4th EUROPEAN SYMPOSIUM BY NEREUS REGIONS

Location: Ponta Delgada | AÇORES

Dates: 2 | 3 October 2025

 

>> FOR REGISTRATION PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK

>> DOWNLOAD LOGISTIC NOTES

 


PROVISIONAL AGENDA

 

DAY 1 | 2nd OCTOBER, 2025

 

08H30: Registration: Teatro Micaelense, Ponta Delgada

09h00: Welcome and Introduction

José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Azores Government
Pérez-Dionis Chinea, General Director for Organizational Coordination and Strategic Projects, Government of the Canary Islands
Thierry Cotelle, President of NEREUS

09H30: SESSION 1 | CIVIL PROTECTION

Panel: CLIMATE CHANGE

Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, where satellite technologies play a key role in monitoring environmental changes, supporting risk assessment, and informing regional strategies for resilience and adaptation.

Moderator: TBD

“Heat Island Vulnerability in Urban Areas”
Mario Ancilli, Head of the Geographic and Environmental Information System Department, Environment, Energy and land Planning Directorate of Piemonte Region
Edoardo Guerrini, Head of Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, Environment, Energy and land Planning Directorate of Piemonte Region

“Earth Observation for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in Bavaria”
Presenter(s) TBD, German Remote Sensing Data Center (DLR) and the University of Würzburg’s Earth Observation Research Cluster

“Communicate the Climate Risk with Earth Observation Data”
Marco Folegani,
Managing partner at MEEO – Meteorological Environmental Earth Observation (Emilia-Romagna)

“Ensemble Drought-Impact Dashboard: Enhancing Regional Civil Protection through Satellite-Based Land Data Assimilation”
Presenter(s) TBC, Emilia-Romagna Region

10H30: Coffee Break

10H50: Panel: EXTREME EVENTS

Severe natural occurrences such as storms, floods, and heatwaves, where satellite technologies support early warning systems, real-time monitoring, and coordinated response efforts to minimize risks and enhance regional preparedness.

Moderator: TBD

“Enhancing Civil Protection through Satellite-based Digital Twins: SaferPlaces Experience in the Emilia-Romagna 2024 Flood Events”
Stefano Bagli, CEO at GECOsistema/Saferplaces

“Flood – Stronie Śląskie (Lower Silesia Region)”
Presenter(s) TBD, Regional Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Rzeszów

“Lessons Learned from the “Satellite-Based Services for Disaster Risk Management” Workshop in Catalonia”
Estefania Blanch, Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya

“Piloting the Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service in Catalonia: Improving Community Resilience through Satellite-Based Alerts”
Cristina Vicente, Head of Operations, Deputy Directorate-General for Coordination and Emergency Management, General Directorate of Civil Protection, Department of Interior and Public Safety, Government of Catalonia

11H40: Panel: NATURAL HAZARDS

Threats like earthquakes, landslides, and wildfires, where satellite data is essential for hazard detection, risk mapping, and supporting timely response and recovery efforts at regional and local levels.

Moderator: TBD

“Changing firefighting strategies thanks to new early detection capabilities offered by Robust Satellite Techniques”
Valerio Tramutol – University of Basilicata – Department of Engineering (UNIBAS-DiING)
Nicola Pergola – National Research Council – Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analyses (CNR-IMAA)

“The Role of NewSpace in Strengthening Disaster Risk Management: Catalonia’s Strategy and Use Cases”
Estefania Blanch, Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya

“Remote sensing to assess drought effects on UNESCO World Heritage areas in Veneto Region: the case of Palladio’s Venetian Villas”
Carlo Masetto – Veneto Region, Spatial Planning Directorate – GIS & Remote Sensing Specialist
Umberto Trivelloni – Veneto Region, Spatial Planning Directorate – GIS & Cartography Technical Lead

12H40: (Q&A)

13h00: LUNCH

14H30: SESSION 2 | BLUE ECONOMY

Panel: OCEAN GOVERNANCE & SAFETY

Ocean challenges and how satellite-based technologies can be used to manage marine resources, ensure maritime safety, monitor marine environments, and address challenges such as illegal fishing, pollution, and climate impacts on coastal infrastructure.

