Under the theme “A Collective Journey in Three Acts – Identity, Connection and Action,” around 40 faculty members and researchers from ESCS gathered on 14 July at Universidade Atlântica – Fábrica da Pólvora, in Oeiras, for the 2nd LIACOM Researchers’ Meeting and the 2nd ESCS UNESCO Chair in Communication, Media and Information Literacy and Citizenship Residency. The event was attended by the President of the Polytechnic University of Lisbon (IPL), António Belo.

The programme was designed to strengthen connections among colleagues, showcase the work carried out across the research community, and foster opportunities for the development of new collaborative projects.

Act I: Identity – Who Are We?

The morning began with the presentation of the achievements of LIACOM (Laboratory of Applied Research in Communication and Media) and its research structures: the Landscape Museum, the Oral Memory Archive of Communication Professions, the Journalism Trends Laboratory, the Public Communication Campaigns Observatory, the Advertising, Brands and Consumption Observatory, and the UNESCO Chair in Communication, Media and Information Literacy and Citizenship.

During this session, researchers reviewed the work carried out over the past academic year, presenting research projects, funding applications, established partnerships, and ongoing initiatives. The session also introduced new research opportunities that will be launched in the near future, paving the way for future collaborations.

The presentations made the work developed by the different research teams more visible and helped identify points of convergence between research areas that do not always interact in day-to-day academic life.

The coffee break extended this collaborative spirit in an informal setting, around a table filled with food and drinks brought by the participants themselves.

Act II: Connection – How Do We Come Together?

Reflection gave way to interaction during the second part of the morning. Researchers were invited to step outside their usual routines through a series of activities designed to build trust, strengthen interpersonal connections, and encourage teamwork—key elements for successful research collaboration.

The session, led by actor and trainer João Fartaria, included body and voice expression exercises that challenged participants to communicate in different ways and establish new connections.

Lunch naturally continued this atmosphere of conviviality, allowing many of the conversations initiated during the morning to develop further in an informal setting.

Act III: Action – What Will We Build Together?

The afternoon focused on shaping future collaborative initiatives. Working in thematic groups, participants identified new research opportunities and explored ideas for joint projects.

To encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of perspectives, researchers were invited to join groups with colleagues with whom they do not usually work.

The diversity of experiences and areas of expertise enriched the discussions, leading to several project proposals that will now be further developed with the support of LIACOM and the ESCS UNESCO Chair.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of the LIACOM Roadmap 2026–2030, outlining some of the strategic priorities that will guide the research centre and the UNESCO Chair in the coming years.

At the end of the day, participants highlighted the event as a moment that “facilitated both work and meaningful encounters,” emphasizing the spirit of companionship, commitment, and the importance of creating time and space to talk, get to know one another, and build together.