The University of Algarve organised, between 23 and 27 March 2026, its first International Week within the framework of the SEA-EU Alliance, under the theme “Pedagogical Innovation”, bringing together lecturers from several SEA-EU partner universities to deliver teaching activities and seminars aimed at the academic community.
For the first time, this initiative took place across all three UAlg campuses — Penha, Gambelas and Portimão — providing students with an international experience embedded within their own academic environment and reinforcing the European dimension of education.
Throughout the week, a range of seminars in English were delivered within different curricular units across various scientific fields, promoting direct interaction between UAlg students and international lecturers. Among the topics addressed were the relationship between artificial intelligence and sustainability, explored by Professor Phillipp Marquard (University of Kiel), as well as the challenges associated with Generation Z in contemporary organisations, discussed in sessions led by Professors Tomasz Kawka and Agata Borowska-Pietrzak (University of Gdańsk), including themes such as mental resilience and the management of new organisational dynamics.
The artistic and social dimensions of pedagogical innovation were also highlighted through the seminar “Crafting Resilience: Art as Essential Care”, delivered by Professor Irena Chawriska (University of Gdańsk), which explored the role of art as a tool for care and resilience, as well as the session on “Phenomenography”, led by Professor Maria Cutajar (University of Malta), focusing on the understanding of collective awareness and learning processes.
In turn, Professor Sofia Lång (Nord University) addressed the importance of aesthetic dimensions in fostering a sense of belonging and sustainability, while Professor Joanna Morawska (University of Gdańsk) led a session on social and urban innovation, highlighting the role of universities in addressing contemporary societal challenges.
The sessions were delivered in close collaboration with UAlg lecturers and integrated into different programmes and study cycles, allowing the content to be contextualised within the respective curricular units and encouraging active student participation.
This International Week thus established itself as a strategic SEA-EU initiative to promote internationalisation at home, strengthening cooperation between institutions and contributing to the development of more innovative, inclusive and forward-looking teaching approaches aligned with today’s digital and sustainability challenges.
