Blog

Official start of the EUniWell initiative on “Crisis and Conviviality in the Mediterranean”
Environmental pollution and degradation, climate change and the depletion of ecological resources; political, religious and ethnic conflicts, as well as state violence and social transformation processes are common challenges for the societies of the Euro-Mediterranean region. These challenges call…
by Emanuele De Simone

Building Beyond Borders: How EUniWell Partners Are Catalysing Change Through Erasmus+ Cooperation
While EUniWell remains strong in fostering meaningful collaborations across its members, its connections extend well beyond its own initiatives. As three innovative Erasmus+ projects show, EUniWell universities leverage their partnerships to create impactful educational and research venues,…
by Fanni Matyasovszki

Empowering Student Voices: Insights from the 1st International Conference on Student Participation
The 1st International Conference on Student Participation highlighted global approaches to student engagement in higher education. Despite challenges, the event underscored EUniWell’s leadership in this domain, fostering meaningful connections and promoting our Alliance’s distinct practices. The…
by Maurizio Häfele

EUniWell 2024: The Year in Review
As 2024 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the significant strides made by EUniWell in advancing well-being and strengthening collaboration across education, research, and society.
by Lara Marie Andres

Embracing Diversity, Empowering Equity and Inclusion, Elevating Well-Being: Our DEI Commitment
In November 2024 stakeholders of EUniWell gathered together in Florence to discuss the potential of a EUniWell DEI (Diversity, Empowering Equity and Inclusion) strategy. The successful workshop focused on how our EUniWell 2030 strategy relates or complements institutional strategies and how DEI…
by Letizia Di Donato, Federica Roldi

Insights from the 2024 Conference of Student Bodies in Timișoara
From 30 October to 3 November, over 100 students from more than 20 European countries convened in Timișoara for the 2024 Conference of the Student Bodies of the Alliances. EUniWell participated in discussions on student rights, innovative educational practices, and a joint European degree.
by Pana Djamtorki

EUniWell Study Week on ‘Multilingualism in the classroom’
The EUniWell Study Week on "Multilingualism in the Classroom" took place from 21-24 October 2024 at the University of Birmingham, and provided students and teachers from the University of Birmingham, University of Cologne, Linnaeus University and the University of Murcia extensive opportunities to…
by Til Kuder

DIGWELLEU Project Revealing Key Insights into Digital Well-being Across Europe
On 25 October 2024, the final meeting of the DIGWELLEU project, hosted at the University of Birmingham Business School, brought together researchers to analyse findings on digital well-being among adults in Europe.
by Eszter Turopoli

Seed Funding Programme Evaluation – Fostering Innovative Collaboration on Well-Being
In late 2023, the EUniWell Seed Funding Programme underwent an evaluation to assess its effectiveness and identify potential improvements. It showed that the funding line is well-designed to foster new collaboration and encourage innovative projects on well-being within the Alliance
by Dorothee Groeger

EUniWell #Research Conference: Paving The Future for the EUniWell Research and Innovation Ecosystem
On 17-18 September, Semmelweis University hosted the EUniWell #Research Conference and a meeting of the Vice-Rectors for Research from EUniWell member institutions in Budapest, Hungary. The events united academic leaders and researchers at the conclusion of the EUniWell #Research project and paved…

EUniWell Early Career Researchers’ Talent Hub
The EUniWell Early Career Researchers’ Talent Hub workshop and PhD Scientific Days Conference were held at Semmelweis University on 8-10 July 2024. As part of the EUniWell #Research initiative, 19 PhD students from EUniWell universities were invited to present their research topics, share knowledge,…
by Eszter Turopoli

Exploring pathways to well-being: Reflections from the EUniWell Rectors’ Assembly and Mayors’ Meeting in Nantes
From 26-28 June, the EUniWell Rectors’ Assembly and Mayors’ Meeting in Nantes, France united academic leaders and city officials to forge new paths in well-being. Together, these events explored transformative strategies for sustainability, citizen engagement, and urban identity, paving the way for…
by EUniWell

EUniWell Leadership Fellowship: an innovative and a transformative international journey
The second round of the EUniWell Leadership Fellowship Programme concluded on 2 July with an in-person workshop at Nantes Université. Held under the EUniWell #Research initiative, the programme brought together 16 participants with diverse academic backgrounds from across the EUniWell Alliance.
by Dr. Anders Heger

