AANT took part in the International Week 2025 organized by the Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave (IPCA) in Braga, Portugal. Representing AANT were General Director Rossana Quarta and Head of the International Office Gianna Angelini, who participated in the 4th edition of the event held in Braga as part of the Braga Economy Week. Simultaneously, AANT lecturers Francesca Cattaneo and Angela Bruni (Design Department) contributed as visiting professors at IPCA’s Barcelos campus, bringing the Academy’s teaching experience into an international context.
The International Week 2025 in Braga took place from May 19 to 23, 2025, alongside other high-profile international events focused on innovation, applied research, and interinstitutional cooperation. The central theme of the week – “Innovation meets Regions” – reflected the goal of linking academic innovation to regional development, fostering dialogue among universities, local communities, and businesses. The event was part of the European project IWONDER and supported by the Erasmus+ programme, which facilitated broad international participation. Dozens of delegates from universities across Europe (and beyond) gathered in Braga, creating a vibrant multicultural environment for building new collaborations and exchanging best practices.
In parallel with the economic forum, IPCA launched the 4th edition of its International Week (InWeek), an international training programme aimed at lecturers and researchers in the thematic areas covered by the event. The InWeek was conducted entirely in English and featured a rich schedule of workshops, interactive group sessions, and networking activities, all designed to promote the exchange of good practices, skills development, and strengthened international cooperation.
Specifically, the International Week offered a wide range of engaging activities for all participants:
– Interactive workshops and group sessions to exchange educational best practices and develop new skills;
– Round tables and thematic conferences on innovation ecosystems and collaboration among universities, institutions, and businesses;
– Presentations of European research projects (RUN-EU consortium) and a dedicated technology showcase (RUN-EU Technology Showcase) integrated within the Braga Economy Week, highlighting innovative projects developed by partner universities;
– Company visits and B2B matchmaking meetings to encourage knowledge transfer and the formation of industrial partnerships;
– Participation in the ICARUS International Conference (Annual International Conference on Applied Research with Business and Society), hosted in hybrid format at Fórum Braga, to explore the connection between academic research and the business world.
Throughout the week, there were also informal social moments and team-building activities, which helped foster a climate of trust and collaboration among attendees. The event served as a strategic platform to strengthen the RUN-EU network (a European university alliance of which IPCA is a member), promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge sharing on both a regional and international level.
AANT’s presence in Braga highlighted the Academy’s active role in international academic networks, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and cross-border cooperation. Rossana Quarta and Gianna Angelini, along with the participating faculty members, shared AANT’s perspective during debates and workshops, built new connections with international colleagues, and gathered valuable insights for future collaboration.
