Annual Conference of the EBSN
Basic Skills for Life, Work and Democratic Participation in Times of Transformation
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Join Europe’s leading conference on adult basic skills – connecting policy, research and practice across Europe.
17-19 June 2026
Lisbon, Portugal
EBSN in cooperation with the CLUNL – Research Center for Linguistics at NOVA University Lisbon.
From 17 to 19 June 2026, the European Basic Skills Network (EBSN) will bring policymakers, researchers, practitioners, educators and adult learning professionals together in Lisbon, Portugal for its Annual Conference 2026. Under the theme “Basic Skills for Life, Work and Democratic Participation in Times of Transformation”, the conference will explore how adult basic skills can help people navigate change, participate fully in society and build more secure futures.
What participants can expect
At a time when adult basic skills are gaining renewed attention across Europe, the EBSN Annual Conference 2026 offers a unique space to connect policy, research and practice.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
explore current European policy developments on adult basic skills
learn from practices and initiatives supporting adults in real-life contexts
engage with approaches that connect learning, work, inclusion and democratic participation
exchange insights with peers from across countries, sectors and professional backgrounds
build new collaborations and partnerships for future projects and initiatives
The conference is designed to support exchange, reflection and collaboration, helping participants identify practical solutions and transferable approaches that can be adapted in their own contexts.
Pre-conference Programme:
Networking, Exchange and Local Practice Visit
The pre-conference programme offers participants an opportunity to meet colleagues from across Europe in a smaller-group setting, exchange experiences and explore potential collaborations.
The programme is open to all registered participants and is designed to support peer learning between policymakers, practitioners, researchers and adult learning professionals.
We are also planning a local visit linked to Portugal’s Qualifica approach to adult learning, skills recognition and lifelong learning provision. This will offer participants first-hand insight into how policy, guidance, validation and learning opportunities are connected in practice.
Further practical details, including the exact location and format of the visit, will be confirmed soon.
The pre-conference programme is planned for Wednesday, 17 June, in the morning and early afternoon. Lunch will be included for participants registered for full participation.
Which registration option should I choose?
Participants can choose between full participation, including the pre-conference programme on Wednesday, and conference participation for the two main conference days.
Full participation is recommended if you would like to:
Conference participation is suitable if you would like to:
European exchange
Policy, practice and research
3 days in Lisbon
Registration is now open
Participants can now register for the EBSN Annual Conference 2026. The programme is currently being developed and will be updated as speakers and sessions are confirmed.
Time & Venue
17-19 June 2026
Lisbon, Portugal
NOVA FCSH – Campolide Campus, Colégio Almada Negreiros, 1099-085 Lisboa
Why Portugal?
Portugal has developed important national initiatives to strengthen adult learning, basic skills and lifelong learning participation, including the Observatory of Adult Skills, the Qualifica programme and the network of Qualifica Centres.
The conference offers an opportunity to connect European discussions with concrete national approaches to addressing skills gaps, inclusion challenges, and labour market transformation.
Colégio Almada Negreiros
Conference structure at a glance
Networking, Local Practice Exchange and EBSN General Assembly
Approx. 09:00–14:00 + 16:00–18:30
Recommended arrival: Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.
Evidence, Policy and Implementation
Approx. 09:00–17:00 + conference dinner
Conference dinner in the evening.
Transformation, Democracy and Future Challenges
Approx. 09:00–13:00
Recommended departure: Friday afternoon or evening.
Programme information
The draft programme is now available and is currently being finalised together with speakers and institutional partners. Some keynote speakers, session titles and organisational details may still be updated in the coming weeks.
The programme includes plenary sessions, interactive parallel sessions, panel discussions, a marketplace and a pre-conference networking programme.
Participation fee
Registration is available for both full participation (3 days, including the pre-conference programme) and conference participation (2 days, Thursday–Friday, plus the General Assembly). Fees depend on the selected participation option and participant category.
Full Participation
17–19 June 2026
(Pre-conference + Conference)
Best value – full experience
(EBSN members, presenters, local participants)
Conference Participation
18–19 June 2026
(EBSN members, presenters, local participants)
Additional Information
- The fee does not include travel, accommodation or additional meals.
- After registration, participants will receive an invoice by email.
- Please ensure that any transfer costs are covered by the participant.
For Cancellation Policy please see the General Terms and Conditions
FAQ
Practical information for participants
Here you can find out more information on travel to the venue of the event and other useful information.
+ Conference venue
The conference will take place at the HOEK 38, Habitat for Research and Knowledge, a distinguished historic corner building located at 38 Leuvenseweg, Brussels. Situated between St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral and the city center, the venue is just 450 meters from Parc de Bruxelles, offering a central and accessible setting for attendees.
Adress:
HOEK 38, Leuvenseweg 38, 1000 Brussels
+ Conference venue
The conference will take place at NOVA FCSH –Campolide Campus, Colégio Almada Negreiros, an historic 19th-century building which is now part of NOVA University Lisbon. Located in the heart of Campolide, the building is just a short walk from Parque Eduardo VII, and close to major transport hubs such as Praça de Espanha and Sete Rios, offering excellent accessibility and a privileged setting in central Lisbon.