Moderator: TBD

”AIMOS (Azores Integrated Modeling for Ocean Sustainability”
Presenter(s) TBC, IICMar-OKEANOS, University of the Azores

“PLOCAN Test Bank: Boosting the Blue Economy with Remote Sensing Technologies”
María Díaz Martín, Head of Data Research Line at PLOCAN – Plataforma Oceanica de Canarias

“The Mid Atlantic Ocean challenges in the human and environmental risks prevention”
Óscar Bergasa López, Secretary of the Atlantic Association for Maritime Emergencies

Title TBC
Blue Azores program representative

“Coastal Crete: A Digital Twin of the Ocean for Near Real-Time Oil Spill Detection and Early Warning of Maritime Pollution”
Marco Folegani, Managing partner at MEEO – Meteorological Environmental Earth Observation (Emilia-Romagna)

15H30: Coffee Break

15H50: Panel: COASTAL & MARINE TOURISM

Moderador: TBD

«Panel under definition»

16H40: Panel: MARINE FISHERIES & AQUACULTURE

Sustainable tourism activities along coasts and in marine environments, supported by satellite technologies that help monitor environmental conditions, ensure safety, and manage the impacts of climate change and human activity.

Moderator: TBD

«Panel under definition»

17H30: Q&A | Conclusion of Day 1

19H30: Social Dinner (place TBA)

Welcome speech by the President of the Azores Government

Handover Ceremony

José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Azores Government

Marina Silverii, Executive Director of the Innovation Agency – Emilia Romagna

Thierry Cotelle, President of NEREUS

DAY 2 | 3rd OCTOBER, 2025

 

08h30: Registration: Teatro Micaelense, Ponta Delgada

09h00: Welcome

09h30: SESSION 3 | DEFENSE & SECURITY

Panel: DEFENSE

How do satellite technologies support real-time surveillance, secure communications, and strategic decision-making in the defence of regions against military and security threats.

Moderator: TBD

“Fighting organized crime through the use of satellite and pseudo-satellite systems”

José Manuel Colodras, Spanish National Police

Coffee Break

10H50: Panel: COMMUNICATIONS & CYBERSECURITY

Securing digital networks and communication systems, where satellite technologies help maintain reliable connections in remote or crisis areas and support the protection of critical data against cyber threats.

Moderator: TBD

“Free-space optical communications: The IAClink facility between the islands of La Palma and Tenerife in the Canary Islands”

Anselmo Sosa Mendez, Manager at the Institutional Actions and Transfer Office, Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)

Others TBA

11H40: Panel: CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURES

Securing essential systems such as energy grids, transport networks, and communication systems, where satellite technologies assist in monitoring, protecting, and ensuring their resilience against physical and cyber threats.

Moderator: TBD

“Application of persistent flights using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and high-altitude pseudo satellites (HAPS) for security and safety solutions”

Eduardo Pereira, CEO of Parque Tecnologico de Fuerteventura

Others TBA

12H40: Q&A

13h00: LUNCH

14h30: Social Programme

Departure from Teatro Micaelense

Social programme TBA

1st Regional Meeting of the ASTN

Location:

EXPOLAB – Science Center

Dates:

July 16 and 17, 2025

Target Audience:

Teachers from all levels of general and vocational education, from all islands of the Region

Conditions of participation and selection of participants:
The number of vacancies is limited.
Vacancies will be filled in the order in which applications are received, with the following priorities:
1st – Teachers enrolled at ASTN on March 31, 2025.
2nd – Other teachers.
Registrations close after the maximum number of participants has been reached.
Confirmation of registration and enrollment in the action will be made by email, until June 6, 2025.

Other information including support for displaced teachers/trainers:

Please contact [email protected]

OBJECTIVES: Demonstrate the potential of networking for a greater integration of the “space” context in classroom activities, reinforcing space education as a vector for motivation and guidance of young people in the school environment, and as a contribution to the definition of their academic path.

Share experiences – Share experiences among teachers and schools, regarding activities already developed in the field of space education.

