SIRENE, in collaboration with other pioneering organizations, was a prominent presence at the International Conference on Learning and Implementing Social Innovation – Talking about SHAFE held in Coimbra on November 8-9, 2022. Co-hosted by the Coimbra Nursing School, SHINE 2Europe, AFEdemy, and the COST Action NET4Age-Friendly, this event aimed to expand the knowledge and awareness of socially innovative networks and projects. It provided a platform to showcase these initiatives, promote their interconnection, and fortify the community of social innovators in the field.

The Plenary session “Implementing SHAFE – Knowledge, Networks, and Initiatives” saw key figures like João Apóstolo, Carina Dantas, Maddalena Illario, and Michele Calabro’ presenting various initiatives and networks dedicated to the development of Smart Healthy Age-friendly Environments (SHAFE). Guided by the session’s moderator, Willeke Van Staalduinen, Carina Dantas elaborated on the SHAFE network, the COST Action NET4Age-Friendly, and introduced the new Horizon Europe project, SIRENE. The latter, officially launched on November 7th, has set a two-year mission to bolster social innovation ecosystems with a strong focus on SHAFE service implementation throughout Europe. Join us in shaping the future of age-friendly communities!