A team from the University, led by Professor of Pharmacy Lourdes Samaniego Vaesken, participated last week in the face-to-face phase of the project "The Foodture Academy" which is part of a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in which the AP University of Applied Sciences Antwerp (Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen), the University of Applied Sciences The Hague, the University of Applied Sciences, St. Pölten, Austria, the University of Rome and the Vilniaus Kolegija University of Applied Sciences, Lithuania, were also represented. The online part of "The Foodture Academy" started in October 2021 and consisted of a series of participatory seminars, where Dr Samaniego-Vaesken gave an online lecture; and the face-to-face phase which took place with the AP University of Antwerp hosting the activity during this week. The main themes of The Foodture Meets programme were the following: 

•   Crossing borders sustainably': How to overcome physical and cultural boundaries and be prepared to become a virtual global dietitian. ?

•   'Nutritional and dietary aspects of sustainability': You will cover the field of sustainable food production and lifestyle. ?

•   'Innovation and creation': Through innovative thinking, gain insight into the roles of different stakeholders and move towards more sustainable concepts. ?

Dr. Samaniego participated in the workshop 'Sustainability in the food chain' and acted as a coach in the workshops 'The broad concept of sustainability' which were held throughout the week. The occasion was used to strengthen relations with the AP University of Applied Sciences Antwerp and to establish contacts with representatives of the other participating universities for future teaching and research collaborations. The students worked in groups to develop an innovation project in the area of the sustainability of food products. A total of 50 students from different nationalities attended, including students from the Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at CEU USP.?

The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) is a new course format that combines part virtual and part face-to- face and is eligible for funding under the Erasmus project. In order to receive funding for these courses it is necessary that they meet certain criteria, including a minimum of 3 universities involved and 15 participants, including accompanying staff and teaching staff. In the 2021 project the University has received funding for 10 Blended Intensive Programmes with a maximum funding of €8,000 per programme.