After more than 30 months of intense collaboration, the EXPER Project is coming to an end. Partners from four European countries — Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Germany — have been working together to strengthen the capacity and research excellence of two Widening Universities: the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) and the University of the Azores (UAc).

 

From the beginning, the project set out to enhance the scientific and innovative potential of these universities, positioning them as drivers of economic and social transformation in their regions. To achieve this, EXPER engaged a broad community of stakeholders, including researchers, students, businesses, and regional actors, focussing on areas such as regional ecosystem assessments, co-design of modernisation strategies, talent attraction and retention, excellent and responsible research, knowledge transfer and spin-offs, and long-term sustainability of its outcomes.

In the past six months, particular attention has been given to promoting diversity and inclusion within the widening universities, developing strategies to attract and retain talented researchers, and fostering a sense of community through seminars, trainings, and matchmaking sessions. EXPER also worked to inspire the next generation by connecting with students from primary and secondary schools, showing them the value of science for society and encouraging their aspirations toward research and innovation careers.

Azores Students Share Vision for the Future of Universities in “The University We Want” Contest

As part of the EXPER Project’s outreach activities targeting schools and youth engagement, Terinov, in collaboration with the University of the Azores, conducted the EXPER project’s call for essays, “The University We Want,” with students from the Tomás de Borba Secondary School in Angra do Heroísmo in Azores, Portugal participating enthusiastically. The initiative aims to spark a vital conversation among young minds about the future of higher education and the critical role universities play in driving the green and blue economy.

Second General Assembly of the EXPER Project Brings Consortium Together at the University of Calabria

From October 23rd to the 24th, 2024, the EXPER project consortium convened at the University of Calabria, Italy, for the second General Assembly. Representatives from each work package were present from across 4 different EU countries, participating in engaging discussions on project achievements and final steps.

The EXPER and ATHENA Equality Projects Host Dynamic Workshop on Gender Equality and Diversity at ULPGC

The ULPGC hosted an insightful workshop on diversity and gender equality, engaging over 25 participants in a thought-provoking dialogue on these crucial issues. The workshop was organised as part of the activities within the EU-funded projects, EXPER and ATHENA Equality, supported by the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programs.

Technical Conference on Knowledge Transfer and European Projects in the Canary Islands Held at ULPGC

On November 7 and 8, 2024, EXPER celebrated a Technical Conference of Knowledge Transfer Offices and European Project Offices of the Canary Islands in the ULPGC. The conference also included a panel discussion titled “The Future of Research and Knowledge Transfer in the Canary Islands: Keys and Strategies,” moderated by Sebastián López Suárez, EXPER Project Coordinator.

Terinov Event Bridges Gap Between Academia, Business, and Society in Blue and Green R&I

Terinov recently hosted a two-day regional event (February 18-19) as part of the EXPER project, bringing together research leaders, experts, EXPER project members, and members of the EXPER’s societal challenge working groups ran by ITC. The event, held at the Terinov Science Park, focused on bridging the gap between society, public entities, academia, and businesses within the context of Blue and Green Research and Innovation (R&I) priorities.

EXPER Final Conference – Shaping the Future of Research in Europe’s Outermost Regions

Held under the theme “Bridging Science and Society: The Future of European Research”, the international conference gathered experts from the European Commission, national ministries, leading research institutions, and innovation agencies. The event was conducted in a hybrid format, welcoming both in-person and online participants, and included high-level discussions on some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities for research in widening regions.

EXPER Project Showcased at Land-Sea Governance Event in Macaronesia

The EXPER project was presented at “Exploring the Horizon. Land-Sea Governance in Macaronesia” event on March 28, 2025, in a session focused on “Climate vulnerability in Macaronesia: Obstacles and Facilitators in Handling Scientific Information and Stakeholder Participation Through Concrete Case Studies.” The event was held in synergy with the BlueGreen Governance Project.

Meeting Held to Strengthen Patent Support at ULPGC

On October 10th, a meeting took place between Andrea Guillen Gil from Atrineo and María Sacristán from the Intellectual and Industrial Property Office at the ULPGC. The purpose of the meeting was to outline the specific support Atrineo will provide to OPII under the EXPER project.

Youth Researchers Tackle Brain Drain Challenges

The 3rd International Conference for Young Researchers, held at the University of La Laguna highlighted a groundbreaking presentation and workshop led by Alice Gervasoni from EMERGE, focused on addressing the critical issue of brain drain in the European research community.

CLAB ULPGC Final Competition Showcased Entrepreneurial Talent in the ULPGC

On December 11, the Science Park at the ULPGC (Campus de Tafira) became the epicentre of innovation during the final competition of the CLAB-ULPGC program. This flagship initiative, marked the culmination of an entrepreneurial journey designed to inspire and retain talent in the Canary Islands, Spain.

INVESTIGAFEST brought Innovation and Connection in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands witnessed a vibrant gathering of researchers at INVESTIGAFEST on Friday, December 13th, 2024, at the Scientific Park of the ULPGC. The event provided a dynamic platform for researchers from diverse fields to connect, share ideas, and spark collaborations.

