How will health, technology, and sustainability transform the way we live, work, and learn in the years ahead?

Join an immersive international learning experience in Porto and explore some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the future. Through a unique approach, instead of bringing companies to campus, EUGLOH Compass takes participants out into Porto's innovation ecosystem. Attendees will engage directly with researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, employers, and professionals working at the forefront of health innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

Over five days, participants from the nine partner universities will meet experts and professionals, take part in keynotes, masterclasses and hands-on dynamics, and visit real companies and labs, exploring how health, technology and environment intersect to shape the future of work. Along the way, a Cultural Corridor invites attendees to experience Porto beyond the venue and connect in a more relaxed setting.

Whether your interests lie in healthcare, technology, sustainability, entrepreneurship, policy, or social innovation, this activity will help you better understand the interconnected nature of today's challenges and the competencies needed to thrive in tomorrow's world.

Who can apply?

The activity is open to academic and administrative staff, undergraduate, master's and PhD students, postdocs, and researchers from EUGLOH partner institutions.

Priority will be given to applicants whose academic or professional background is related to biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental engineering, environmental management, public health, sustainability, health research, data science, data analytics, and big data.

Selection criteria

Participants will be selected based on the assessment of a mandatory motivation letter addressing the following aspects:

• How their academic or professional background relates to the themes of the activity;
• How participation will contribute to their academic or professional development;
• Their main motivations for applying.

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria: motivation (40%), English language proficiency (40%), and relevance of the applicant's academic or professional background to the topics covered by the activity (20%). In the event of a tie, priority will be given based on the date and time of application submission.

Certification

Participants who attend at least 75% of the programme will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Travel, accommodation, and participation costs are fully funded by the EUGLOH Alliance.

This activity adopts an experiential and interdisciplinary learning approach that combines academic perspectives, professional practice, and direct exposure to innovation ecosystems.

Throughout the programme, participants will explore topics such as:

• Global challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);


• Health innovation, life sciences, public health, and wellbeing;


• Artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and emerging technologies;


• Climate action, sustainable cities, and circular economy solutions;


• Future skills, employability, and career development;


• Innovation ecosystems and university-industry collaboration;


• Entrepreneurship, societal impact, and collaborative problem-solving.

Learning takes place through a dynamic combination of:

• Keynote talks, expert panels, and masterclasses delivered by academics, industry professionals, innovators, and policymakers;


• Challenge-based dynamics designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills;


• Site visits to research centres, laboratories, innovation hubs, science and technology organisations, and other relevant stakeholders within Porto's innovation ecosystem;


• Networking opportunities that facilitate meaningful interactions with employers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and students from across EUGLOH;


• Reflection and career-oriented moments that support participants in identifying future educational and professional pathways aligned with their interests and aspirations.

By connecting theory with practice and bringing together participants from diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds, the programme creates a collaborative environment where attendees can develop a deeper understanding of how innovation contributes to addressing major societal challenges while preparing for the future.

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