Professor in the field of Mathematics Education at Polytechnic of Guarda (IPG); Post-Doc in Problem-solving Skills at Kindergarten (Institute of Education, Faculty of Education, Sakarya University, Turkey);PhD in Science and Technology - specialization in Didactical Mathematics (UTAD University, Vila-Real); Master's degree in Mathematics Education ( UBI University - Covilhã); Degree in Mathematics Education (Faculty of Education, Coimbra University); Coordinator of Center for Studies in Education and Innovation (CI&DEI - Guarda Section - https://www.ipv.pt/cidei/coord.htm) from December 2018; Dean of HEI - School of Education, Communication and Sport, Polytechnic of Guarda, from 12/01/2015 until 14/01/2019; Member of the Executive Commission of CEI - (Centro de Estudos Ibéricos - http://www.cei.pt/cei/estrutura.htm) from 12/01/2015 until 14/01/2019; Member of the board of UDI (Research Unit for Inland Development - http://www.ipg.pt/udi/) from 02/2012 until 12/2014; Develops research in mathematics education, ICT, multicultural education, pre-school and primary school education, and inclusion and innovation. Has several scientific publications and designed activities with different HEI from Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Belgium, Germany, Albania, Uzbekistan, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru among others He is an evaluator for ERASMUS+ Portuguese Agency and European COST projects.

Dr. Kadir Erkan is a pioneering full professor and Head of the Mechatronics Engineering Department at Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul, renowned for his groundbreaking innovations in electromagnetic suspension systems, hybrid magnetic bearings, and maglev transportation technologies. Holding a PhD from the University of Tokyo, where he honed his expertise in advanced mechatronic systems, Dr. Erkan has authored over 70 scientific publications and secured multiple patents, including designs for contactless transport systems using hybrid electromagnets (TR 2016 20306 and TR 2018 09733), microrobot systems (TR 2015 16147), and modular maglev carriers (industrial designs 2024 009752 and 2024 009753). His inventions, such as the novel cross-type hybrid 4-pole maglev carrier and untethered micro-UFO manipulation techniques, have revolutionized precision robotics and vibration isolation, enabling applications from micro-gravity platforms to high-speed conveyance systems. These contributions stem from his multidisciplinary approach, blending electrical engineering with mechanical dynamics to create efficient, zero-power levitation controls that minimize energy consumption and enhance system robustness. Dr. Erkan's innovations extend beyond academia through robust industry collaborations, including TÜBİTAK-funded projects like the Hyperloop vehicle prototype with Technopark (2021-2022) and integrated servo-hydraulic driver systems with private sector partners (2015-2017). His work on sustainable technologies, such as vertical magnetic-bearing wind turbines and autonomous maglev carriers, has earned prestigious awards, including a bronze medal at the International Inventions Fair (2021) for hybrid electromagnet arrangements and top honors at TEKNOFEST for maglev elevators (2018, 2021). These efforts have fostered partnerships with entities like DHL for autonomous warehouse vehicles and Başakşehir Living Lab for national flying vehicle technologies, driving real-world commercialization of maglev solutions. With an h-index of 8 (Scopus) and over 169 citations, Dr. Erkan continues to bridge research and industry, mentoring theses on wireless power transfer and magnetic resonance coupling while leading R&D initiatives that advance Turkey's technological sovereignty in mechatronics.

Professor at School of Education, Communication and Sports in Politechnic of Guarda, since 2012. Assistant at School of Education, Communication and Sports, Politechnic of Guarda, since 1999. Assistant Professor at School of Technology and Management, Politechnic of Guarda, 1998-1999.Researcher at Center for Studies in Education and Innovation (CI&DEI). Researcher at Research Unit for Inland Development (UDI) - Politechnic of Guarda. Researcher at CISUC - Center for Informatics and Systems, University of Coimbra, from 2004 to 2016. PhD on Informatics Engineering, from the University of Coimbra (FCTUC), with a thesis titled " Educational Modelling & Simulation for Kids - Proposta de uma Abordagem para o 1º ciclo do Ensino Básico", 2012. Master in Informatics Engineering Degree from University of Coimbra, 2004. Informatics Engineering Degree from Politechnic of Guarda, June 1997.

Professor in the field of Computer Science at Polytechnic University of Guarda (IPG). PhD in Virtual Process Training (University of Salamanca), Master’s degree inInformation System (University of Porto), and a Bachelor´s degree in Computer Science (IPG). Member of Center for Studies in Education and Innovation. Develop research, scientific and technical publications in the field of technology and education, collaborative learning tools, and social media communication. Her leadership rolesinclude serving as the coordinator of the Pedagogical Innovation Project and as the coordinator of the Software Testing Course. She has also contributed to variousErasmus+ working groups, including those focused on Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Education, Creativity in Higher Education among others. She has contributed significantly to various initiatives, including co-foundingthe International Conference on Cybersecurity (2017-2025) and Summer Course 'I'm Engineer’ (2016-2022). She also served as a member of the organizing committee for the Fire Fighting Robot Competition (2003–2019).