Raise awareness of the benefits – Raise awareness for the development of projects and activities in the field of space education, considering the benefits this theme represents in the learning process.

Disseminate projects – Disseminate opportunities for access to regional, national, and international projects and initiatives in the domain of using space as a learning context.

Reflect and debate challenges – Provide a space for reflection and debate on the introduction of the theme in curricular activities, and discuss the challenges and constraints faced by teachers.

Present testimonials – Present testimonials from individuals and companies in the sector as a means to raise awareness of the potential of STEM careers directly or indirectly related to the space sector.


PROVISIONAL PROGRAM

 

JULY 16, 2025 – Wednsday

 

09:00 – WELCOME

09:30 – OPENING

Regional Secretariat for Parlamentary Afairs and Comunities

Azores Space Mission Structure

10:00 – FROM THE AZORES TO THE WORLD: INVESTING IN KNOWLEDGE

Panel 1: Overview of Space in the Azores

Moderator: Duarte Cota | EMA-Espaço

João Neves | Thales Edisoft Portugal

Luísa Magalhães | RAEGE Açores

Joaquim Melo | AIR Centre

Panel 2: Successful projects in the national and European space sector

Moderator: Raúl Lourenço | AED Space Manager

Mariana Ávila | AIR Centre

Artur Gil | Universidade dos Açores

Miguel Morgado | Atlantic Spaceport Consortium

11:15 – COFFEE BREAK

11:30 – EDUCATE FOR THE FUTURE: COMPETENCIES 2030 – THE EDUCATION CHALLENGES

11:45 – Round Table | Educate for the future : The education challenge

Moderator: Mara Caeiro | QSR Consulting

Sofia Ribeiro | Regional Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports

Patrícia Garcia | Critical Software

Pedro Coimbra | Agência Espacial Portuguesa

Carlos Amaral | Presidente do CE da ES Antero de Quental

12:30 – LUNCH

Restaurant Q’énosso

14:30 – Exploring to Teach: The Pedagogical Potential of Space

Moderator: Diana Amaral | QSR Consulting

Fátima Pinto | Ciência Viva

Susana Cabral | Expolab

Luísa Almeida | Nuclio

15:30 – SHARING EXPERIENCES ON EDUCATION FOR SPACE IN SCHOOLS IN THE AZORES

Presentation of projects by teachers (pitch)

16:30 – COFFEE BREAK

16:45 – PROJECT SHARING

Presentation of developed projects (cont.)

Debate on the challenges in implementing projects

18:00 – CLOSING

19:30 – NETWORKING DINNER

DoubleTree by Hilton Lagoa Azores

JULY 17, 2025 – Thursday

 

09:00 – WELCOME

09:30 – WORKSHOPS

Geodetic VLBI: measuring the Earth through Space | RAEGE.Az

Copernicus4schools | ESERO

3D Modeling – designing a lunar base | EXPOLAB

Robots in Space | EP RIBEIRA GRANDE / OASA

Drones on Mars | EXPOLAB

13:30 – CLOSING

3rd edition of CanSat Junior Açores

PROGRAM CANSAT JUNIOR AÇORES

REGULATIONS

RESOURCES FOR CANSAT JUNIOR

REVIEW 1ST EDITION OF CANSAT JUNIOR AÇORES

REVIEW 2ND EDITION OF CANSAT JUNIOR AÇORES

WHAT IS CANSAT JUNIOR?

A CanSat (“Can” = can + “Sat” = Satellite) Junior is an educational project created in Portugal by ESERO and Ciência Viva, aimed at students in the 3rd basic cycle. It is a simplified version of the European Space Agency (ESA) CanSat project, and consists of building a functional model of a microsatellite capable of measuring atmospheric parameters and sending telemetry to a base station. The CanSat is launched from a certain altitude and during the descent, controlled by a parachute built by the students, it transmits data on temperature, air pressure and altitude, to the base station made up of an antenna, also built by the students, connected to a receiving device and a computer.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

This competition is aimed at the basic education students (middle school) from all schools in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, with the main objective of providing young participants with contact with basic but very practical science and engineering applications in a “real” project. absolutely exciting and impactful in the development of scientific, technical, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Teams of students (minimum of 3 and maximum of 6 members) guided by a teacher are allowed. In this 2nd edition, a team that has already participated must include at least one student who has never participated in the CanSat Junior project. A school can register more than one team.

