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How can higher education safeguard its fitness-for-purpose and relevance as artificial intelligence rises, demographics change and labour market demands and learning needs evolve?
These developments, as well as larger-scale societal shifts towards a knowledge economy, point to a need for more innovative approaches to learning and teaching. With this in mind, the next edition of the European Learning & Teaching Forum will focus on how staff development can be (re-)designed to facilitate innovation in learning and teaching to create systemic impact on student learning, by delving into questions such as:
Through a mix of plenary and parallel sessions, the Forum provides a platform for discussion and exchange of practice on how universities enhance, innovate and transform learning and teaching. The 2026 Forum will also include an exclusive preview of the work of EUA’s 2025 Learning & Teaching Thematic Peer Groups, comprised of universities from across Europe.
Gathering a wide range of learning and teaching professionals to exchange and discuss institutional practice and policy developments, the Forum is an ideal event for vice-rectors for academic affairs, deans, heads of learning and teaching centres, and management involved in learning and teaching. It also welcomes students, policy makers and other stakeholders in higher education.
Dear colleagues,
It is with great pleasure that Universidade Católica Portuguesa welcomes the European University Association Learning & Teaching Forum 2026 to Lisbon. This gathering of academic leaders, educators, and innovators provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the future of higher education at a moment in which pedagogical transformation has become essential to the mission of universities across Europe. Hosting this year’s Forum in Lisbon reinforces the commitment of our university to shaping learning environments that are intellectually rigorous, socially responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of students and societies.
As Rector, I invite all participants to engage openly and creatively with the Forum’s themes, contributing their experience, questioning assumptions, and exploring new models of teaching and learning. Our university has long prioritised pedagogical innovation—integrating research-led teaching, digital tools, and student-centred approaches—to ensure that every learner is empowered to thrive. This Forum is an opportunity to build on that work collectively: to strengthen the culture of educational excellence in Europe and to co-create strategies that prepare our institutions for the challenges ahead.
Lisbon, a city known for its openness, dynamism, and spirit of discovery, provides an inspiring backdrop for this endeavour. Its rich academic community, cultural diversity, and forward-looking approach to urban and social innovation make it a natural home for discussions on the future of higher education. I invite you to take full advantage of this environment—its history, its creativity, and its warmth—as together we shape the next generation of learning and teaching in Europe.
Welcome to Lisbon, and welcome to the EUA Learning & Teaching Forum 2026.
The Rector
Isabel Capeloa Gil
Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), founded in 1967, is a leading research university in Portugal with 20,000 students and 1,100 faculty members. With four campuses spread across the country (Lisbon, Porto, Braga and Viseu), 19 schools and 15 research centres, Católica provides a wide range of study possibilities, offering a complete university experience that combines tradition, modernity, proximity and an internationally driven education, with more than 113 nationalities represented, and a 97% employability rate.
UCP’s schools range from the Faculty of Theology, two Business Schools (Lisbon and Porto) and the Faculty of Human Sciences, to the Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing (with schools in Lisbon and Porto) and the School of Biotechnology, among others. Católica was also the first non-state-run university to have a medical school accredited by the Portuguese Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES), in October 2020.
Universidade Católica Portuguesa’s mission is excellence in academic training and the cultivation of science for the common good. Taking on the principles of Christian humanism within an independent ethos that respects diversity and explores free thought, UCP pursues its mission based on three mainstays: teaching, research and innovation, as well as service and social responsibility.
UCP’s strategy focuses on a sustainable future while creating value through concepts such as the common home, fraternity and integral ecology. Its vision is to be a leading European university in critical research and transformative core teaching, and to be ranked among the best Catholic universities at global level.
Among the alumni and faculty of the Universidade Católica are recognized leaders who occupy highly ranked public positions. Católica’s alumni and faculty embody the quality of our education, inspired by their alma mater’s determination in the pursuit of ethically driven, innovative and meaningful solutions for Portugal and the world.
Lisbon is a must for anyone seeking a destination rich in culture, safe and inclusive. Sandy beaches, fascinating history and the delicious flavors of Portuguese gastronomy come together in one place, where hospitality is celebrated.
Lisbon’s geographical location is part of its charm. It has a mild, sunny climate most of the year, and the light illuminates the houses, beaches, and vineyards, inviting you to gaze at the unique reflections of the Tagus and the Atlantic. Lisbon shines with its cultural and natural heritage. Major international events have decided to come to Lisbon bringing talent from all corners of the world to take part and invest in the Lisbon lifestyle.
In the middle of the 21st century, Lisbon presents itself as a contemporary city: a cycle path that stretches for hundreds of kilometers; the metro lines that unite the city and where each station is a showcase for Portuguese art and the famous trams that climb the hills of Lisbon. An unmissable offer of local shops and quality restaurants invites everyone to share Lisbon’s day and night life.
Lisbon is for everyone: for those who want to explore its historical and cultural heritage; for those who want terraces with a panoramic view of the city to watch a sunset over the River Tagus; for those who can’t do without the beach and love outdoor activities; for those who want a family day out or simply for those who want it all. In Lisbon, everything is at your disposal.
The Forum will be of interest to vice-rectors for academic affairs, deans, programme directors, academic staff and researchers focusing on learning and teaching. The Forum also welcomes the participation of students, policy makers and other stakeholders in higher education.
Registration fees
Students: This fee is only valid for students enrolled at an EUA member university. To benefit from this fee, please download and send the student certificate to the EUA Events Team (ltforum@eua.eu) which has to be signed and stamped by your institution’s secretariat.
The registration fee includes attendance at the Forum, coffee breaks, lunches and the Forum dinner on Thursday, 12 February 2026. Participant fees do not cover travel or accommodation expenses.
EUA aims to ensure the participation of all members who wish to attend EUA events. However, each event has a limited capacity, and to guarantee a fair balance amongst countries and institutions, EUA may have to restrict attendance. As a result, EUA reserves the right to refuse registrations if there are too many participants from one institution. Priority will be given to those who register early. EUA will not be able to accept additional registrations once the event is full, even if this occurs before the registration deadline.
Confirmation
Please note that by filling in the registration form for an event you agree to full payment of the registration fees. Your registration will be confirmed by email. Please wait for your confirmation before making any further arrangements.
Payment
Registrations will not be processed without payment. Payment has to be made upon confirmation and prior to the event by bank transfer or by credit card. The participant assumes full responsibility for paying all bank charges associated with the payment.
Cancellations
Substitutes will be accepted at any time provided that EUA is informed of the change. Cancellations or changes must be sent in writing to ltforum@eua.eu.
Liability
Neither EUA nor the Universidade Católica Portuguesa will be liable for any losses, accidents or damage to persons or objects, regardless of the cause. Participants attend the Forum and all related events at their own risk and responsibility.
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the EUA Events Team at ltforum@eua.eu.
Address of the venue
Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP)Palma de Cima1649-023 Lisboa, Portugal
Check out the map below for location of venues, recommended hotels and public transportation.
The call for contributions for the 2026 European Learning & Teaching Forum is now closed. Registration deadline was 6 October.
