The University of Minho’s rectorate team attended the Annual Conference of the European ARQUS alliance, which took place on 8 and 9 July at Maynooth University, Ireland.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Rector of UMinho, Pedro Arezes, who chaired the first plenary session, on the theme ‘Personal Impact; Journeys of Change: Personal Stories from the Heart of Europe’. UMinho was represented by a large delegation, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to this alliance, which is crucial for strengthening European cooperation in higher education, research, innovation and regional development.
During the event, Professor Paulo Flores, from the School of Engineering, received the Arqus Teaching Excellence Award for his work in the field of pedagogical innovation, which recognises best practice in education. The university’s senior management also met with former students during a brief but meaningful gathering to share experiences and reconnect with the university.
The closing plenary session was attended by the Mayor of Guimarães, Ricardo Araújo, who highlighted the impact of Arqus on regional development and emphasised the importance of collaboration between universities and local authorities in addressing European challenges.
This event brought together representatives from partner universities, European institutions, policy-makers, students and experts to reflect on the value of European University Alliances in transforming people, higher education institutions and society, under the theme ‘Voices of Impact: Weaving Stories Across Europe’.
The Arqus Award for Excellence in Teaching is a prestigious honour that recognises lecturers from the Arqus European University Alliance who demonstrate innovation and excellence in their teaching practices. This award celebrates initiatives that foster inclusive, student-centred learning environments, promote research-based teaching approaches and empower students from diverse backgrounds to thrive in dynamic educational contexts.
Every year, the award recognises teaching projects that incorporate key criteria, such as student-centred teaching, effective assessment strategies, the integration of international perspectives, transferability, adaptability and a proven impact on student learning. The winners are honoured at the Arqus Annual Conference and receive a cash prize to continue developing their teaching initiatives and promoting excellence in higher education.
By recognising and supporting outstanding teaching practices, the Arqus Award for Excellence in Teaching aims to inspire educators across the alliance to continue improving the quality of teaching and learning, ultimately benefiting the diverse student communities they serve.
The School of Engineering congratulates Professor Paulo Flores on this significant international recognition.
