The UNIMATTER Toolkit: Instruments and Resources to Improve University Students’ Well-being and Academic Success (MAT-toolkit)
General Overview
The MAT-toolkit aims to develop a cross-culturally validated resource comprising instruments and tools designed to enhance students’ sense of mattering within their university environment. The project seeks to improve both students' well-being and academic performance. The toolkit will include various resources, such as video lessons, guidelines, and tailored graphic materials. This initiative is coordinated by the University of Florence in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, the University of Murcia, Nantes Université, and Semmelweis University.
Purpose and Significance
While university life can foster growth and independence, it can also be an overwhelming experience for many students. A critical factor in promoting well-being is the perception of mattering – the personal sense of being significant, valued, and capable of making a difference in others’ lives.
The project builds upon findings from the UNIMATTER project, funded under the 5th Seed Funding Call, which gathered data on well-being, perceived mattering, and academic success among students in Italy, Hungary, and England. The MAT-toolkit will expand this research by collecting additional data from France and Spain, resulting in the creation of practical resources to enhance students’ sense of mattering in academic contexts.

Implementation Method and Timeline
December 2024 – March 2025: Data collection.
Data collection in France and Spain using the questionnaire developed during the UNIMATTER project.
April 2025 – May 2025: Cross-cultural analyses
Cross-cultural analyses will be conducted, comparing new data with previously gathered information. The project team will develop a model illustrating the relationships between perceived mattering, well-being, self-esteem, and academic success.
June 2025 – September 2025: Development of the MAT-toolkit.
The toolkit will be available in five languages (English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Hungarian) and will include:
- A version tailored for educators and academic staff.
- A version designed for students, providing self-help resources.
October 2025 – November 2025: Workshop to present and test the MAT-toolkit.
A one-day event in Florence will allow stakeholders to discuss, test, and refine the toolkit’s two versions.
Expected Outcomes
The MAT-toolkit will provide academic staff and students with accessible tools to foster a sense of mattering within university environments. The resources will support diverse activities, adaptable to the specific needs of the target audience and facilitators. As a cross-culturally validated toolkit available in multiple languages, it holds the potential for broad adoption across various educational institutions worldwide.