“We must see universities as studios and spaces for experimentation,” argues the President of Católica at an European Forum
The European Learning & Teaching Forum took place at the headquarters of Universidade Católica in Lisbon, bringing together around 300 experts from 42 countries. The event focused on reflecting on the future of higher education.
The future of higher education and the impacts of artificial intelligence, demographic changes, and new trends in the labor market were highlighted at the Catholic University of Portugal in Lisbon, which hosted the 2026 European Learning & Teaching Forum of the European University Association (EUA).
The event brought together around 300 experts, including members of rectorial teams, academic leaders, teachers, researchers, educators, and policy makers from more than 140 universities and other educational institutions in 42 countries.
Intended as a platform for reflection and sharing of best practices, the 2026 European Learning & Teaching Forum included plenary sessions, panel discussions, case studies, workshops, and practical and interactive presentations.
The opening session was attended by the President of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, who defended the idea of “understanding the university as a studio and space for experimentation,” where “learning takes place through engagement, dialogue, criticism, and collaboration.”
“Imagining the university as a studio means recognizing that learning and teaching should be dynamic and experimental. It means empowering students as co-creators of knowledge. It means encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to complex societal challenges,” emphasized Isabel Capeloa Gil.
In this vein, she highlighted the importance of taking risks, valuing innovation, promoting flexible and high-quality governance structures, having employees who are able to adapt to new academic and organizational environments, and understanding that “excellence in research and excellence in education are not competing priorities, but mutually reinforcing commitments”.
“Our universities must be based on academic freedom, anchored in institutional autonomy, committed to integrity and quality, and yet be agile enough to respond to profound changes,” summarized the Rector.
The same message was conveyed by the Vice President of the EUA and former President of the University of Belgrade, Ivanka Popović, recalling the EUA's goal of “triggering a multiplier effect, promoting continuous motivation that allows for the improvement of pedagogical action for the benefit of students.”
“Transforming higher education does not mean abandoning its fundamental values. It means reinforcing them and adapting them to a changing world. At a time when technology can generate instant answers, higher education must continue to train individuals capable of critical thinking, responsible actions, and contributing to society. This requires institutions that are open to innovation but firmly committed to quality and equity. It requires coherent public policies and motivated, recognized, and supportive academic communities," said Cláudia Sarrico, Secretary of State for Higher Education.
“Investing in those who teach and support students is investing in the future of our societies,” emphasized the Secretary, who was also present at the start of the meeting.
Over the two days of the 2026 European Learning & Teaching Forum, topics such as the role of technology in student literacy and academic institutions, sustainable pedagogical innovation, the professional development of academic staff and academic careers, and university cooperation at the European level, among others, were addressed.