The COST Action CA22167 – PARTICIPATORY APPROACHES WITH OLDER ADULTS (PAAR-Net) is pleased to announce its 2nd International Knowledge Exchange Event, titled “Collaboration in Practice: Technology and Innovation Research Beyond Boundaries.” The event will take place on April 2-3, 2025, at Mykolas Romeris University in Vilnius, Lithuania.
This two-day event will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and older adult co-creators to explore participatory approaches in aging research, technology, and innovation.

DAY 1 – Research Beyond Boundaries
📅 April 2, 2025 | 📍 Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius
The event will open with a welcome address from representatives of Mykolas Romeris University and PAAR-Net leadership.
The morning will feature Working Group (WG) meetings on key themes:

  • Health, Care, and Support
  • Community and Place
  • Technology and Innovation
  • Synthesis and Quality Criteria

A Gender Equality in Research session will also take place, focusing on integrating inclusive approaches within participatory aging research.
In the afternoon, a World Café Session will explore multidisciplinary and intergenerational perspectives on technology and innovation, with discussions on:

  • Health Technologies
  • Urban Design & Age-Friendly Cities
  • Generative AI Accessibility
  • Digital Citizenship
  • Food, Energy & Green Technologies

The first day will conclude with the Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI) Forum, where participants will share insights from their engagement in Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM), Virtual Mobility (VM), and ITC Conferences. A social dinner will provide further networking opportunities.

DAY 2 – Collaboration in Practice
📅 April 3, 2025 | 📍 Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius
The second day will focus on engaging older adults in technology and innovation research, featuring expert presentations on:

  • Social policy initiatives for the inclusion of older adults
  • The role of universities in addressing the needs of aging societies
  • Spotlight on Older Adults’ Activities, where co-creators will showcase their involvement in research and innovation

An interactive workshop will explore collaborative approaches to engaging younger and older adults in co-designing technology solutions.

The afternoon will feature a Roundtable Discussion with practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, followed by a session on participatory technology projects in aging research. The event will close with a session reflecting on key takeaways and future directions of PAAR-Net.

A Local Knowledge Exchange Event will also take place in Lithuanian, engaging local stakeholders in participatory discussions.
Scientific Organization Committee

  • Prof. Dr. Jolanta Pivoriene
  • Prof. Irena Zemaitaityte
  • Dr. Grazina Rapoliene
  • Agata Katkoniene
  • Dr. Seran Demiral
  • Prof. Rogerio Ribeiro
  • Dr. Anna Wanka
  • Dr. hab. Anna Urbaniak

🔗 Full Agenda