Speakers
Rui Mendes
Roundtable session
The dualism of joint and dual degree programmes has been ongoing for the past two decades, often fuelled by misunderstandings and misconceptions. This session aims to clarify the current scenario through a role play, during which two speakers will debate the pros and cons of the two models according to their extensive experience in the field. The audience is expected to actively contribute with their own perspectives on the topic.
Topics:
Collaborative degree programmes Student exchange and study abroad
Rui Mendes is the Director of International Affairs at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon, where he has led internationalisation strategies and mobility programmes for over a decade. He has extensive experience in managing European-funded projects, having coordinated or contributed to nearly 30 initiatives under Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and TEMPUS, including strategic partnerships, capacity building, and university alliances such as Unite! and FOSTWOM.
With a background in sociology (BSc) and statistics and information management (MSc), Rui brings a multidisciplinary approach to inclusion, data-driven policy, and international cooperation. He has held prior leadership roles in human resources and institutional governance at IST and currently serves on various high-level committees, including the Steering Committee of the Magalhães Network (Europe–Latin America), and as Deputy Vice President of the T.I.M.E. Association. He also chairs the Grant Application Support Team (GAST) within the CLUSTER network.
Rui is active in public service, currently presiding over the Commission of Health, Social and Labour Affairs in the Cascais Municipal Parliament. He is a seasoned presenter and trainer, having spoken at EAIE, SEFI, FAUBAI, and ESOF, and is the founder of IEHEP—International Experts for Higher Education in Portugal. His expertise bridges policy, practice, and inclusion in global higher education.
