EUTOPIA researchers are invited to participate in the Innovation Challenges hosted by NOVA University in Lisbon, Portugal, as part of the EUTOPIA More project, in the week 5th – 9th May, 2025.
The Innovation Challenges for Researchers at NOVA will revolve around the theme of the Ocean. Such a topic is very dear to our researcher's community and to Lisbon. We have therefore chosen to leverage the extensive academic expertise, and the vibrant innovation ecosystem related to such a topic to design and launch a unique training experience.
The program is structured over 5 days, from Monday afternoon to Friday morning, and it aims to support the transformation of researchers and universities into actors of societal change, through fostering international and regional collaboration with public and private partners. This event will enhance opportunities for establishing bridges between academic research and industry entities of different sizes, from established institutions to start-ups and small companies, and fellow researchers from Eutopia Universities.
The researchers will be working in multidisciplinary teams created at the kick-off of the programs (each researcher is supposed to apply as a singular applicant). They will be guided through Design Thinking sessions and they will be counting on the guidance of NOVA Mentors Network.
Who are the Innovation Challenges for?
The training is intended for VUB PhD students and researchers who are interested in engaging with external partners (industry and extra academia institutions), working on one of the challenges they will propose, and collaborating with colleagues from different universities, research fields and diverse backgrounds.
Within the macro topic of the Ocean, we identified 4 verticals / subtopics where the challenges proposed of our industry partners will focus on:
- Vertical 1: Protection and Regeneration
- Vertical 2: Maritime Transport and Ports
- Vertical 3: Water Management
- Vertical 4: Blue Biotechnology
The “Oceans” topic is a broad topic. Therefore, researchers whose research line is not focused on the Oceans, but who are still very interested in collaborating with colleagues on this topic, are also welcome to apply.
What is it in for me, if I apply?
- The chance of meeting colleagues from 10 Universities all over Europe, the opportunity of working in multidisciplinary teams, and be guided in the development of a project through Design Thinking sessions and curated mentorship.
- Having direct contact and exchange with industry partners and companies working in the fields. Visit some of the most interesting sites for Ocean Innovation in Portugal.
- Last but not least, you will have the time to discover the beautiful city of Lisbon and its many attractions.
How much does it cost?
EUTOPIA will cover all travel and accommodation costs in accordance with VUB’s reasonable expense standards. However, you (or your research group) will need to pay these costs upfront. After your trip, please submit a cost reimbursement form with all relevant receipts. We will process your reimbursement as quickly as possible once the form has been received, following our standard procedures.
Sounds interesting? Apply now
Please fill out the application form below and send it to tuur.roels@vub.be.
Deadline for applications: April 8, 2025, 12:00.
A small jury from the Tech Transfer Office will review applications based on motivation and relevance, and select two candidates.
For questions or more information, contact tuur.roels@vub.be