Adress:
NOVA FCSH – Campolide Campus, Colégio Almada Negreiros, 1099-085 Lisboa
+ Venue of the Networking Event & General Assembly
The General Assembly will also take place at the NOVA FCSH –Campolide Campus, Colégio Almada Negreiros, on the 17th of June.
The venue for the EBSN networking event will be announced shortly.
+ Travel from the Airport
Lisbon Airport (Aeroporto Humberto Delgado – LIS) is located just 7 km from the city centre and offers quick and convenient connections to the NOVA FCSH Campolide Campus, where the conference will take place.
By Metro:
The metro is the most straightforward public transport option.
- Take the Red Line from Aeroporto to São Sebastião.
- Change to the Blue Line and exit at Marquês de Pombal.
From Marquês de Pombal, Campolide is a short taxi or bus ride away (10–15 minutes), or a 20–25 minute walk.
Useful links:
- Metro network map & journey planner: https://www.metrolisboa.pt
- Viva Viagem card & ticket information: https://www.metrolisboa.pt/en/travel/where-to-buy
By Bus (CARRIS):
Several bus lines connect the area around the campus:
- From Marquês de Pombal: lines 702, 711, 723, 732
- From Sete Rios: lines 701, 726, 764
The stop closest to the venue is typically Campolide (Av. José Malhoa / Rua de Campolide), depending on the line.
Useful links:
- Route planner & timetables: https://www.carris.pt
- Tickets & passes: https://www.carris.pt/en/buy/occasional-journeys-2/
By Train (CP):
Campolide has its own suburban train station, Estação de Campolide, served by trains from:
- Sete Rios
- Entrecampos
- Benfica
From Campolide station, the venue is a 10–12-minute walk uphill.
Useful links:
- Timetables & journey planner: https://www.cp.pt
- Urban train tickets: https://www.cp.pt/en
By Taxi or Ride-sharing:
Taxis and ride‑sharing services (Uber, Bolt, FreeNow) are widely available at the airport. The trip to Campolide typically takes 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.
By Car:
Paid parking is available near the campus, including:
+ Suggestions for accommodation
For accommodation, we recommend the following options, selected based on proximity, guest reviews, and overall value:
Hotel Novotel (4*) – approx. 800 meters from the conference venue
https://all.accor.com/hotel/0784/index.en.shtml
Av. José Malhoa, 1A, 543, 1099-051 Lisboa
h0784@accor.com | +351 21 724 4800
Sana Malhoa Hotel (4*) – approx. 800 meters from the conference venue
https://www.sanahotels.com/en/hotel/sana-malhoa/
Av. José Malhora, n. 8, 1099-089 Lisboa
sanamalhoa@sanahotels.com | + 351 212 468 688
SANA Rex (3*) – approx. 1.000 meters from the conference venue
https://www.sanahotels.com/en/hotel/sana-rex/
Castilho, n. 169, 1070-051 Lisboa
reservations@sanahotels.com | +351 212 468 688
Smy Lisboa (4*) – approx. 1.000 meters from the conference venue
https://www.smyhotels.com/smy-lisboa.html
Artilharia 1, n. 112, 1070-015 Lisboa
info.lisboa@smyhotels.com | + 351 21 248 4900
Açores Lisboa (4*) – approx. 1.200 meters from the conference venue
https://www.bensaudehotels.com/en/hotelacoreslisboa
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, n. 3, 1070-060 Lisboa
hal@bhc.pt | + 351 217 222 920
SANA Reno Hotel (3*) – approx. 1.200 meters from the conference venue
https://www.sanahotels.com/en/hotel/sana-reno/
Av. Duque De Ávila, 195/7, 1050-082 Lisboa, São Sebastião
reservations@sanahotels.com | +351 212 468 688
For additional accommodation options, attendees are encouraged to explore more listings based on their preferences and budget.
+ Conference dinner - Thursday, 18 June
Coming soon
+ Touristic information on Lisbon
These websites provide reliable, up to date information on attractions, events, museums, and cultural activities:
- Visit Lisboa – Official Tourism Website Comprehensive guides to monuments, museums, neighbourhoods, events, and itineraries.
- Tripadvisor – Things to Do in Lisbon Rankings, reviews, and photos of top attractions, tours, and experiences.
- Lonely Planet – Lisbon Travel Guide Curated insights, practical tips, and cultural highlights for visitors.
+ Currency
Portugal uses the Euro (€ / EUR) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels, but it’s always useful to have some cash for smaller purchases or market stalls. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, but not at the Campus.
These resources will equip you with the necessary information to explore Lisbon effectively and enjoy all that the city has to offer.
+ Contact Information
- Zsolt Vincze: +36/20-313-60-10 | secretariat@basicskills.eu
Organizers
We look forward to welcoming you to Lisbon for three days of inspiring discussions, hands-on learning, and collaborative exchange. Save the date, and be part of shaping the future of adult basic skills policies and practices in Europe!
To spread the news of the work we are creating together, feel free to share your experiences on social media and use the #EBSN #EBSN2026 #EBSNconference hashtags and tag @EBSN.
For more technical and practical information about the conference, please get in touch with us through e-mail: secretariat@basicskills.eu.
For updates please follow our social media accounts!