of plant diversity, structural and functional traits of urban trees, and their role in microclimatic mitigation, carbon sequestration, and air quality improvement. She has extensive experience in tree and shrub inventories, biodiversity monitoring in urban and peri-urban green spaces, and the evaluation of adaptive responses of woody species to environmental and thermal stress. She is the author of over 30 peer-reviewed scientific publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science and collaborates closely with local administrations on applied research projects aimed at enhancing urban resilience and biodiversity under changing climatic conditions.He has led or currently leads six nationally funded research projects and has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, primarily in forest ecology, invasion ecology, and fire ecology. In addition, he has authored over 190 non-indexed publications, including conference proceedings, book chapters, and technical reports, and has served as editor of six books. He has served on six national scientific expert panels on forest fires, appointed by the Portuguese Government and the Portuguese Parliament. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the environmental NGO League for the Protection of Nature (LPN) and a member of the Portuguese Society for Forest Science.

Scientific Mission: Metagenomics in One Health
2026-04-06 00:00 - 2026-04-10 23:59
UNIgreen’s JRC1 – Biochemistry & Biotechnology – Scientific Mission

Who?

Researchers and PhD students of UNIgreen Alliance universities with experience and/or knowledge on environmental microbiology, nutrition, plant physiology, metagenomics, big data analysis, or One Health.

Objectives

Intensification of academic exchange by enhancing access to advanced research resources

Facilitation of mobility for academics and doctoral students

Establishing international scientific networks among participants

Improving research quality through knowledge exchange

Advancing UNIgreen towards becoming a collaborative community focused on innovation and sustainability

Programme

Day 1: Arrival of participants, registration, icebreaker

Day 2: Lecture/workshop: Ecosystemic services delivered by microbiomes. How do microbiomes contribute to human and environmental health?

Day 3: Lecture/Workshop 1: Overview and critical analysis of methodological approaches, insights into high throughput sequencing, bioinformatics and AI, and multimodal data analysis. What are the best practices, the limits and the gaps?

Day 4: Workshop 2: Project brainstorming “Impacts of farming practices on ecosystem services delivered by soil microbiota”. How to derive reliable bioindicators of soil health from metagenomics, can we develop tools for data-driven decision-making? Critical review of the literature, study design

Day 5: Verification of competences, group photo, certificates, departure of participant

Topics of Training

Recognition and value of services delivered by environmental microbiomes

Impact of human activities on ecosystem services

Importance of good practices and of study design for metagenomic investigations

Bridges between human and environmental health

Who can apply?

Scientists employed by the UNIgreen Alliance Universities or persons completing their doctoral studies at the UNIgreen Alliance Universities, with

At least CEFR B2 English language proficiency

At least EQF level 7 of education in the subject area: Health or Agronomy

REGISTRATION

Application deadline: 20 February 2026

Practical Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Students
2026-04-07 00:00 - 2026-05-15 23:59
A hands-on introduction to how modern AI tools work and how to apply them effectively in academic and professional contexts.

Course format: Online

Type of program: E-Skill program

Target group: All students

Language: English

Cost: Free

Available places: 60

Deadline for admission is 28 March 2026

Audience

This course is interesting for students who want to learn to use AI tools in a professional manner, who wish to train now in AI to be more competitive in their future work environment.

Pre-requisites

B2 or similar level of English is necessary.

No prior background in computer science, mathematics, or programming is required.

Basic digital skills (using documents, email, and online tools) are sufficient.

Curiosity about how AI tools can support study, research, and everyday work is recommended.

Short Description

This course offers a practical introduction to modern Artificial Intelligence tools and how to use them effectively and responsibly. Instead of focusing on theory or complex technical details, it helps students understand how AI systems behave, how to interact with them clearly, and how to integrate them into real academic and professional workflows.

Students will learn how to work with AI for writing, research, information management, creative tasks, and personal productivity, while also understanding the limits, risks, and ethical considerations of these tools. The course is designed to be useful regardless of the student’s field of study.

Content

How AI tools work in practice: capabilities, limitations, and typical sources of error.

Advance Prompting. Structured ways to interact with AI in order to obtain useful, relevant outputs for everyday university tasks. Different approaches are explored depending on the complexity of the task and the type of result needed.

Use of AI for writing, research support, information management, and collaboration, including working with longer documents and institutional materials.