EXPER Concluded Online Seminar Series on Bridging Excellence Among Peripheral Regions

The seminars, held between December 2024 and January 2025, saw active participation from researchers, SMEs, and stakeholders, fostering valuable discussions and identifying potential avenues for future collaboration.

University of Azores Gathered Experts to Shape Diversity Strategy in Key Focus Group

The session convened researchers, gender equality experts, and diversity practitioners affiliated with the university, providing a platform for critical dialogue on existing challenges and potential solutions on February 11, 2025.

Pélagos: A New Marine Reforestation Spin-Off in the Canary Islands

A pioneering marine reforestation initiative is set to become the latest spin-off of the ULPGC. Pélagos, a newly established company, is seeking official recognition as a ULPGC spin-off, positioning itself at the forefront of marine conservation and sustainable development in the Canary Islands and beyond.

Online Seminar Tackles Research Talent Retention Challenges in Europe

Researchers and policymakers from across Europe convened online on February 20, 2025, for a seminar focused on retaining and attracting research talent in Europe. The event, organised by EMERGE, addressed the critical issue of talent retention and attraction, particularly in less powerful European regions.

EXPER Project Held Final Steering Committee Meeting in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

As the EXPER project nears its conclusion, partners from across Europe gathered in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on 11 March 2025 for the final Steering Committee meeting. This milestone event marked a crucial moment to reflect on the project’s achievements and outline the last steps before its official closure.

The University We Want: Essay Call Inspires Youth Dialogue on Green and Blue Economy

A groundbreaking initiative of the EXPER Project encouraging youth engagement in sustainability and innovation has reached a major milestone in the Canary Islands. ULPGC, in collaboration with Consulta Europa, successfully concluded the second phase of the “University We Want” Essay Call in the Canary Islands. 

EXPER Project Advances Spin-Off Support Strategy with Key Coordination Meeting

As part of its mission to enhance research excellence and innovation in Europe’s peripheral regions, the EXPER project took a significant step forward with a coordination meeting on Task 6.3: Feasibility Studies and Partnership Agreement for the Establishment of Spin-Off Supporting Offices. The meeting, held on 18 March 2025, brought together key stakeholders to assess the administrative, legal, and economic conditions required to create lasting infrastructures for fostering university spin-offs.

CLAB ULPGC Winners Visit UNICAL for an Immersive Entrepreneurial Experience

The winning team of the CLAB ULPGC competition, held as part of the EXPER Project at the ULPGC, recently embarked on an inspiring journey to UNICAL from March 18 to 19, 2025. This exclusive trip was the grand prize awarded to the team that secured first place in the inaugural edition of this entrepreneurship initiative, designed to foster innovation and business culture among young talents in the Canary Islands offering two intensive days of learning.

EXPER Final Conference: Bridging Science and Society: The Future of European Research

If you missed the EXPER Final Conference, you can still catch up on key moments and discussions through the official event videos. These recordings highlight the collaborative journey of EXPER and the lessons learnt along the way.

New Study Highlights the Role of Ecosystem Disservices in Urban Planning

BETTER Life Project realeases for the first time in literature a study that systematically and comprehensively examines a critical yet underexplored aspect of urban ecosystems: ecosystem disservices (EDS).

The 1st WATERLINE Academia-to-Business Meeting 

On 30 January 2025, the 1st WATERLINE Academic-to-Business meeting was held.During the event, the global water issues scenario was described and case studies  were presented.

New AI-powered research by CARE-C estimates the tree population in Cyprus

A new study, led by Ms Anna Zenonos, has utilised high-resolution aerial imagery and artificial intelligence (AI), by developing a deep learning neural network model to map and count the number of trees in selected areas in Cyprus.

Although EXPER is officially concluding, its results and contributions will continue to resonate. In the coming months, the project will share a series of key deliverables, including a capacity-building report capturing the lessons learnt, a set of recommendations for supporting spin-offs and enhancing researcher career development, a comprehensive diversity strategy, and a guide on improving intellectual property rights (IPR) policies tailored for Widening universities. Insights on brain drain and strategies to retain talent in the Azores and Canary Islands will also be among the outcomes, together with good practices for implementing inclusive research environments.

 

All these key results will soon be accessible on our website in the Results section, ensuring that the knowledge generated by EXPER remains available to universities, researchers, and policymakers aiming to strengthen research and innovation ecosystems in Widening regions.

As the project concludes, it is important to reflect on the impacts that have been achieved through the collective effort of all partners. EXPER has contributed to enhancing science and innovation capacities across the research and innovation systems of Widening countries. It has fostered structural changes aimed at modernising and making these systems more competitive and has supported reforms that increase the attractiveness and retention of research talents. The project has also helped improve the participation of Widening institutions in Horizon Europe, enabling stronger leadership roles and greater international visibility. Furthermore, it has strengthened connections between academia and business, encouraging smoother and more dynamic career pathways, and has reinforced the role of higher education institutions as essential pillars in the research and innovation landscape. Lastly, EXPER has brought regional actors closer to the research and innovation process, creating more inclusive and engaged ecosystems ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future.

 

The journey of EXPER may be coming to an end, but its impact will continue to grow through the communities and practices it helped to shape.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.