Based on a five-year research programme, this keynote will focus on key design guidelines to develop effective and efficient innovative learning environments in higher education. A variety of models will be discussed to develop collaborative learning in the domain of medicine, pharmacy, business sciences, education, teacher training, etc. Evidence-based approaches will centre on scripting, role assignment, task design, group structure, course development, tutoring, coaching and evaluation. The research models will centre on the necessity to adopt complex evaluation approaches to take into account the full complexity of the teaching and learning context.