International students create creative social media campaign for research station on Öland
From 23 to 26 June, students from five EUniWell universities gathered on Öland, Sweden to design a social media campaign for Station Linné. The course combined remote learning and an on-site internship, culminating in innovative strategies to promote biodiversity and climate change awareness.
by Annika Sand

EUniWell Summer School on Global Peace, Democratic Governance and Well-Being in Brussels
Last week, 23 international students visited the European Parliament in Brussels, exploring its role in shaping democratic governance. This visit was part of the EUniWell Summer School on Global Peace, Democratic Governance and Well-Being, offering practical insights into the workings of the…
by Annika Sand

EUniWell EmpowerED: A Day of Academic Excellence and Well-being Workshops (Skills Taxonomy)
On 22 April 2024, two empowering workshops called “Managing our Learning Environment” and “Connecting through Communication” were organised at the University of Florence for students, researchers and administrative staff of EUniWell member universities. The event fostered growth and skills…
by Maria Jorgelina Reyes Collovati

EUniWell Workshop on “AI-Driven Tools in Healthcare” at Linnaeus University
In April 2024, the members of the EUniWell Well-Being Research Incubator project called ASTUTENESS gathered at Linnaeus University for a meeting, focusing on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and healthcare decision-making.
by Eszter Turopoli

Transatlantic collaboration expands horizons for well-being and education
EUniWell and Teachers College, Columbia University forge deeper ties as new initiatives set the stage for a shared vision in a global context.
by Tobias Endler

A transformative leadership journey: highlights from the first round of the EUniWell Leadership Fellowship Programme
The first round of the EUniWell Leadership Fellowship Programme concluded on 25 January during an in-person meeting at the University of Cologne. Held under the EUniWell #Research initiative, this pilot programme brought together 22 participants from diverse academic backgrounds.
by Veronika Csorba

Discussing History Education through Heritage: How to deal with moral perspectives in secondary education
In the EUniWell Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Discussing History Education through Heritage”, students from Sweden, Germany, Spain, Ukraine, and the Netherlands collaboratively navigated the challenges in history education, emphasising diverse perspectives and the impact of societal…
by Roland Deurloo (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences)

EUniWell #Research programme was highlighted at the Semmelweis Symposium as a key aspect of EUniWell’s scientific engagement
The 31st Semmelweis Symposium was held in Budapest from 11-13 December 2023. The esteemed scientific event was not just a great opportunity to promote EUniWell but also to underscore the main outcomes of the EUniWell #Research programme.
by Eszter Turopoli

EUniWell 2023: The year in review
As we close another dynamic year at EUniWell, join us in reflecting on some of our key moments: From welcoming new members to securing vital funding, 2023 has been a landmark year in strengthening our Alliance, our commitment to well-being and excellence in research and education.
by Lara Marie Andres

EUniWell Showcase Conference 2023: A Celebration of Well-Being and Collaboration
Join us for a look back at the highlights of the EUniWell Showcase Conference “Becoming a Voice for Well-Being” held at the University of Murcia.
by Eva Laurie
EUnited in celebration: A festive journey across member countries
Within our EUniWell community, we experience a variety of cultural traditions from each of our member countries. Join us in exploring some of their end-of-year practices together!
by Lara Marie Andres

Supporting student well-being across Europe
Discover the insights and initiatives that emerged during the thought-provoking event on student well-being hosted by Nantes Université on 15-16 November 2023. Bringing together researchers, educators, students, and administrative staff, the conference presented the outcomes of a comprehensive…
by Elodie Bernard

Francisco Jose Mora Casalles: “People are really nice and welcoming”
For the past two months, Francisco Jose Mora Casalles from the University of Murcia (Spain) has been an intern at Linnaeus University (Sweden). In this interview, he talks about his experiences as an intern within the EUniWell Alliance and how valuable international research connections paved the…
by Annika Sand

EUniWell School Ambassador meeting in Cologne
EUniWell School Ambassadors from 7 EUniWell partner universities came together for the second in-person brainstorming meeting of the EUniWell School Ambassador Programme, hosted and facilitated by the University of Cologne from 12-14 October 2023.
by Eszter Turopoli