SELECTED TEAMS

>> MoonGroup – EBS Mouzinho da Silveira (Corvo)
>> Space Dreamers – EBS das Flores (Flores)
>> Whalair Sat – EBS das Lajes (Pico)
>> R0cket Fus10n – EBS da Madalena (Pico)
>> ESMA Sat – ES Manuel de Arriaga (Faial)
>> Velas Space Sat – EBS de Velas (São Jorge)
>> Hubbles – EBS da Graciosa (Graciosa)
>> Mission Olimpus– Colégio do Castanheiro (São Miguel)
>> Vaquinhas Espaciais – EBI de Ginetes (São Miguel)
>> Pescadores Espaciais – EBI de Rabo de Peixe (São Miguel)
>> Astro Terceirenses – ES Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade (Terceira)
>> CLMR Squad – ES de Lagoa (São Miguel)
>> Serrotes Sat – EBS Armando Côrtes-Rodrigues (São Miguel)
>> Reggae no Espaço – EBS Bento Rodrigues (Santa Maria)
>> ESAQ-AIR – ES Antero de Quental (São Miguel)

IMPORTANT DATES

» Until the 15th of November 2024 – Registration for the CanSat Junior Açores teacher workshop.
» 14th of December de 2024 – Teacher workshop in São Miguel Island.
» Until 19th of January 2025  – Teams registration and and submission of videos.
» 20th and 21st of January 2025 – Team selection.
» 22nd of January 2025 – Communication of the selected teams and shipping of the kits.
» 30th and 31st of May 2025 – Final of the CanSat Junior Azores competition, on Santa Maria Island.

 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Photos: (Credits – Henrique Coelho)

Videos: (Credits – Pepe Brix)

 

PARTNERS

-Ciência Viva

-Esero Portugal

-European Space Agency

-Portuguese Space Agency

-LeoLabs

Mirpuri Foundation

-Município de Vila do Porto

-EDA

-ANACOM

-Freguesia de Santo Espirito

-OASA

-RAEGE.Az

-ExpoLab

-Atlantic Spaceport Consortium

World Space Week 2024

⚠️ From October 4th to 10th we comemorete the World Space Week 2024, this year under the theme Space and Climate Change! 🚀🪐👨‍🚀
Over the course of a week there will be activities throughout the archipelago, which highlight the contribution of space sciences and technologies to humanity.🌍


Corvo Island – October 4

Activities in Escola Básica e Secundária Mouzinho da Silveira:

» “Planetary Adventures” with planetary geologist Vera Assis Fernandes

» AstroOvo, Let’s go to the Moon and Solar System (EXPOLAB)

» Activities with robotics, programming, drones and VR (EXPOLAB, Escola Profissional da Ribeira Grande).

20h30 – Opening session of World Space Week, with the presence of the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities and the Coordinator of the Azores Structure for Space, followed by a round table on the topic “Space and Climate Change” – EMA Espaço, Portuguese Space Agency, ANACOM – National Space Authority, and Vera Assis Fernandes – Planetary geologist.

Graciosa Island – October 7

Activities in Escola Básica e Secundária da Graciosa

» Space as a teaching and learning context (teachers) – QSR Consulting

» How to use Earth Observation data (students) – CRITICAL SOFTWARE

Faial Island – October 8

Activities in Escola Secundária Manuel de Arriaga

» Space as a teaching and learning context (teachers) – QSR Consulting

» How to use Earth Observation data (students) – GEOSAT

Pico Island – October 9

Activities in Escola Básica e Secundária de Lajes do Pico

» Space as a teaching and learning context (teachers) – QSR Consulting

» How to use Earth Observation data (students) – DEIMOS

São Jorge Island – October 8, 9 and 10

Activities in Escola Básica e Secundária de Calheta – October 8

» “Planetary Adventures” with planetary geologist Vera Assis Fernandes

Activities in Escola Básica e Integrada do Topo – October 8

» “Planetary Adventures” with planetary geologist Vera Assis Fernandes

Activities in Escola Básica e Secundária de Velas – October 9

» “Planetary Adventures” with planetary geologist Vera Assis Fernandes

Activities in Escola Básica e Secundária de Velas – October 10

» Space as a teaching and learning context (teachers) – QSR Consulting

» How to use Earth Observation data (students) – SPOTLITE

 

