Linnaeus University strengthens collaboration with local and regional EUniWell partners

11/07/2025 | by Karin Wickenberg | Linnaeus

Linnaeus University and its local and regional partners within the EUniWell Alliance have taken an important step forward in their joint efforts to promote a sustainable future, and enhance well-being. During a first workshop held in Kalmar on 1 October 2025, representatives from municipalities, regions, and the university came together to explore concrete forms of collaboration and projects that can help address societal challenges – both locally and in a European context.

A group of participants from Linnaeus University and EUniWell standing together outside a modern university building in Kalmar.

A total of 20 participants attended the workshop, including 11 external partners from Kalmar and Växjö municipalities, as well as Region Kalmar and Region Kronoberg. This reflects a strong commitment to working together with Linnaeus University and EUniWell in areas such as health, social equity, sustainable development, culture and language, and teacher education. The workshop was organised by Joacim Hansson, Professor of Library and Information Science, and Academic Lead for EUniWell’s work on civic engagement and societal impact.

“This was the first meeting of its kind, and it left us wanting more,” says Joacim Hansson. “We received valuable input on specific topics and themes to develop further – not only for our municipalities and regions, but also for us as a European university.”

Discussions throughout the day were based on the partners’ own needs, ideas, and proposals for development projects. Suggestions included capacity-building initiatives for public sector professionals, and ways to integrate European perspectives into local projects. Joacim Hansson also presented a proposed model for collaboration between universities and society.

Eric Ciardi, Municipal Commissioner in Kalmar, summarised the municipality’s partnership with EUniWell:

“Like many other municipalities in Sweden, and across Europe, Kalmar faces major challenges related to skills provision and demographic change. Collaborating with our local Linnaeus University, and other universities within EUniWell, is a way to strengthen knowledge and competence within our existing operations – and to support long-term skills development.”

European university alliances are part of the EU’s strategy to deepen cooperation in research and education, and to improve mobility for students and researchers. Linnaeus University was one of the first Swedish universities to join an alliance, and this year EUniWell celebrates its fifth anniversary.

Daniel Alvunger, Professor of Education, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation, sees EUniWell as a key platform for connecting research with societal needs:

“By meeting with our partners, and discussing concrete activities and projects, we show how we can jointly develop our organisations. This helps bring research and societal issues onto the EU agenda – but above all, it offers hope, and shows that another future is possible in a time marked by growing polarisation and uncertainty.”

The workshop with external partners is a natural part of Linnaeus University’s ongoing work to put knowledge in motion for sustainable societal development – locally, regionally, and globally. Through close collaboration in education and research, the university aims to contribute to an environment where interdisciplinary research, education, social responsibility, health and sustainability, democracy, inclusion, and diversity can thrive.

Further information:

Visit Linnaeus University’s page about EUniWell – the European University for Well-Being.

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