INTERNATIONAL STAFF WEEK - Santa Maria Health School

International Staff Week | Beyond Coordination: Project Management for European Higher Education

The Santa Maria Health School International Staff Week 2026 is organized in a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) format, bringing together professionals from Higher Education Institutions across Europe for a week of learning, exchange and collaboration.

Under the theme “Beyond Coordination: Project Management for European Higher Education”, this edition focuses on strengthening the capacity of institutions to design, implement and manage EU-funded projects in an increasingly complex and digital environment. The program addresses the evolving role of project management in higher education, moving beyond administrative coordination towards more strategic, data-informed and collaborative approaches.

The Staff Week is designed for project managers, international relations officers, researchers, academic and administrative staff involved in European projects such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe. By bringing together diverse institutional profiles, the program promotes cross-functional understanding and the sharing of practices between participants from different countries and organizational contexts.

The BIP combines an online preparatory session with an intensive on-site week in Porto, ensuring both alignment and active participation. The program includes expert-led workshops delivered by specialized organizations, peer-learning activities, an International Fair, and structured networking opportunities. A strong emphasis is placed on interaction, practical application and the exchange of real institutional experiences.

Participants will engage in a dynamic learning environment, combining workshops, discussions and collaborative activities, while also experiencing the welcoming and vibrant context of Porto. The overall aim is to equip participants with practical tools, strategic insights and new connections that can support the development, implementation and impact of European projects in their home institutions.