EUniWell 2024: The Year in Review

The EUniWell Seed Funding Programme continues to strengthen collaboration across our member universities. The sixth Seed Funding Call resulted in the funding of 11 innovative projects, marking the first time all 11 EUniWell universities were actively engaged in one or more projects. The seventh Seed Funding Call followed with an additional nine projects, showcasing the Alliance’s commitment to fostering impactful initiatives. An evaluation of the EUniWell Seed Funding Programme underscored its effectiveness in generating creative solutions and nurturing collaborative networks within and beyond the EUniWell community. Among the highlights, 84% of project participants rated their experience as very good, and 80% of project coordinators launched completely new well-being related initiatives with new collaboration partners. This feedback motivates EUniWell to extend the programme further, ensuring even greater support for interdisciplinary and cross-border projects. The next round, the eight Seed Funding Call, will open at the end of January 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your ideas to life—stay tuned for further updates!

Students play a pivotal role in the EUniWell Alliance, contributing actively to initiatives and shaping their own educational experiences. This year, some standout student-driven projects have highlighted the creativity, engagement, and global impact of EUniWell’s initiatives. One notable achievement is the EUniWell School Ambassador Campus, held in Florence, where School Ambassadors from across the Alliance collaborated to produce the EUniCast podcast. This podcast, recorded by students themselves, provides valuable insights into university life, sharing personal experiences and guidance for prospective students. Another highlight was the Service Learning project in Öland, Sweden, where international students teamed up to design a social media campaign for Station Linné, a research station focused on biodiversity. This interdisciplinary course, which blended remote learning with on-site work, allowed students to apply their skills in real-world projects, promoting sustainability and climate change awareness. These projects are only two highlights of the broad range of opportunities available within EUniWell. Students are encouraged to get involved and make the most of these enriching experiences. Don’t miss the chance to contribute to the future of Europe!

EUniWell is dedicated to enhancing societal well-being through collaboration with local communities, as exemplified by the EUniWell Mayors’ Meeting in Nantes this year. Bringing together municipal leaders and academic representatives, this event focused on the role of universities in shaping urban life and boosting citizens’ well-being. It highlighted the importance of science-driven public policies and urban solutions that embrace sustainability, inclusivity, and civic engagement. By building strong partnerships between universities and local governments, EUniWell is helping create cities that prioritise residents’ well-being, tackling challenges like climate change and social resilience. The Mayors’ Meeting reinforced the idea that universities are key players in driving meaningful change at the local level. Through these ongoing efforts, EUniWell is reinforcing the link between higher education and societal impact, empowering local communities to address complex challenges with the collective expertise of academia and local governments.