Shaping the future of research at EUniWell
Experts and project managers from EUniWell member universities met in Nantes from 27 to 29 September 2023 to steer the last year of EUniWell #Research H2020-funded SwafS project, and develop the Research and Innovation dimension within our Alliance.
by Elodie Bernard

Student Board Workshop 2023: Planning for the future of student representation
At the end of September, EUniWell’s Student Board met in Cologne for a two-day workshop to review the progress of the Student Board so far and to set out goals for further increasing student representation and engagement within EUniWell.
by Liam Walsh

Harnessing citizen science to tackle air pollution: the APoCS Project
A collaborative effort within the EUniWell network brought together academics, citizen scientists, digital artists and the wider public to create new tools to engage communities in tackling air pollution.
by Carlo Luiu and Francis Pope

EUniWell Quality Culture Arena: Advancing quality assurance in EUniWell educational offers
The EUniWell Quality Culture Arena welcomed experts on quality assurance in educational offers at the University of Cologne to collaboratively develop quality assurance tools for EUniWell micro-credentials and joint degrees, and work towards educational excellence.
by D. Groeger

Engaging with Climate Action: EUniWell’s International Service Learning Project in Cologne
Discover the outcomes of this year’s EUniWell International Service Learning Project. The 2023 edition titled “Design a social media campaign and support the fight against climate change!” concluded with an in-person event in Cologne from 26 to 28 June, where international students united with the…
by Elene Shubladze

Sloan Kudrinko: “It is hard to put into words all that I have learned from my time at EUniWell.”
Sloan Kudrinko has represented Semmelweis University as a Student Executive on the EUniWell Student Board over the past 2 years. As a recent graduate, Sloan will be leaving university soon, and handing over her position at EUniWell. We talked to her about her best experiences and main takeaways.
by Eszter Turopoli

VOICE: On academic well-being - from knowledge users to knowledge producers
To continue weaving the thread of what has been achieved, to further develop the VOICE project and methodology - this is the current goal of the six partner universities that, from Africa to Europe, have worked together with students to decentre knowledge production by research, collaboration and…
by Emanuele De Simone

EUniWell students explore the frontiers of migration and diversity research at Nantes Université
The second edition of the MADEINEUROPE Summer School in Nantes brought together postgraduate students and subject specialists from across the EUniWell universities to examine the patterns and magnitude of human mobility and the societal changes incurred by those movements.
by Elodie Bernard

Painting for our well-being
On 20 June 2023, students from diverse fields came together for a moment of tranquility at the “Painting for Well-Being Workshop” hosted by the local EUniWell student arena at the University of Cologne during their student representation’s Mental Health Week.
by Laura Bracht

Insights into diverse and innovative well-being research from the first EUniWell Research Thesis Prize winners
The first EUniWell Research Thesis Prizes awarded a group of young European researchers for the novelty and uniqueness of their research. Watch the videos they have each realised during a week-long communication training in Nantes, and discover a dozen new perspectives on well-being!
by Elodie Bernard

Avoidable, unfair and systematic: EUniWell students study health inequalities at the University of Birmingham
In the last week of June 2023, students from six EUniWell institutions gathered at the University of Birmingham to learn about health inequalities. Subject specialists led sessions on topics from the determinants of inequalities to policy approaches in order to address them, enabling participants to…
by Jo Hawley-Woodall

Preparing for EUniWell Digital University
Based on the European Commission's latest decision, EUniWell has won the opportunity to build on becoming a European University. The second phase of EUniWell will start in November 2023, with a focus on building information technology capabilities. This will be reflected in a dedicated work package…
by Eszter Turopoli

EUniWell events for early career researchers
A PhD Scientific Days Conference and the first Early Career Researcher and Talent Hub workshop were held at Semmelweis University on 22-24 June 2023. PhD candidates from EUniWell member universities were invited to present their research results, share knowledge, create connections, and collaborate…
by Andrea Ambrus

EUniWell participation in European Student Assembly 2023
The 2nd edition of the European Student Assembly (#ESA23) was held in Strasbourg from 31 May to 2 June 2023. EUniWell students participated in this event and represented our Alliance.
by Eszter Turopoli

