Rafael Pinheiro, researcher at ciTechCare, took part in the thematic week “Learning and Playing,” promoted by the National ERASMUS+ Education and Training Agency, as part of the “Study & Research in Portugal” initiative, held at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Japan, from July 23 to 25.

Through a video presented at EXPO 2025 Osaka, the researcher spoke about the work developed at ciTechCare, initially through a postdoctoral fellowship in the field of artificial intelligence applied to health, and afterwards about what he has been able to achieve professionally through his ongoing three-year contract. Rafael Pinheiro also explained that, as a researcher, he has had the opportunity to be in several European cities where he currently collaborates: in Austria (Vorarlberg University), working on computer vision algorithms; in France (Université Côte d’Azur – Nice), conducting research that integrates mathematical models and control systems for Alzheimer’s disease; and in Brazil (University of São Paulo), focusing on the development of health-related control systems.

The thematic week aimed to highlight Portuguese higher education as an international partner of excellence, enhancing its attractiveness to students, researchers, and institutions worldwide, while also showcasing the contribution of universities and research centers to major global challenges and to the international dialogue towards a bluer, fairer, and more sustainable future.

Throughout the week, an interactive exhibition of projects was underway, centered on pedagogical innovation, sustainability, robotics, art, and science, with a particular emphasis on creative proposals that foster learning through play and experimentation.

The participation of the Polytechnic of Leiria in EXPO 2025 Osaka was also extended to the School of Tourism and Maritime Technology and the MARE research center, which presented projects in the field of the Blue Bioeconomy, matching the theme of the Portugal Pavilion – Ocean, the Blue Dialogue.