Today, we proudly conclude our participation in the LEXS Research Skills+, an intensive and inspiring week dedicated to research development, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

Held from 15 to 19 June at IPCA, in Barcelos, Portugal, the programme brought together students and early-career researchers from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS, Ireland), the Technical University of Liberec (TUL, Czech Republic), the Polytechnic University of Leiria (IPLeiria, Portugal), NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences (NHL Stenden, the Netherlands), the University of Burgos (UBU, Spain), the University of Galați (UGAL, Romania), and the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA, Portugal). Designed to strengthen key research skills, LEXS Research Skills+ provided an international and interdisciplinary environment where participants could develop their research competences, explore new perspectives, and build valuable academic connections.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in keynote lectures, practical workshops, networking opportunities, visits to research units, and cultural activities. Among the highlights was the keynote lecture delivered by Pedro Russo, President of Ciência Viva, together with sessions focused on knowledge valorisation and the societal impact of research.

ID+ was pleased to contribute to the programme through four workshops and a lecture on Design Thinking, reflecting the diversity and relevance of design research in addressing contemporary challenges:

• Applied Design Research as a Driver for Regional Transformation
• Embodied Medical Devices: Design for Use, Care and Experience
• Evolving Design Culture in the Textile Industry
• The Archive at Home: Valuing Personal Heritage

The programme concluded with the RUN-EU Doctoral Research Symposium, where PhD candidates presented the outcomes of their research projects, exchanged ideas with fellow researchers and academics, and received valuable feedback to support the continued development of their work.

Thank you to all participants, speakers, and partner institutions who made this experience possible.

See you all next year!