On 22–23 January 2026, the VERSE consortium met in Barcelos, Portugal, for its second transnational project meeting. Hosted by IPCA – Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, the gathering brought partners together to review the pilot experience and prepare the next stages of the programme.
Turning pilot experience into the next steps
The discussions focused on progress and outcomes from the first pilot cycle, the development of its second phase — the Case Study Challenge — and improvements for the second pilot. Sustainability, accessibility and practical application were central to this work.
Partners reviewed pilot progress and planned improvements to the next learning cycle, with attention to the relationship between educational activities and practical challenges in fashion and design.
Learning from the local ecosystem
The programme also took partners beyond the meeting room. Visits to IPCA’s facilities and laboratories introduced the consortium to the institution’s research and educational environment. At the Museu de Olaria, participants explored the relationship between cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. A visit to a local textile company offered a further perspective on circular practices in industry.
Together, these encounters connected the project’s educational work with the skills, materials and production contexts that students will engage with. VERSE thanks IPCA for hosting the meeting and all partners for their contributions to the next stage of the programme.