Multimodal uses: text, images, and audio.

How AI can be integrated into existing workflows, adapted to specific roles, and used responsibly, with attention to ethical considerations relevant to higher education.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students will be able to:

Use AI tools confidently for study, research, and work-related tasks.

Write clear instructions and requests that improve the quality of AI-generated outputs.

Evaluate AI-generated information critically and identify unreliable or incorrect content.

Apply AI to real situations such as document drafting, knowledge management, and multimedia creation.

Customize AI tools to personal needs using available settings and automation features.

Duration

30 hours (6 weeks, 5 hours per week)

2.5 hours of synchronous online sessions per week.

2.5 hours of guided self-study per week.

Assessment

To successfully complete the course, participants are expected to:

Attend at least 80% of the synchronous sessions.

Submit the assigned activities.

Participate actively in in-class dynamics and practical exercises.

How to Apply

More Info and Registration

From droplets to powder - amazing spray drying and it's innovations
2026-04-09 12:00 - 13:30
UNIgreen’s JRC3 – Food Technology, Quality and Safety Webinar Series: Episode 2

This event, organized within the UNIgreen JRC3 Food Technology, Quality and Safety, brings together researchers, students and food industry professionals.

Thematic

The webinar presents spray drying as a key technology for producing stable food powders, covering its principles, applications, and the limits of conventional spray drying. It highlights low-temperature spray drying using dehumidified air as an innovative solution that improves quality under gentler conditions, showcasing breakthrough results such as 100% fruit and vegetable powders, and outlining future innovation directions.

When?

On Thursday, 9 April 2026, join us for an online event, from 12:00 to 13:30 CEST with expert speaker and engaging discussions.

REGISTRATION

Who should join?

Researchers, students, food industry professionals and anyone curious about food quality preservation and in the prevention of food wastage.

Speaker

Aleksandra Jedlińska

Assistant Professor at Warsaw University of Life Sciences

She is a specialist in spray drying who combines academic research and industrial experience to develop innovative low-temperature drying technologies, enabling the production of high-quality food powders, including 100% fruit, vegetable, and high-honey-content powders while bridging laboratory advances with industrial applications.

Scientific Mission: Sustainable Food System and One Health
2026-04-13 00:00 - 2026-04-17 23:59
UNIgreen’s JRC7 – Plant Breeding – Scientific Mission

Who?

Researchers and PhD students of UNIgreen Alliance universities with Health or agronomy education equivalent to EQF level 7.

Objectives

Intensification of academic exchange by enhancing access to advanced research resources

Facilitation of mobility for academics and doctoral students

Establishing international scientific networks among participants

Improving research quality through knowledge exchange

Advancing UNIgreen towards becoming a collaborative community focused on innovation and sustainability

Programme

Day 1: Arrival of participants, registration, icebreaker.

Day 2: Discovering the HEPL ecosystem through visits to a local educational farm, an industrial partner involved in student training, and a regional dairy producer collaborating on sustainable food projects.

Day 3: This course explores the One Health approach, which recognizes the close interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. At the center of this relationship lies food, a key factor influencing human well-being, animal welfare, and ecosystem sustainability.

Day 4: Project brainstorming, verification of competences.

Day 5: Group photo, certificates, departure of participants.

Topics of Training

Nutrition and Health

Food, microbiota and immunity

Food and cancer

Animal health and human health: an inseparable link

Who can apply?

Scientists employed by the UNIgreen Alliance Universities or persons completing their doctoral studies at the UNIgreen Alliance Universities, with

At least CEFR B2 English language proficiency

At least EQF level 7 of education in the subject area: Health or Agronomy

REGISTRATION

Application deadline: 20 February 2026

Intergenerational Communication Course focused on New Generations (Z and Alpha)
2026-04-14 00:00 - 2026-04-15 23:59
Topics

1. Understanding “Digital Natives”

Generation Landscape – An overview of the generations from Baby Boomers, to Generation Alpha.

Gen Z in the learning process: Motivation, fear of failure, need for “here and now” feedback.

Alpha Generation – the coming revolution: How will the children of technology change the face of universities in a few years?

Workshop: Student Empathy Map: Creating student personas from different European countries (international context).

2. Tools, Relationships and Good Practice

Digital communication: From email to instant messaging. How to write to be read?