Successful FestiWell and Rectors’ Assembly at Linnaeus University
On 3-5 April 2023, the fifth EUniWell Rectors' Assembly and the FestiWell 2023 took place at Linnaeus University in Växjö, Sweden. The event brought together participants from all EUniWell universities, including rectors, vice-rectors, students, and staff.
by Linnaeus University

Liam Walsh: “Engaging with students means to engage with well-being.”
Meet our new Chief Student Officer, Liam Walsh from the University of Birmingham. Liam was elected as the new Chair of the EUniWell Student Board and has now held the position since the beginning of March, succeeding Lotte Nagelhout. In this interview with Communications Manager Eva Laurie, he talks…
by Eva Laurie

Linnaeus ICT specialists visit University of Birmingham for job shadowing
As part of the EUniWell staff mobility offer, three members of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Office at Linnaeus University visited their colleagues from the Higher Education Futures Institute (HEFi) at the University of Birmingham for a week of job shadowing.
by EUniWell

EUniWell School Ambassadors participate in Semmelweis Health Competition
EUniWell School Ambassadors joined the first dedicated in-person brainstorming session of the Programme and participated in the Semmelweis Health Competition in Budapest from 24-26 March.
by Eszter Turopoli

EUniWell celebrates peace and well-being at Linnaeus University
On 18 March 2023, students from the Master’s programme “Peace and Development Work” organised the workshop “What does peace mean to me?” at Linnaeus University in Växjö, Sweden. The student-led event was open to all interested visitors. Yelyzaveta Hordiienko, a EUniWell ambassador from Linnaeus…
by Yelyzaveta Hordiienko

5 questions for Professor Giorgia Giovannetti, Vice-Rector for International Relations at the University of Florence
On the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day, we ask Professor Giorgia Giovannetti, Vice-Rector for International Relations and Professor of Economics at the University of Florence 5 questions about economy, equality and well-being.
by Eva Laurie

Inspiration in focus for study trip to Cologne
This autumn, the Faculty Office at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FKH) at Linnaeus University in Sweden replaced its usual conference on its development work with a study trip filled with inspiration and social interaction to the University of Cologne in Germany.
by Linnaeus University

Student Interview: Working 6 weeks for the Birmingham City Council
This summer, Liam Walsh, a student from the University of Birmingham, took part in the EUniWell Mayor's Placement Scheme and completed an internship with Birmingham City Council. In this interview, Liam talks to EUniWell's Communications Manager at the University of Cologne, Eva Laurie, about his…
by Eva Laurie

Developing student representation together: Report on EUniWell Student Board Teambuilding weekend in Cologne
On 23 and 24 September, student representatives from the EUniWell universities gathered for the EUniWell Student Board Teambuilding Weekend at the University of Cologne. Together with EUniWell Director of Integration Karen Buchanan, they further designed student engagement within the alliance and…
by Lotte Nagelhout, Letizia Di Donato

EUniWell agenda on social entrepreneurship is taking off!
EUniWell’s strategy focuses on achieving a social entrepreneurial mindset in the field of sustainable development by fostering creative problem-solving skills, practical and social intelligence as well as adaptability and leadership abilities. To trigger social entrepreneurship opportunities,…

Student Interview: 3 months in Sweden with EUniWell
This spring Franca Müller and Lea Böhling, two students from the University of Cologne, took the opportunity to do an internship with EUniWell at Linnaeus University. In this interview, Lea shares her experiences with EUniWell's Mobility Manager at the University of Cologne, Leonie Tillmanns.
by Leonie Tillmanns
EUniWell Summer School “COVID-19: Impact on European health & well-being”
Watch the aftermovie for a look back at the EUniWell Summer School “COVID-19: Impact on European health & well-being”.
by Mira van den Oever

5 questions for Dr. Graham Harrison, Managing Director of EUniWell
Graham Harrison has been the Managing Director of EUniWell since February 2022. In order to take up this position, the British-born executive made the long move across the Atlantic from Washington DC to Cologne. It seems a natural conclusion then, that the European University for Well-Being to…
by Eva Laurie

