On 22 April 2026, José Barbosa and Flávia Pires, researchers at CeDRI, attended the kick-off meeting of the ACTIVA RURAL TRANSFRONTERIZO Project, an EU-funded cross-border cooperation initiative under the POCTEP 2021–2027 programme.

The project brings together 15 partners from Portugal and Spain with the aim of developing innovative socio-health care systems and promoting active ageing in rural cross-border areas. Its key activities include the creation of a Bauhaus Care Laboratory, the design of assistive technologies and accessible digital solutions, and the piloting of "Aldeas Smarthaus", rural communities that will serve as living labs for integrated care solutions.

IPB plays a central role as coordinator of Activity 2, focused on the development of technology-based care models adapted to the needs of elderly people in rural settings. The project runs until December 2028.