SPACE project receives the European Innovative Teaching Award 2025
We are proud to share that the Erasmus+ project SPACE – Seniors Perceive A Common Europe, in which INFODEF has participated as a partner, has received the European Innovative Teaching Award (EITA) 2025 in adult education. Since 2021, the European Commission has been using this award to highlight outstanding teaching practices developed within Erasmus+ projects. Every year, the award focuses on a current educational policy theme. In 2025, the spotlight was placed on education for democracy and civic engagement. The award was granted in Germany in the field of Adult Education and announced on 15 September by the National Agency at BIBB. For the SPACE project, coordinated by VHS Cham (Germany) with partners from Bulgaria, Spain, Sweden and Italy, this recognition is both a celebration and a confirmation of the project’s impact. What is SPACE about? SPACE empowers senior citizens to discover European values and identity through cultural heritage, shared traditions, and intercultural exchanges. It offered non-formal learning experiences ranging from digital activities to hands-on workshops such as baking traditional recipes or working with local crafts. The project encouraged seniors not only to reconnect with their own traditions but also to share them with peers across Europe. The SPACE project has produced a wide set of resources, freely available as Open Educational Resources (OERs): A Handbook with frameworks and best practices for adult educators An Empowerment Course with blended learning materials Over 100 digital exhibits created together with seniors Inspiring Digital Trails showcasing cultural heritage across countries You can explore all of them here: https://thespaceproject.eu/ For INFODEF, being part of a project like SPACE means contributing to a Europe that is closer, more inclusive, and more democratic. This award is a recognition not only of innovative teaching practices, but also of the transformative power of lifelong learning.
New trends in AI and education: INFODEF at the EVBB European policy camp
Our team attended the annual European policy camp titled “AI in Education: From Policy to Practice”, organized by the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB). Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing education by creating new learning experiences., and it was a remarkable event to stay up-to-date with industry trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and education. This was an excellent opportunity for the INFODEF team to learn about, compare, and evaluate the latest AI advancements and their practical applications in education that could be applied to our own work. In this edition, the program included a variety of sessions addressing key topics at the intersection of AI and education, such as: Panel discussions on the future of AI in education, featuring experts who shared their visions on how AI will transform teaching and learning. Technological innovations in education: Practical workshops where participants explored AI tools designed to personalize the learning experience. Ethics and challenges in the use of AI: Debates on the ethical implications of using AI in educational settings, a critical topic to ensure the responsible development of these technologies. The event featured prominent speakers, including: Angeliki Dedopoulou, Public Policy Manager on AI & Fintech at Meta, who brought a collaborative approach to the development and application of artificial intelligence. Melina Tasiovasilis, Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG EMPL, who introduced the issue of adapting VET to AI. Fabio Nascimbeni, Human Capital Development Expert at the European Training Foundation, who managed an interesting workshop about the impact of AI in VET. The event attracted experts and thought leaders from all over Europe to Brussels to showcase the latest products, services and innovations relevant for the AI for education field. The different sessions scheduled allowed all participants to engage in hands-on activities and practical workshops tailored to help participants implement AI solutions effectively in VET settings. Participating in the EVBB event brought INFODEF excellent networking opportunities and offered us valuable insights from top industry leaders, policymakers, and AI experts.
INFODEF joins the Pact for Skills
INFODEF has just joined the European Pact for Skills, an initiative launched by the European Commission to foster collaboration among public and private organizations in addressing the essential skills required for the green and digital transitions. This commitment meets INFODEF’s goal to promote sustainable growth, social equity, and resilience in vocational education and training (VET). The Pact for Skills is a key element of the European Skills Agenda, aiming to strengthen sustainable competitiveness, social fairness, and resilience across Europe’s economic and industrial sectors. Launched in 2020, the Pact addresses the growing need for upskilling and reskilling as part of a broader strategy to help individuals and organizations succeed in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. It involves partnerships between public and private entities to ensure a skilled workforce through diverse initiatives like VET programs, lifelong learning opportunities, and skill development frameworks. Participating organizations, including INFODEF, commit to shared goals and measurable indicators for skill development, such as enhanced skills intelligence, the creation of new training programs, and increased numbers of skilled individuals entering the workforce. The Pact ultimately aims to combat unemployment and support the growth of businesses by providing employees with the knowledge they need to thrive. Joining the Pact for Skills underscores INFODEF’s adherence to supporting sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the European Union’s efforts in education and social inclusion. Several of INFODEF’s recent and current projects, such as SME Green Skills Hub, Habitable, or ECVET Skills Platform, emphasize the importance of skills development in advancing sustainable practices, social equity, and economic resilience. Through these projects, INFODEF is helping to address SDG objectives such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), reinforcing its mission of driving positive change in communities through high-quality training initiatives. As a member of the Pact, INFODEF has the opportunity to leverage resources across three primary services: The Networking Hub: INFODEF can now connect with a broad network of potential partners and access tools like Europass, Skills Panorama, and EURES, essential for boosting VET initiatives and enhancing skills intelligence. The Knowledge Hub: Through webinars, seminars, and learning activities, INFODEF stays updated on EU policies and instruments, sharing best practices and refining its approach to project development. The Guidance Hub: This offers guidance on EU and national funding opportunities, making it easier to collaborate with regional and national authorities in developing projects aligned with skill-building goals. INFODEF looks forward to contributing to and benefiting from the Pact for Skills community, reinforcing its role in the development of a skilled, resilient workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the green and digital transitions. Joining this Pact not only represents a step toward the future of education but also enhances INFODEF’s capacity to bring impactful, sustainable projects to communities across Europe.
Driving green and digital skills in housing in Aveiro
INFODEF, as a partner in the HABITABLE project, recently participated in its second meeting held in Aveiro on May 23 and 24. This European project addresses the shortage of skilled workers in digitalization and the green transition in the housing sector and aims to improve vocational training through active collaboration between institutions, local partners, and an international network of centers of excellence. It also provides a space for training and skill updates for students and professionals in the sector. The meeting began with a dissemination event titled “Transforming Skills for a Sustainable Habitat” at the University of Aveiro, co-organized by the partners Cluster Habitat Sustentável and CTCV. This event focused on the importance of green and digital skills to transform the value chain of the habitat. The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Victor Ferreira (Cluster Habitat Sustentável), which included various experts related to the habitat sector: from the University of Coimbra, from Produtos Cerâmicos, S.A., from AICCOPN, from the University of Aveiro, and from the Ordem dos Engenheiros. Following this, the Institutional Pact for Enhancing the Circular Economy in the Central Region was presented, and Ana Neves (Erasmus+ National Agency) shared the achievements made in 2023 – the European Year of Skills. On May 24, HABITABLE partners reconvened at the University of Aveiro for the second transnational meeting of the project. Organized by Cluster Habitat Sustentável, this meeting allowed all partners to discuss the results of completed tasks, review the status of ongoing ones, and plan the initiation of new activities.