Lotte Nagelhout: “The EUniWell Alliance is truly created by and for students.”
Meet EUniWell Chief Student Officer Lotte Nagelhout. Lotte has been involved in our European University Alliance since October last year and was elected as EUniWell Chief Student Officer in March 2022. In this interview with Communications Manager Eva Laurie, she talks about her role, motivation and…
by Eva Laurie

Social Innovation Labs – Well-being through Collaboration and Conflict
‘15-minute cities’ contribute to well-being, but closer contacts with urban environments and people will increase conflict. Through a knowledge exchange with Sociolab, a Florence-based innovation lab and their work with a newly created social housing community, Hannah Absalom makes a case for…
by Hannah Absalom

FestiWell Event Series in the 2nd year of EUniWell
The second annual FestiWell, from 2 to 13 May 2022, offered a diverse programme under the title “Towards global sustainable well-being”. We invite you to look back with us on the many inspiring events!
by EUniWell

Report on the first session of the European Student Assembly
From 3-4 March, 275 students from 38 European University Alliances, including four EUniWell representatives, attended the first meeting of the European Student Assembly (ESA) in Strasbourg. The event was the first in a series of gatherings, which aim to promote student collaboration and impact…

Sustainability within EUniWell: A multidimensional cornerstone of well-being
Sustainability is one of the central pillars of the EUniWell mission, as sustainability and well-being are firmly interlinked. But what makes sustainability so important in the context of well-being and how do our eight partner universities integrate this concept into their everyday campus life?
by Lara Marie Andres

5 questions for Prof. Dr. Beatrix Busse, EUniWell Chief Development Officer
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we ask Prof. Dr. Busse, Chief Development Officer of EUniWell, 5 questions about female leadership, how it relates to well-being and what needs to change at universities in Europe.
by Eva Laurie

"Students can be involved in lots of different ways!"
Meet Leiden law student Fenna van Haeften. Fenna is part of the EUniWell Student Board and has been involved as a student representative right from the start of EUniWell in 2020. Learn more about her participation in EUniWell and how you can get involved too!
by Leiden University

A Research Project from Linnaeus University makes Recycling a Fun Experience through Gamification
EUniWell partner Linnaeus University is combining well-being and sustainability in a new, exciting research project: A recycling house that adds a gaming factor to recycling and thus combines fun and waste separation. Project manager Joacim Rosenlund hopes to change people's view of recycling and…
by Linnaeus University

Is tourism able to provide natural and human well-being at the same time?
Tourism is an age-old activity, which during the centuries has proven to be a real need for humanity and is recognised for its great economic impact. Although, nowadays, the environmental and social implications are becoming even more relevant when assessing this global phenomenon. In this regard, a…
by Giulia Musso
Well-Being Days at Semmelweis University
Semmelweis University organised successful on-campus Well-Being Days from 19-20 October 2021. The event was part of the FestiWell event series involving a number of interactive well-being related activities and insightful lessons about students’ needs and preferences.
by Eszter Turopoli

Student well-being in the spotlight at the EUniWell Symposium
"There's so much knowledge, research and experience in the field of student well-being. Let's put this topic on the agenda, work together to promote it, and learn from each other." This was the message of the two-day virtual symposium on "Good Practices on Student Well-Being". Organised by Leiden…
by Mira van den Oever

“I am very passionate about the well-being of all students”
Meet Sloan Kudrinko. The Semmelweis student was recently selected to be a member of EUniWell’s Student Board Executive Team. She is one of the coordinators and speakers of the upcoming EUniWell Symposium “Good Practices on Student Well-Being” as well as part of one of the EUniWell Seed Funding…
by Eva Laurie

"We can learn a lot from one another about student well-being"
Student well-being is an enormously broad subject. Students and researchers can gain inspiration and exchange knowledge at the EUniWell online symposium ‘Good Practices on Student Well-Being’ on 31 September and 1 October. We take a look at the forthcoming event with Jasper Bitter, policy advisor at…
by Marieke Epping

The burdens of caregiving: how the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted nursing staff and management
A scientific study by the University of Cologne identifies challenges and stresses faced by nursing staff during the Corona pandemic from the point of view of care managers. It also illustrates why there are nevertheless some reasons for optimism.
by University of Cologne

Research against Corona
EUniWell Activities in Health-Care and Research Related to the Current Corona Crisis
Intensive monoculture is putting water systems in peril
University of Birmingham researcher Prof. David Hannah conducted a study together with Irena Creed (University of Saskatchewan) and other scientists, emphasizing the effects of monoculture in forestation and agriculture on our water systems

EUniWell positions itself against anti-black racism and all other forms of racial, ethnic and cultural discrimination
Recent protests to end anti-black racism have heightened awareness of the structural roots of racism and its persistence in societies all over the globe.

