From September 24th to 26th, 2024, over 140 attendees participated in the highly engaging online EXPER Summer School, hosted by the University of the Azores (UAc) under the Horizon Europe EXPER project. The event, conducted via Microsoft Teams, provided a unique platform for regional stakeholders to enhance their knowledge in three critical areas: open science and communication, technology transfer, and proposal writing for Horizon Europe projects.
This dynamic training session was tailored specifically for participants from the quadruple helix model—academia, industry, government, and civil society. Delivered in Portuguese, the event fostered collaboration among key players in the Azores region’s research and innovation ecosystem. The goal was to provide a comprehensive understanding of research management, build essential transversal skills, and empower participants to strategically leverage Horizon Europe funding opportunities, all while raising the profile of excellence in R&D&I within the region.
Event Highlights:
- Day 1: Focused on science communication and open science, the first day introduced participants to the EXPER project’s transformative initiatives at UAc and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). Sessions emphasised the pivotal role of science communication in research education and utilisation, followed by an in-depth exploration of open science in Portugal, its concepts and tools, and the shift toward a more open research paradigm.
- Day 2: Participants gained valuable insights into innovation and technology transfer. The agenda featured mechanisms to support the journey from research to idea, alongside inspiring case studies from regional companies that showcased successful technology transfer initiatives.
- Day 3: Dedicated to Horizon Europe proposal writing, the final day offered practical guidance on how to identify and seize funding opportunities. Participants explored best practices for successful Horizon Europe applications and engaged in a practical case study that demonstrated the proposal preparation process.
The event’s success underscores UAc’s commitment to fostering a collaborative research environment and equipping regional stakeholders with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in European funding programs. The Summer School’s free and inclusive nature ensured broad participation, reinforcing the Azores’ position as a hub for innovation and excellence in research and development.
