Strengthening Impact: HEInnovate Introduces Renewed Train the Trainers Programme in Lisbon

📍 11-12 March 2026 | Lisbon, Portugal

HEInnovate's first Train the Trainers session of 2026 marked the launch of the renewed programme format, bringing together higher education professionals for an extended learning journey combining online and onsite exchange. Hosted by the Instituto Superior de Educação e Ciências Lisboa (ISEC Lisboa), the session benefited from the contributions of two members of the HEInnovate Expert Group: Tania Carraquico, President of ISEC Lisboa, and Vilma Puriene, Head of the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Centre at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH).

The renewed programme follows a new three-phase structure — an online introductory session which took place in early February, a two-day onsite workshop in Lisbon on 11–12 March 2026, and a final online follow-up session planned for July. The structure aims to support participants from initial introduction through to implementation and reflection in their own institutional contexts.

The agenda combined practical exercises with strategic reflection. Participants worked with the HEInnovate self-assessment, explored the eight dimensions, and engaged with the Action Cards to design concrete approaches for institutional change. Sessions also introduced tools and perspectives on change management, stakeholder engagement and implementation planning.

Inside the programme:

• A guided introduction to the HEInnovate framework and user journey during the online kick off
• Hands on work with self-assessment results to identify strengths and strategic opportunities
• A deep dive into the Action Cards through collaborative and gamified exercises
• Stakeholder mapping and reflection on institutional readiness for change
  Peer feedback and group development of HEInnovate-based projects and interventions

The projects developed reflected a wide range of institutional priorities, from embedding innovation in teaching and learning to strengthening internal collaboration and engagement processes. These diverse approaches highlighted the flexibility of HEInnovate across different institutional contexts.

📆 A follow up session in July will provide a space for participants to reconnect, share progress and exchange feedback on their implementation journeys.

📸 Explore a selection photos from the in-person session.

➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming Train the Trainers opportunities.

🟢 Institutions and individuals interested in HEInnovate are encouraged to explore the platform and follow updates using the hashtag #BeAnHEInnovator.