From March 31st to April 3rd, 2025, PAAR-net brought together researchers, practitioners, and community stakeholders in Vilnius, Lithuania, for a dynamic and inspiring week of learning, collaboration, and innovation. Hosted at Mykolas Romeris University, the events marked two major milestones for the network: the 2nd Training School on Participatory Co-Creation Methods and the II. International Knowledge Exchange Event (IKEE).
Training School: Participatory Co-Creation in Action
Over three days, early-career researchers and professionals participated in an intensive Training School focused on participatory approaches with older adults. Sessions covered topics from co-design in cognitive health to citizen science, digital literacy, and ethical frameworks for working with vulnerable groups. Led by experts the school emphasized hands-on learning and reflection on inclusive research practices.
Highlights included:
- Case-based exercises on building participatory action.
- Insights into intergenerational climate action and digital empowerment.
- Interactive training on tools developed through initiatives like AFECO and DigitalScouts.
International Knowledge Exchange Event: Research Beyond Boundaries
The IKEE, held on April 2–3, expanded on the themes of the Training School with a rich program of keynote talks, World Café sessions, and stakeholder panels. Under the theme “Collaboration in Practice: Technology and Innovation Research Beyond Boundaries,” participants explored how older adults can be engaged as co-creators and active agents in research and innovation.
Key moments included:
- World Cafe discussions on topics such as urban design, AI accessibility, and digital citizenship.
- The Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI) Forum, showcasing mobility experiences within PAAR-net.
- Panels featuring researchers, policymakers, and community leaders on engaging older adults in policy and design processes.
Special thanks were extended to the organizing team at Mykolas Romeris University for their warm welcome and exceptional hosting.
Hybrid and Inclusive
Both events embraced a hybrid format, allowing for broad participation across Europe and beyond. PAAR-net’s commitment to inclusivity was further demonstrated in sessions addressing gender equality, local knowledge exchange (in Lithuanian), and community-driven innovation.
The week in Vilnius reinforced PAAR-net’s mission: to foster participatory, interdisciplinary, and transnational collaboration that amplifies the voices of older adults and creates meaningful, sustainable social impact.