RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions and Biennial of the Sea
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions and Biennial of the Sea
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions (IMR) is an initiative promoted by RUN-EU – Regional University Network – European University (RUN-EU), organised by the Politécnico de Leiria, through the School of Tourism and Maritime Technology (ESTM), in Peniche, and will take place between 26 and 29 May 2026.
The event is aligned with RUN-EU’s strategy to strengthen the role of European universities in regional development, promoting synergies between research, innovation, sustainability, tourism, public policies and territory. This edition adopts a strategic focus on the Blue Economy, as a key driver of sustainable transition, value creation and territorial competitiveness.
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions will take place at the Peniche Multipurpose Pavilion, alongside the Peniche Biennial of the Sea, one of the largest fairs dedicated to sea-related economic activities, taking place from 22 to 31 May 2026.
Conceived as a space for dialogue and co-creation, RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions, in Peniche, will bring together policymakers, higher education institutions, research centres, companies, entrepreneurs and regional and European stakeholders, with the aim of reflecting on the contribution of innovation to more sustainable, resilient and inclusive regional development.
Anchored in a territory deeply shaped by its relationship with the sea, the event highlights Peniche as a living laboratory for innovation in the Blue Economy, where scientific knowledge, marine resources, emerging economic activities, tourism, sustainable development, natural heritage and community engagement intersect.
Its links to the Berlengas Biosphere Reserve, fishing communities, coastal tourism and blue innovation ecosystems reinforce its strong applied dimension and territorial embeddedness.
By bringing together local, national and European actors, this initiative helps position Peniche and the Oeste region of Portugal as an emerging Blue Economy hub, aligned with European Union priorities and committed to a more sustainable, innovative and territorially rooted future.
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions in Peniche aims to:
- Promote the sharing of European best practices and experiences in the Blue Economy and regional innovation;
- Strengthen links between science, business and public policies;
- Enhance local and regional blue innovation ecosystems;
- Foster collaborative solutions to societal, environmental and economic challenges.
Provisional Programme
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions
14h00–17h30 (TBC)
Set up of the RUN-EU Technology Showcase · Innovation Meets Regions (IMR) venue – Peniche Multipurpose Pavilion
—
Visit to the Biennial of the Sea
8h30–9h30 · ESTM
Registration
9h30–12h30 · ESTM Auditorium
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions (IMR) Opening Ceremony with Keynote Speakers
12h30–13h00
Transfer by bus to the RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions (IMR)
13h30–14h30
Lunch & networking
14h30–17h30 · IMR venue
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions
Visit to the RUN-EU Technology Showcase
—
Smart Ocean
Facility tour
—
Biennial of the Sea
Self-guided visit to the Economic Activities Fair
9h00–13h00
Visits to companies close to the IMR venue/exhibition hall
—
Bilateral meetings between companies and the RUN-EU Higher Education Institutions · ESTM (upon request)
RUN-EU Research Groups meetings · ESTM (upon request)
13h00–14h00
Lunch at participant’s expense
14h00–16h00
Workshops · IMR venue
Workshop 1 – Strengthening researchers’ visibility in the European knowledge ecosystem · Sandra Costa (IPCA)
Workshop 2 – Horizon Europe – Opportunities for Blue Economy Researchers · Ana Leal (INOVA+)
16h00–16h30 · IMR venue
Coffee-break and networking
16h30–17h30 · IMR venue
Meetings & Networking
RUN-EU Research Groups
RUN-EU Associated Partners
17h30–19h30 · IMR venue
Registration for the RUN-EU Conference in Blue Economy and the RUN-EU Student Research Colloquium
19h30–21h30 · IMR venue (TBC)
Welcome dinner
9h00–11h00 · IMR venue
Conference on Blue Economy with Keynote Speakers
11h00–11h30 · IMR venue
Coffee-break & networking
11h30–13h00 · IMR venue
RUN-EU Student Research Colloquium
Oral/poster sessions
13h00–14h00 · IMR venue
Lunch & networking
14h00–16h00 · IMR venue
RUN-EU Student Research Colloquium
Pitches of RUN-EU Research Groups
16h00–16h30 · IMR venue
Coffee-break & networking
16h30–17h30 · IMR venue
Closing Session
9h00–14h00
Social programme
Surf Class, or a visit to the Berlengas Nature Reserve
Suggestion
Biennial of the Sea
—
Fisherman’s Day
programme highlights
- Opening Ceremony of RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions (26 May), with keynote speakers and a VIP visit to the IMR exhibition and to Smart Ocean (26 May).