Mentoring instead of Directivity: Changing the role of the lecturer from “source of knowledge” to “facilitator”.

Difficult situations and conflict resolution: How to respond to a student’s claim versus withdrawal? (Behavioural training).

Design panel: “UNIgreen Universities Future-Ready”: Developing a catalogue of good practices for the university (recruitment, didactics, administration).

Target

Staff employed by one of the UNIgreen Alliance Universities with at least CEFR B2 English language proficiency.

How to apply?

Guidelines on IRK application submission – REGISTRATION MANUAL.

Application deadline: 18 March 2026

Practical Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for University Staff
2026-04-14 00:00 - 2026-05-29 23:59
A hands-on introduction to how modern AI tools work and how to apply them effectively across teaching, research, and administrative contexts.

Course format: Online

Type of program: E-Skill program

Target group: Academic and Non-academic Staff

Language: English

Cost: Free

Available places: 60

Deadline for admission is 7 April 2026

Audience

This course is designed for university professionals including academic staff, researchers, and administrative staff who want to use AI tools in a practical and responsible way to improve everyday work (communication, documentation, planning, and decision support), regardless of discipline or role.

Pre-requisites

B2 or similar level of English is necessary.

No prior background in computer science, mathematics, or programming is required.

Basic digital skills (using documents, email, and online tools) are sufficient.

Curiosity about how AI tools can support everyday work is recommended.

Interest in improving efficiency, clarity, and quality in university workflows is recommended.

Short Description

This course provides a practical introduction to modern Artificial Intelligence tools and how to use them effectively and responsibly in a university setting. Rather than focusing on theory or complex technical details, it helps participants understand how AI systems behave, how to communicate with them clearly, and how to integrate them into real institutional and professional workflows.

Participants will learn how to use AI to support writing and editing, research and information gathering, knowledge management, and content creation while understanding limitations, reliability risks, data considerations, and the ethical implications relevant to higher education.

Content

How AI tools work in practice: capabilities, limitations, and common sources of error.

Advance Prompting for professional use. Structured ways to interact with AI in order to obtain useful outputs. Approaches adapted to different tasks and levels of complexity.

Use of AI for teaching, research, and administration. Drafting and revising documents, summarizing and structuring information, improving internal communication, and supporting collaboration.

Multimodal uses: text, images, and audio.

How AI can be integrated into existing workflows, adapted to specific roles, and used responsibly, with attention to ethical considerations relevant to higher education.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students will be able to:

Use AI tools confidently for administrative tasks or research and teaching activities.

Write clear prompts and requests that improve the relevance, accuracy, and usability of AI-generated outputs.

Critically assess AI-generated information and recognize unreliable, incomplete, or incorrect content.

Apply AI to real situations such as document drafting, knowledge management, and multimedia creation.

Customize AI tools to personal needs using available settings and automation features.

Duration

30 hours (6 weeks, 5 hours per week)

2.5 hours of synchronous online sessions per week.

2.5 hours of guided self-study per week.

Assessment

To successfully complete the course, participants are expected to:

Attend at least 80% of the synchronous sessions.

Submit the assigned activities.

Participate actively in in-class dynamics and practical exercises.

How to Apply

More Info and Registration

Job Summit at PUC
2026-04-14 10:00 - 17:00
On 14 April, the Polytechnic University of Coimbra is organising the 4th edition of the Job Summit IPC IPC & Science2Business , which will take place at Convento São Francisco in Coimbra, from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm.

This event serves as a strategic opportunity to connect businesses, talent, science and innovation, promoting concrete recruitment opportunities, knowledge sharing and the strengthening of employer branding, within a context closely linked to the higher education ecosystem.

The event includes various spaces for interaction:

Job Meet, an exclusive space dedicated to direct interaction between companies, students and graduates;

Summit Stage, featuring panel discussions and workshops;

Science2Business, a space bridging science and society, focused on the promotion of knowledge and innovation;

Speed Interview, a space for interaction between companies and participants designed for quick interviews

Networking & Coffee, dedicated to networking and informal interaction among participants;

During the event, the various services and areas of activity of the IPC will be showcased, notably the european alliance UNIGreen, with a view to raising awareness of these among a wider public.

Agathe Brajouagathe.brajou@supbiotech.frEdit Profile
