Strengthening European Higher Education Collaboration: HECA Hosts Portuguese CNIPES Leadership Delegation

The Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) was pleased to welcome a senior leadership delegation from Portugal’s National Council for Pedagogical Innovation in Higher Education (CNIPES) for a strategic meeting in Dublin, reaffirming the strong and growing ties between Ireland and Portugal in advancing higher education policy and practice.

The CNIPES delegation was led by Manuel João Tavares Mendes da Costa, Vice-President of CNIPES and representative of the University of Minho. He was joined by senior academic leaders, national quality assurance representatives, Erasmus+ leadership, and student representatives — reflecting a comprehensive, cross-sector commitment to strengthening teaching, learning, and governance across Portuguese higher education.

Patricia O’Sullivan, HECA Executive Director, stated:

“Engagement with CNIPES reflects the growing importance of cross-European collaboration in shaping responsive, high-quality higher education systems. Sharing insights on policy development, advocacy, and student engagement strengthens not only our respective sectors, but our collective contribution to society.”

The Portuguese delegation included:

• Patrícia Rosado Pinto – CNIPES President
• Manuel João Costa – CNIPES Vice President
• Andreia Godinho Lopes – National ERASMUS+ Agency, Head of Department
• Raquel Santos – Secretary-General, A3ES (Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education)
• Cristina Dias – Vice-Rector for Education and Academic Affairs, University of Minho
• Joana  Casanova – Researcher, University of Minho
• Rúben Alves – University of Aveiro, Coordinator of the Teaching and Learning Support Unit
• Ana Paula Canavarro – Vice-Rector, University of Évora
• Joana Regadas – President, Academic Association of the University of Aveiro

The meeting brought together HECA members:

• Dr Marcella Finnerty (HECA Chair, President Emeritus IICP)
• Professor Diarmuid Hegarty (President, Griffith College; Host Institution)
• Professor Vicent Ligorio (Hibernia College)
• Dr John Mescal (Hibernia College)
• Patricia O’Sullivan (HECA Executive Director)

Discussions were wide-ranging and forward-looking, focusing on representative advocacy for independent and private providers, global partnerships, quality assurance frameworks, enhancing student experience and success, addressing national skills priorities, and anticipating emerging trends and challenges across the sector.

HECA welcomed the opportunity to share insights into Ireland’s higher education policy landscape and to highlight the contribution of private and independent providers in delivering innovation, flexibility, and responsiveness within the broader system. The exchange demonstrated a shared commitment to evidence-informed policymaking, meaningful student engagement, and collaborative approaches to educational enhancement.   

Dr. Marcella Finnerty, HECA Chair, commented: “It was a genuine pleasure to host our colleagues from CNIPES in Dublin. The spirit of openness and mutual respect that characterised our discussions reflects the strength of the relationship between our organisations. The exchange of perspectives and practical insights was both stimulating and constructive, reaffirming our shared commitment to enhancing quality, innovation, and student-centred higher education across Europe. We look forward to building on this valuable dialogue in the months ahead.”

Professor Manuel João Costa, CNIPES Vice President, commented” The private sector plays a vital role in the higher education ecosystem—driving innovation, widening access, and offering flexible, market-responsive programmes that complement public provision. The insights shared by the HECA Board were highly informative, highlighting practical approaches to quality, student support and institutional sustainability that are valuable for the whole sector.”

HECA extends its sincere thanks to the CNIPES delegation for a constructive and collegial dialogue and looks forward to continued collaboration in strengthening excellence, innovation, and impact across European higher education.