Ilona Plaksenkova has a PhD in Biology from Daugavpils University (DU). In addition to academic activities, Ilona is actively involved in the development of study quality. Since December 2021, she has been working as the Quality Manager of the Study Quality Assessment Center at DU. In this position, her main focus is on coordinating the evaluation procedures of study fields and programs, ensuring and improving the quality of higher education at DU. Currently, she is also engaged in the OpenEU project ERASMUS-EDU-2024-EUR-UNIV“The learner-centred, inclusive, digital and green Open European University for the strengthening of the European Higher Education Area” (No. 101177241), where she serves as a work package leader.

Inese Kokina is current Daugavpils University Vice Rector for Studies and Science. In addition to academic responsibilities, Inese Kokina is Head of the Department of Biotechnology of DU and is an active participant of DU internal and international projects.

In 2014 Anna Vanaga obtained a master's degree in management science. She has been working at Daugavpils University since 2013 and since 2018, she has held the position of Head of the Science Department at Daugavpils University. She has experience working on European Union Structural Fund projects and Horizon 2020 projects. Since 01.04.2025, she has been managing the ERDF project "Daugavpils University Doctoral Grants in Smart Specialization Areas."

In 2010 Olita Miglāne obtained a bachelor's degree in economics from Daugavpils University, and in 2016, a master's degree in economics. Since 2018 she is working as a senior referent at the Science Department of Daugavpils University. Responsibilities include organizing scientific events—conferences, scientific communication activities, and other science-related events. Since April 2025, she is working as the implementation coordinator for the ERDF "Daugavpils University Doctoral Grants in Smart Specialization Areas".

Daiga Saulīte holds a master's degree in biology. She works at Daugavpils University as a project coordinator in the Science Department and coordinator of the Doctoral School. Her daily duties include cooperation with doctoral program directors and doctoral students, planning and organizing Doctoral School classes, as well as project coordination and administrative support in the research process. Currently actively involved in the project "Modernization of the Study Environment at Daugavpils University"

Biruta Mūrniece is an experienced project manager with more than 10 years of experience in implementing projects in the public, municipal and private sectors. Since 2018, she has been actively involved in the field of education and skills development, managing projects and participating in the development and implementation of various training programs. She is currently part of the DU project management team for several ESF projects, as well as the Recovery Fund project "Digital Innovation and Development of Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs," which focuses on improving the digital skills of businesses and public organizations. In the field of education, she has obtained a master's degree in public and institutional management (DU), as well as a bachelor's degree in history and pedagogy. In addition to her education, she has completed courses in coaching, business management in the digital environment, and other professional development courses.

Project administrator and guest lecturer at the Faculty of Science since 01.02.2008. Alise obtained Professional master's degree in public administration and master's degree in educational pedagogy. Currently works with different international projects: ESF "Induction year support for new teachers after obtaining teacher qualifications" project coordinator at DU since 01.03.2024; Recovery Fund project "Digital innovation and development of digital skills for entrepreneurs" - project manager since 01.02.2025.; ERDF project "Development of an electrochemical multisensor system for biomarker detection" - project administrative manager from 01.03.2025.

Jānis Kudiņš obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Economics in 2010, a Master's Degree in Social Sciences (Economics) in 2012, and a Doctoral Degree in Social Sciences (Ph.D.) in 2023. He began working at Daugavpils University in 2008 and is currently the Vice-Rector for Development. He has also worked in local government: as a deputy in the Daugavpils municipality and as a chairman of the board of LLC "Daugavpils Regional Hospital" from 2002 to 2023. Since 2014, J. Kudiņš has been a lecturer at the Department of Law, Management and Economics at Daugavpils University. J. Kudiņš is the author and co-author of numerous scientific publications in the fields of regional economics, artificial intelligence, and the silver economy.

Inta Ostrovska obtained doctoral degree in pedagogy in 2011.Currently she is a docent at Daugavpils university – in Department of law, management science and economics. In addition to this Inta is also researcher at Daugavpils University in the Center of sustainable education of Institute of humanities and social sciences.

Viktorija Šipilova is a senior researcher at the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences at Daugavpils University, Latvia. As part of the national research program, she developed research on the importance of smart specialization for regional development. Her current fields of scientific activity are related to various areas of sustainable and digital economy. Recent studies have been devoted to the impact of the pandemic on the education and working processes, effects of depopulation on regional development, digital finance and more. At the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Daugavpils University, she gives lectures on subjects such as smart specialization and regional development, sustainable regional development, innovation, and macroeconomic policy. Viktorija Šipilova is a Latvian Council of Science expert in economy and entrepreneurship and educational sciences. Viktorija Šipilova is vice-chair of organizing committee of annual international academic conference “Social Sciences for Regional Development” at Daugavpils University, Latvia