When

21 October 2026 – 23 October 2026
08:30-14:30

Where

Técnico Innovation Center

Avenida Rovisco Pais, Av. Duque de Ávila 417
Lisbon 1000-135
Section Image - Overall theme

Overall theme of CAM 2026

Critical technologies for Europe: From excellence to capability

Featured speakers

Meet some of the leading voices contributing to the programme. View the full programme for the complete list of speakers and sessions.

António Costa

António Costa

President of the European Council (video contribution)

Nicolas Peter

Nicolas Peter

Senior Advisor to the Director General, European Space Agency

Carlos Moedas

Carlos Moedas

Mayor of Lisbon;
European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science 2014–2019

Diana Jabłońska

Diana Jabłońska

Director of Erasmus, Education and Skills, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, European Commission

Karin Markides

Karin Markides

President 2023–2026 of Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology

Juha Vartiainen

Juha Vartiainen

Co-founder and Chief Global Affairs of IQM Quantum Computers

Helena Canhão

Helena Canhão

Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Portugal

Sylvia Schwaag Serger

Ricardo Conde

President of Portuguese Space Agency

Highlights

CAM 2026 highlights include:

  • 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 and the wider space ecosystem — 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 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.

Welcome to CAM 2026

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. 

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!

High-level conference

Rogério Colaço

President of Instituto Superior Técnico

Countdown

CAM 2026 starts in

See you in 71 days 23 hours 55 minutes
  • 71
    Days
  • 23
    Hours
  • 55
    Minutes
  • 9
    Seconds