- RUN-EU Technology Showcase (26–28 May).
- Visits to regional companies (27 May).
- Workshops for researchers on funding programmes and on strengthening researchers’ visibility in the European knowledge ecosystem (27 May).
- RUN-EU Research Groups and RUN-EU Associated Partners Meetings (27 May).
- RUN-EU Student Colloquium (all topics) and the Conference on Blue Economy (28 May).
- Visit to the Berlengas Biosphere Reserve and surf lesson for students (29 May).
- Biennial of the Sea and Fisherman’s Day, regional events organised by the Municipality of Peniche (22–31 May).
Provisional Programme
RUN-EU Conference on Blue Economy
9h00–11h00 · Peniche Multipurpose Pavilion Auditorium
Conference on Blue Economy with Keynote Speakers
Provisional Programme
RUN-EU Student Research Colloquium
18h00–19h30 · Peniche Multipurpose Pavilion
Registration
19h30–21h30 · Peniche Multipurpose Pavilion
Welcome dinner
9h00–11h00 · Peniche Multipurpose Pavilion Auditorium
Conference on Blue Economy with Keynote Speakers
11h00–11h30 · Innovation Meets Regions (IMR) venue – Peniche Multipurpose Pavilion
Coffee-break & networking
11h30–13h00
Parallel Oral/Poster sessions · IMR venue
13h00–14h00 · Innovation Meets Regions (IMR) venue – Peniche Multipurpose Pavilion
Lunch & networking
14h00–16h00
Parallel Oral/Poster sessions
Inspirational Pitches by Research Groups
16h00–16h30 · IMR venue – Peniche Multipurpose Pavilion
Coffee-break & networking
16h30–17h30
Closing Session
9h00–14h00
Social programme
Surf Lesson, or a visit to the Berlengas Nature Reserve
Hosted at the Peniche Multipurpose Pavilion, the RUN-EU Student Research Colloquium will take place in Peniche from 27 to 29 May 2026. The event is organised by the Polytechnic University of Leiria (IPLeiria), School of Tourism and Maritime Technology (ESTM), and will run alongside the RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions on Blue Economy (26–29 May 2026), the Conference on the Blue Economy with keynote speakers (28 May 2026), and the Peniche Biennial of the Sea – one of the largest fairs dedicated to sea-related economic activities, held from 22 to 31 May 2026.
This vibrant international event brings together students from across the RUN-EU alliance to showcase their research, exchange ideas, and connect with a wider academic and professional community. Participants will have the opportunity to present their work in an international setting, receive valuable feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions across disciplines.
Beyond presentations, the Colloquium fosters collaboration, encourages knowledge exchange, and supports the development of key academic and professional skills, offering a unique experience within a European university alliance.
Call for submissions:
You are invited to submit a research presentation and/or a research poster on any topic (you may submit both if you wish).
Please include your abstract(s) when completing your registration (2000 characters max). Submission deadline is 12 April 2026.
Why join:
- Present your research and share your ideas
- Engage with students and researchers from across Europe
- Gain valuable academic and presentation experience
- Receive constructive feedback on your work
- Expand your international academic network
Contacts
For questions related to mobility grants, please contact the RUN-EU or international offices at your university.
For questions related to the submission of abstracts, please contact the scientific committee:
Chair: Professor Maria Jorge Campos · mcampos@ipleiria.pt
Vice-Chair: Professor Paulo Almeida · palmeida@ipleiria.pt
programme highlights
- Student presentations: Deliver a 10-minute presentation on your research, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session.
- Poster session: Showcase your research in person through a poster session and connect with peers, researchers, and companies.
- RUN-EU Conference on Blue Economy: Attend a conference with keynote speakers delivering inspiring talks.
- RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions: Visit the IMR event, held at the same venue, featuring a Technology Showcase and keynote speakers, starting on 26 May.
- Networking: Meet and collaborate with students and staff from across the RUN-EU network – now comprising 10 universities.
- Social programme: Visit the Berlengas Nature Reserve or take part in a surf class at a hotspot for international surf competitions.