CESAER Annual Meetings 2026

Overall theme

Critical technologies for Europe: From excellence to capability

Europe is entering a new geopolitical and technological era. Rapid advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, biotechnology, advanced materials, and resilient digital and energy infrastructures are reshaping economies, societies and global power balances. At the same time, geopolitical tensions, industrial competition and supply-chain vulnerabilities are prompting Europe to strengthen its readiness, competitiveness and technological sovereignty.

In this evolving context, universities of science and technology play a decisive role. Rooted in a long tradition of scientific excellence and engineering education, they combine frontier research with innovation leadership and the development of talent. Through dynamic innovation ecosystems and strong engagement with industry and society, they connect the creation of knowledge with technological development and real-world impact. Their unique integration of education, research and innovation enables them to bridge scientific discovery and industrial capability.

The CESAER Annual Meetings (CAM) 2026 will explore how Europe can strengthen its capacity in critical technologies while preserving the openness, excellence and international collaboration that underpin scientific progress. This theme reflects the priorities of the CESAER Work Plan 2026–2027, which emphasises advancing scientific excellence and innovation leadership, contributing to Europe’s sustainability and competitiveness, and ensuring security and resilience in a rapidly changing world.

A central question is how Europe can more effectively translate scientific excellence into technological capability and industrial strength. Maintaining strong framework conditions for frontier research remains essential. At the same time, Europe must ensure that discoveries in strategic technological domains can be scaled through strong value chains, effective knowledge and technology transfer, industrial partnerships and innovation ecosystems.

Universities of science and technology are uniquely positioned to contribute to this effort. They educate the engineers, scientists and innovators who are shaping the technologies of the future. They generate new knowledge through cutting-edge research. And they act as bridges between academia, industry and society, helping transform scientific breakthroughs into economic and societal value while preparing the next generation of talent for an increasingly complex global landscape.

Hosted by Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, CAM 2026 will bring together leaders and representatives of CESAER Member universities and key partners from across Europe to engage in strategic dialogue, share best practices and help shape Europe’s technological future.

We look forward to welcoming you to Lisbon from 21 to 23 October!

CAM 2026 highlights

CAM 2026 will offer an attractive mix of content-rich sessions and social elements, including:

• High-level conference “Critical technologies for European readiness, competitiveness and sovereignty” exploring how Europe can translate scientific excellence into technological capability, industrial strength and resilient value chains - featuring high-level perspectives from European, national, university and industry leaders.
• Workshop on universities and Europe’s future space capabilities, focused on engaging with the emerging European Space Agency University Initiative - with contributions from ESA, Portuguese and European policy perspectives, and CESAER Member case studies on how universities of science and technology can organise institutional engagement, strengthen the space talent pipeline and contribute to Europe’s future space capabilities.
• Workshop “From European initiatives to institutional impact” addressing how universities can make European initiatives work in practice, with a focus on the European degree label, the European Universities initiative, funding alignment across EU, national and regional schemes, and practical peer exchange on governance, quality assurance and institutional coordination.
• Exclusive leadership track at Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, bringing together senior leaders from CESAER Member universities for an executive visit to one of Portugal’s most emblematic institutions at the intersection of science, culture, education and public value, followed by a high-level discussion on frontier science, societal impact, trusted partnerships and institutional leadership.
• Dedicated workshop for Institutional Liaisons, creating space for peer learning, exchange of good practices and discussion of how Institutional Liaisons can strengthen coordination between CESAER, Member universities and strategic institutional priorities.
• General Assembly, bringing Delegates and participants together for key discussions and decisions on the association’s work, priorities and governance as CESAER advances the implementation of Strategy 2030 and the Work Plan 2026–2027.
• Welcome reception at Lisbon City Hall and conference dinner at Estufa Fria, offering exceptional settings for networking, exchange and celebration in the heart of Lisbon.

Venue

All work meetings will take place at the Técnico Innovation Center (Google Maps). The building is fully equipped and was thoughtfully designed from the ground up to accommodate the needs of individuals with reduced mobility. All access points feature ramps, restrooms are adapted, and access to the second floor is ensured by an elevator.

Preliminary programme

Programme and timings are preliminary and might be subject to change.

Day 1 - Wednesday, 21 October 2026

Day 2 - Thursday, 22 October 2026

Day 3 - Friday, 23 October 2026

Registration and practical information

Instituto Superior Técnico, together with the Secretariat, are finalising the programme for CAM 2026, which will also include tips on how to get there, accommodation, and things to check out while in Lisbon. 

We expect to share full details and open registration in late spring. 

In the meantime, we kindly invite you to save the dates of 21–23 October 2026, allowing time for travel to and from Lisbon, Portugal. 

For more information or enquiries, please contact the Secretariat.

Photo by Felicia Varzari on Unsplash