On 23–24 October 2025, the partners of the Exercise Therapy Assistant Dogs – THEO project (No. 101185240) convened in Cagliari, Italy, for a two-day transnational meeting hosted by Coda di Lupo at AGC Formazione Sardegna. The gathering brought together all consortium members to review ongoing progress, strengthen cooperation, and coordinate the next stages of this forward-looking initiative.
- Day 1: Project Development and Technical Progress
The meeting began with a welcoming session and an overview of the project’s objectives, timeline, and current achievements, paving the way for in-depth discussions on the various work packages.
A major focus of the first day was Work Package 2, during which INONU presented updates on ongoing research and facilitated an interactive session on the development of the THEO videogame. Partners provided valuable feedback on the game’s functionalities, educational impact, and user experience to ensure consistency with the project’s therapeutic aims.
The agenda then moved to Work Package 3, led by KEAN, who showcased the educational tools and materials being developed to support exercise therapy through assistant dogs. ACAL followed with a presentation on Work Package 5, outlining communication efforts, dissemination strategies, and activities aimed at enhancing the project’s visibility. The day concluded with an open Q&A session, giving partners the opportunity to clarify tasks and coordinate upcoming activities.
- Day 2: Strategic Planning and Management
The second day centred on strategic planning and overall project management. Lousada opened the agenda with an update on Work Package 4, detailing upcoming awareness campaigns designed to reach communities and key stakeholders.
Partners then shifted to Work Package 1, where ESDP led a review of administrative progress and the first reporting period, ensuring that all consortium members remain aligned with financial and procedural requirements.
This was followed by a dedicated planning session, during which partners discussed upcoming deliverables, key deadlines, and next steps across all work packages. A monitoring and evaluation session enabled the consortium to assess progress and ensure the continued quality and effectiveness of project activities.
The two-day meeting closed with an evaluation of the event and the presentation of participation certificates.
- Strengthening Collaboration for the Road Ahead
The transnational meeting in Cagliari reaffirmed the strong collaboration, shared commitment, and united vision guiding the THEO project. Through constructive dialogue, coordinated planning, and the exchange of expertise, partners continue to advance the project’s mission of enhancing exercise therapy through innovative tools and the support of assistant dogs.
With renewed momentum and clear direction, the consortium is well-prepared to move forward into the next phase of the project.