Santa Maria Island

Activities in Escola Básica e Secundária de Santa Maria

» “Planetary Adventures” with planetary geologist Vera Assis Fernandes

20h30 – Closing session of World Space Week, with the presence of Mrs. Mayor of Vila do Porto and Coordinator of the Azores Structure for Space, followed by a round table on the theme “Space and Climate Change” – EMA Espaço, Bruno Carvalho from Ilex Space, ANACOM – National Space Authority, and Vera Assis Fernandes – Planetary geologist.

CanSat Junior Azores 2nd Edition

On May 24 and 25, the island of Santa Maria hosted the exciting second edition of CanSat Junior Azores, an event that brings together young people with brilliant minds around space exploration and science. Organized by the Government of the Azores, the event attracted participants from various schools in the Azores, all with the aim of launching and operating mini-satellites built by themselves
CanSat Junior is an educational competition that challenges students to design, build and launch small satellites the size of a soda can. These mini-satellites are equipped with sensors to collect data during flight and landing, simulating “real” space missions. The competition provides a practical and inspiring experience, encouraging interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

During the two-day event, the young participants had the opportunity to present their projects, launch the satellites and analyze the data received. The competition was intense, but marked by a spirit of cooperation and mutual learning. The teams showed great creativity and technical skill, reflecting the high level of preparation and dedication.
In addition to the main activities, the event featured various lectures and workshops given by professionals in the space field, providing a broader view of the opportunities and challenges in the sector.
EMA – Space would like to thank all the participants, mentors, volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible. We look forward to the next edition and to continuing to inspire the next generation of space explorers!

Find out all about the second edition of CanSat Junior Azores

 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Photos day 1 (Credits-Vânia Andrade)

Photos day 2 (Credits-Vânia Andrade)

Videos day 1 and 2 (Crédits-Pepe Brix)

Summary video (Credits-Pepe Brix)

RTP Açores report

Açores Hoje (Report)

 

CanSat Portugal 11th edition

The 11th edition of CanSat Portugal, an educational project run by the European Space Agency (ESA) and organized in Portugal by ESERO and Ciência Viva, took place on the island of Santa Maria from May 1 to 5. This was the return of this competition for secondary school students to the Azores, reaffirming the region and the island in particular as a place of excellence for this type of event. This edition had the support of the Government of the Azores and other entities that definitely contributed to the success of the organization. Watch the video summary of the 5 days of competition. Congratulations to the winners of the various prizes and to all the participants!

1st place and big winner – HermeSat, Salesianos de Lisboa
Ground station award and ANACOM award – AzSat, Antero de Quental Secondary School, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island (Azores);
Award for best technical performance and internship at CEiiA – CarMic, Escola Básica e Secundária Carolina Michaëlis, Porto;
Professionalism Award – MigraSat, Dr. Joaquim Gomes Ferreira Alves Secondary School, Vila Nova de Gaia;
Best scientific mission award – Valkyria Team, Adolfo Portela Secondary School, Águeda;
Best dissemination award – RáSat, Colégio do Sagrado Coração de Maria, Lisbon;
Honorable Mention – CanHelp, Salesianos de Lisboa.

Highlights:

Publication ESERO
Publication FCUL
Publication RTP Açores

 

Europe Day May 9th

The regional celebrations of Europe Day took place on the 9th on the island of Santa Maria, a joint initiative between the Vice-Presidency of the Government of the Azores, through the Azores Regional Directorate for European Affairs and External Cooperation, the Azores Mission Structure for Space (EMA-Espaço), the Municipality of Vila do Porto and the EUROPE DIRECT Azores center. This year, the theme associated with this celebration was Space. The event’s program included the opening conference entitled “Europe and Space: the role of the Azores and Portugal in the European space program”, held yesterday, May 8, and continued today with the solemn session commemorating Europe Day, followed by a day full of recreational and educational activities for the youngest, with “space” as the theme.

