9th EUniWell Rectors’ Assembly in Cologne marks five years of research and innovation in well-being
Rectors and student representatives from all partner universities convened at the biannual Rectors’ Assembly (hereafter: Assembly), the highest decision-making body of the Alliance, to discuss and decide the Alliance’s long-term direction and priorities. The 9th Assembly was held at the University of Cologne and focused on the Alliance’s achievements in advancing well-being research, education, and innovation on an European scale, particularly regarding the alignment of the Alliance’s activities with EUniWell’s scientific and strategic ambitions and three focus areas: Becoming a Voice for Well-Being; Becoming a European University for Well-Being; and Becoming Communities for Well-Being that empower students, staff, and partners to innovate, co-create, and thrive. These ambitions include interdisciplinary research networks, inclusive and internationalised curricula, digital transformation in learning, and community-focused projects. Concretely, the alliance discussed the multiannual financial framework, European degree initiatives and the strengthening of engagement across the alliances.
A shared vision for science and well-being in Europe
Professor Beatrix Busse, Chief Development Officer for EUniWell, opened the Assembly with a call to reflection: “Let us remember the beginning of EUniWell, our Mission Statement, and the EUniWell 2030 Strategy (…) all that we have achieved in these five years.” The ensuing discussions addressed institutional and national perspectives on the European Commission’s proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework through proposals for Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and the European Competitiveness Fund. The session highlighted EUniWell’s scientific strengths, and how EUniWell might reinforce its role as a reference point for well-being-based policy and research in Europe.
Discussions further explored ways to enhance the scientific and educational visibility of EUniWell through the development of joint education offers, improved mobility frameworks, and collaborative research initiatives. The exchanges underlined the Alliance’s ambition to strengthen its capacity as a European University for science and well-being.
Reflecting on EUniWell’s role in shaping European cooperation, Professor Joybrato Mukherjee, Rector of the University of Cologne, emphasised the importance of the EUniWell alliance: “We are grateful to be able to extend this invitation to EUniWell’s fifth anniversary celebration – a very fitting occasion, since EUniWell was established here in Cologne, with the University of Cologne serving as the coordinating institution. This gratitude also concerns the very substance of EUniWell. At the University of Cologne, we are currently working on the next phase of our internationalisation strategy, in which networking is a key pillar.”
Looking ahead to EUniWell 2030
Central to the discussion was strengthening member engagement using the EUniWell platform model. This model is designed to build diverse funding streams so that each institution delivers on EUniWell’s well-being centred mission. The platform also empowers all stakeholders in their efforts to cooperate across the fields of education, research, innovation, and civic engagement - core dimensions of the EUniWell 2030 Strategy Framework and Strategy Questions launched in November 2023. The Strategy Framework continues to act as a roadmap for EUniWell’s work on well-being, strategic decision making, joint initiatives in research, teaching, and policy advocacy across and beyond all member institutions. Alliance universities’ leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the Alliance’s three strategic focus areas.
On the future direction of EUniWell Educational Offers, Professor Giorgia Giovannetti, Deputy Chief Development Officer, emphasised the role of alignment and focus: “By including the EUniWell Arenas in our mapping, we can identify clear thematic priorities based on existing courses, ensuring our educational offer remains coherent, connected, and centred on well-being.” Sarah Bermann, Chief Student Officer for EUniWell, underlined how connecting academic and well-being goals can make a real difference for the next generation of learners: “Including a well-being element in existing academic programmes makes them very attractive for students. That’s part of what makes EUniWell unique.”
The EUniWell Rectors’ Assembly in Cologne was followed by a celebration “Well-being for our Futures.” More than 200 participants from across the Alliance, the European Commission and European Parliament, and partners gathered over the course of two days to reflect on collective achievements, mark this milestone, and dive into well-being research across EUniWell’s Thematic Arenas. After this week of events, the Alliance looks forward to the work of well-being that lies ahead.
Further information
Attending Rectors and EUniWell Board Members:
- Prof. Dr. Beatrix Busse, Chief Development Officer – University of Cologne (Germany)
- Sarah Bermann, Chief Student Officer – University of Cologne (Germany)
- Prof. Dr. Robin Mason, Pro-Vice-Chancellor – University of Birmingham (United Kingdom)
- Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, Rector – University of Cologne (Germany)
- Prof. Dr. Kirk Junker, Vice-Rector – University of Cologne (Germany)
- Prof. Dr. Alessandra Petrucci, Rector – University of Florence (Italy)
- Prof. Dr. Giorgia Giovannetti, Deputy EUniWell Chief Development Officer & Vice-Rector for International Relations – University of Florence (Italy)
- Prof. Dr. Jean-François Huchet, Rector – Inalco (France)
- Prof. Dr. Il-Il Malibert, Deputy Vice-President for European Affairs – Inalco (France)
- Prof. Dr. Rima Sleiman, Vice-President of the Scientific Council – Inalco (France)
- Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Wilhelmi, Vice-Rector for Teaching – University of Konstanz (Germany)
- Prof. Dr. Isabell Otto, Vice-Rector for Diversity and Academic Staff Development – University of Konstanz (Germany)
- Prof. Dr. Daniel Alvunger, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation – Linnaeus University (Sweden)
- Prof. Dr. José Luján Alcaraz, Rector – University of Murcia (Spain)
- Prof. Dr. Pascual Cantos Gómez, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation – University of Murcia (Spain)
- Prof. Dr. Céline Bressollette-Bodin, Delegate Vice Rector – Nantes Université (France)
- Prof. Dr. Antonio López Díaz, Rector – University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
- Prof. Dr. María José López Couso, Vice-Rector for Degrees and Internationalisation – University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
- Prof. Dr. Belén Méndez Naya, Deputy Vice-Rector for Degrees and Internationalisation – University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
- Prof. Dr. Miklós Kellermayer, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine – Semmelweis University (Hungary)
- Dr. Tamás Hegedüs, Director for International Relations and Alumni Affairs – Semmelweis University (Hungary)
- Prof. Dr. Volodymyr Bugrov, Rector – Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Ukraine)
- Prof. Dr. Kseniia Smyrnova, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation – Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Ukraine)
- Prof. Dr. Rafał Krenke, Rector – Medical University of Warsaw (Poland)
- Prof. Dr. Michał Grąt, Vice-Rector for Internationalization, Promotion, and Rural Development – Medical University of Warsaw (Poland)
- Dr. Graham Harrison, Managing Director – University of Cologne (Germany)Pana Djamtorki, Alumni Student Executive Board Member
- Gaida Lefeuvre Mendoza, Student Executive Board Member – Université de Nantes (France)
Contact
For general information or media enquiries, please contact Eva Laurie, EUniWell Head of Communications.
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