Pensioners at university: University of Cologne leading institution for students over fifty
As studying along different study paths becomes more and more popular for individuals over fifty in Germany, EUniWell partner Cologne attracts particularly high numbers of inquisitive retirees.

As Germany takes over as chair of the Council of the European Union on 1 July 2020, well-being related issues are at the core of the work programme
As of today, Germany is taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Croatia. Together with the subsequent chairs, Portugal and Slovenia, Germany envisions an 18-month ‘Trio Programme’, where many features and measures fit with EUniWell’s vision for well-being.

Coronavirus: Can we ‘reset’ our world and boost well-being? A Review of EUniWell’s inaugural policy commission on 17 June 2020
Does the current global pandemic present humanity with a chance to reset the world to a more equitable utopian future or will we slip back into our old ways when the crisis eases, with all the attendant societal inequalities?

Vice-Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl on anti-racism, inclusiveness and diversity at EUniWell partner Leiden University
Read Hester Bijl’s latest interview on a pressing issue of our time and learn more about related activities at Leiden University.

Digital Diversity Week at the University of Cologne
The University of Cologne’s Diversity Week ‘You make the difference’ takes place digitally this year. All week, multiple offers are available online between June 22 and June 26, 2020.

Sustainability & Entrepreneurship: Latest activities at the GATEWAY Excellence Start-up Center showcase the University of Cologne’s dedication to societal well-being
While Cologne students participate in a prestigious competition for projects related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Cologne's recently inaugurated GATEWAY Excellence Start-up Center is visited by State Minister Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart.

Palliative Care in the Spotlight
Anna Sandgren, Director of the Center for Collaborative Palliative Care at Linnaeus University, on palliative care during the Covid-19 crisis.

"Students of Teacher Education are strongly affected" by the Covid-19 Pandemic – Interview with Dr. Jan Springob
Dr. Jan Springob, Head Team Internationalization Center for Teacher Education at University of Cologne, shares his view on recent Corona-related developments in international mobility for students training to become school teachers.

“How Are You?”: Well-being, the Pandemic and the Crises
Professor Johan Höglund, Director of the Linnaeus University Centre for Concurrences in Colonial and Postcolonial Studies, on Covid-19 and its relation to other critical areas of societal life.

Globalisation, emerging markets, and Covid-19
Professor Hubert Fromlet, researching international economics at Linnaeus University, on why deglobalisation is an unlikely consequence of the Corona crisis.

Students against Corona: Numerous volunteers get involved at the EUniWell universities
EUniWell students volunteer in different ways to contribute to the effort against the Corona pandemic. Their commitment is both practical and organisational in nature and exemplifies a young generation committed to improving well-being.

EUniWell universities combat Corona with plasma
The blood plasma of recovered Corona patients is a promising path for potential treatment of the pandemic disease. At the EUniWell universities, researchers and health professionals are actively pursuing this treatment.

Giving people a voice
Equal opportunitiy and inclusion are essential to EUniWell’s idea of well-being. At the University of Cologne, individuals with special needs share their experiences at a university dedicated to inclusion.

Better well-being in an ageing society
Birmingham-led study opens news perspectives on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases. First super-resolution image of tiny brain receptor could give scientists a better understanding of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases, a substantial step towards better well-being in an ageing society.

Working Remotely in Higher Education
As we move to remote working across our seven EUniWell institutions in response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, it is essential that we give due consideration to how we can work productively and maintain (and even potentially enhance) the wellbeing of our community during this challenging time.
by Dr. Daniel Wheatley, Birmingham Business School
Design Challenge Leiden: The video
In this video, the participants of the EUniWell Design Challenge in Leiden talk about their experiences during the event.