The micro-accredited training program Living Lab Heritage & Society: Theoretical and Methodological Background for Co-constructing Heritage Knowledge with the Local Community aims to provide a solid theoretical and methodological foundation for the co-construction of heritage knowledge with local communities.

It is developed within the framework of the Arqus Alliance and involves the University of Minho (coordinator) and the University of Granada. At UMinho, it is integrated into the training offered by the Institute of Social Sciences (ICS) and the School of Architecture, Art and Design (EAAD), as well as the research unit Laboratory of Landscapes, Heritage and Territory (Lab2PT). This program also connects with initiatives such as the Escola do Território de Extremo (Portugal), Lab2PT, and the Archaeology Unit (UAUM), in a space provided by the União de Freguesia de Portela-Extremo, the former primary school. The initiative is promoted by this entity and the Arcos de Valdevez City Council, reinforcing the link between university, territory, and community, and UMinho’s institutional commitment to knowledge transfer and social impact.

 

Target Audience:

This training is primarily aimed at postgraduate university students (with or pursuing a master’s degree) in the areas of humanities, social sciences, cultural heritage, archaeology, architecture, anthropology, geography, or related fields. It is also suitable for students interested in participatory methodologies and applied work in community contexts.

 

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

– Fluent spoken and written English (level B) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR);

– Completion of or current enrollment in a Master’s degree program in the areas of humanities, social sciences, cultural heritage, archaeology, architecture, anthropology, or geography at one of the universities in the Arqus alliance;

– Applications from students from other universities will only be accepted if vacancies are available.

 

For registration, candidates must submit:
– curriculum vitae;
– certificate of qualifications;
– a letter of motivation demonstrating an interest in working with local communities (from an intergenerational perspective) and their cultural heritage.

 

Candidate Ranking:

Candidates will be ranked in order of application, according to their curriculum evaluation, with emphasis given to interest in the area of ​​heritage and availability to participate in practical and collaborative activities:
• By order of registration;

• Priority will be given to students and members of ARQUS;

• Based on their respective expression of interest (letter of motivation).

 

The course is free of charge.

 

Calendar:

June 22 – July 30, 2026

 

Location and operating regime:

The workshop will be developed in a blended learning format, combining online activities with in-person sessions:

– Intensive week of work (June 22-28): Extremo village (Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal), both in an adapted space such as a classroom in the social building of the Portela-Extremo Parish Union, and in the village’s outdoor space (inhabited area and agricultural spaces). Practical activities take place in real-world contexts, such as Arcos de Valdevez or other territories where students develop the course online, allowing for situated learning.

– June 29: Braga

– Until July 30: remainder of the course in online format

 

The Micro-Credential has a total workload of 84 hours/5 weeks and comprises 3 ECTS.

 

Course Coordinator:

Rebeca Blanco Rotea | ICS / Lab2PT/IN2PAST

 

Course Teaching Staff:
Rebeca Blanco-Rotea | ICS / Lab2PT/IN2PAST
Cidália Silva | EAAD / Lab2PT/IN2PAST
Elena Correa | MEMOLab – Laboratory of Biocultural Archaeology; University of Granada
José Mª Martín Civantos | MEMOLab – Laboratory of Biocultural Archaeology; University of Granada

 

Collaborators from the University of Minho and other centers:
Ana Alice Batista | Department of Information Systems, School of Engineering, University of Minho
Cristina Fontán | School of Architecture, University of A Coruña, Spain
Emília Rodrigues Araújo | Department of Sociology; University of Minho
José Gabriel Andrade Junior | Department of Communication Sciences, University of Minho
Margarita Fernandez Mier | Department of History, University of Oviedo
Natália Botica | Archaeology Unit, Collaborating Researcher Lab2PT/IN2PAST, University of Minho
Diana Mendes | ICS, University of Minho | PhD Candidate Lab2PT/IN2PAST

 

Field and Laboratory Collaborators:
Célia Alves | Integrated Master in Architecture, University of Minho
Diego Machado | Collaborating Researcher Lab2PT/IN2PAST, University of Minho
João Alves | Integrated Master in Architecture, University of Minho
Rodrigo Pereira | Master’s Degree in Architecture, University of Minho

 

Promoting Institutions: ICS, EAAD, Lab2PT/IN2PAST, UMinho; ARQUS European University Alliance

 

Important Dates:

– Registration takes place between May 25th and June 9th, 2026.

– Results of the registration process will be announced by June 12th, 2026.

– Registration takes place on June 15th and 17th, 2026.

 

Registration: HERE

 

Minimum number of participants: 9

Maximum number of places: 15

 

ARQUS event link: HERE