 

Highlights:

Publication CMVP

Publication Governo dos Açores

Publication RTP Açores

Publication Europe Direct Açores

Photo Credits Câmara Municipal de Vila do Porto

Design contest “Space Patch”

As part of the Europe Day celebrations, celebrated yesterday on the island of Santa Maria and dedicated, this year, to the theme of Space, we are launching the “Space Patch” Competition aimed at primary and secondary school students in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, as well as the corresponding levels of professional education, aged between 12 and 18, completed by June 30, 2024.

This initiative aims to motivate young Azoreans of school age, particularly those with a special interest and desire for the arts, or with a creative and innovative spirit. At the same time, it aims to raise awareness among young people and student communities in basic, secondary and professional education, as well as promoting a greater approximation of future generations to European issues and the space sector, through digital media, are objectives that are intended to be achieved, in favor of greater participation of young people in issues of European citizenship and regional, national and European space projects, stimulating creativity in students and the use of audiovisual and communication media. The winner will receive a laptop ofered by ANACOM – National Space Authority.

The competition runs until June 30, 2024 by registering on a specific form and sending proposals to [email protected], in accordance with the attached regulations.

REGULATIONS

ENROLLMENT

Workshop for teachers of the 2nd edition of CanSat Junior Açores

On February 3rd, sixteen teachers participated in the CanSat Junior Azores Workshop, which marks the start of the second edition of this project in the Region. The training took place at the facilities of OASA – Santana Astronomical Observatory, and was carried out by ESERO-Portugal/Ciência Viva, with the collaboration of the Azores Mission Structure for Space (EMA-Espaço), within the scope of a partnership between that institution and the Government of the Azores, through the Office of the Regional Undersecretary of the Presidency. CanSat Júnior Açores is one of the actions included in the Azores Strategy for Space – Dissemination, Education and Scientific Culture for Space Axis. Aimed at students in the 3rd cycle of general education, CanSat Junior consists of the simulation of a “real” space project: construction, programming and launch of a microsatellite equipped with data processing subsystems, sensors, power supply and communications system, conceptually identical to that of a real satellite. During the launch and descent controlled by a parachute, the small satellite the size of a soda can communicates with a base station, also built and operated by the students.

The objective is to provide our young people with participation in a collaborative, disruptive and transformative project, where space sciences and technologies are linked to the general education curriculum, providing an enriching experience and true teamwork, also motivating our young people for academic paths in the field of STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) with a direct or indirect connection to the aerospace sector.

Created in Portugal by the national delegation of ESERO, this second regional edition of CanSat Junior involves around 100 participants, in a total of 15 teams from 8 islands in the archipelago.

Hackathon de Professores do Espaço 2023: O regresso à Lua

Entre os dias 10 e 14 de Julho de 2023, a ilha de Santa Maria recebeu a Hackathon de Professores do Espaço 2023: O regresso à Lua. Esta formação acreditada permitiu a 20 docentes de 7 ilhas dos Açores participar em atividades formativas no formato de hackathon, para além de atividades em unidades do ecossistema espacial da ilha. Neste workshop foram trabalhadas estratégias de TRM (Team Resource Management) como competência transversal a todas as áreas científicas e de engenharia, incluindo as afetas ao setor do Espaço, conferindo aos docentes competências adicionais como recursos de trabalho nas suas atividades letivas e projetos.

O fascinante tema da Lua, amplamente motivado pelo lançamento, este ano, da missão ARTEMIS I que pretende voltar a colocar novamente seres humanos no nosso satélite natural, foi o mote para uma intensa semana de trabalho. Foram abordados temas como medicina espacial, geologia lunar, robótica, formação do sistema solar, mecânica orbital, etc.

A iniciativa foi promovida pelo ESERO Portugal/Ciência Viva, em parceria com o Governo dos Açores, o Expolab, a NAV e a Agência Espacial Portuguesa.

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