EUniWell celebrates five years with a focus on research and well-being
From 21 to 23 October, representatives from EUniWell’s partner universities gathered at the University of Cologne. Over the course of the event, participants explored how education and research can contribute to a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable future. EUniWell’s first five years were celebrated through a special anniversary conference and the annual flagship event, FestiWell.
The programme began on 21 October with EUniWell’s ninth Rectors’ Assembly, where rectors and vice-rectors from across the EUniWell alliance met to discuss shared priorities. Topics included the importance of ensuring that education and research are prioritised in the European Commission’s upcoming long-term budget for 2028–2034. The group also discussed how the alliance can collaborate to succeed in the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, FP10. The programme is scheduled to begin in 2028 and run until 2034, building on the current Horizon Europe programme (2021–2027).
On 22 October, students, academics, researchers and external partners came together to mark EUniWell’s five-year milestone. The day featured lectures, workshops and panel discussions with leading experts in the field of well-being research. One of the highlights was the keynote speech by Dr Lara Aknin from Simon Fraser University, editor of the World Happiness Report. She spoke about the importance of altruistic behaviour and how helping others can enhance individual well-being and a sense of purpose.
The panel discussion Why Well-being Matters – in Research, Education and Innovation offered insights from EUniWell leaders, international experts and Dr Susanne Conze, Head of Unit for Higher Education at the European Commission. Dr Conze, a key figure in the development of university alliances, highlighted EUniWell as a model for the EU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen higher education and research.
The conference concluded on 23 October with FestiWell – EUniWell’s largest annual event.The programme included workshops and research sessions on open science and multilingual research. It also featured creative practices, therapeutic environments and support for student recovery and resilience in the face of challenges such as stress.
Top row, from left to right: Elin Lindkvist, Alexandra Holtti, Karin Siöö (Linnaeus Union), Joacim Hansson, My Fagergren (Linnaeus Union), Linus Karlsson and Daniel Alvunger.
Bottom row, from left to right: Helena Belfrage, Ann-Charlotte Larsson, Fernanda Laguna (EUniWell Student Board) and Camilla Andersson Lundqvist.
Nathan Dreessen
The EUniWell Student Board also held a meeting in Cologne, where Linnaeus University was represented by Fernanda Laguna. During FestiWell, the Linnaeus Union participated and was represented by My Fagergren and Karin Siöö.
More information
- Read more about EUniWell
- Subscribe to EUniWell’s newsletter
- Visit EUniWell’s website for the article about the Rectors’ Meeting
- Visit EUniWell’s website for the article about the five-year anniversary and FestiWell
What is a European University?
The European Universities Initiative is part of Erasmus+, the EU’s programme for education cooperation. Its aim is to enhance the quality of higher education in Europe, promote inclusion and strengthen competitiveness. European Universities are strategic, interdisciplinary alliances between higher education institutions that collaborate on education and societal challenges.
Currently, there are 65 European University alliances involving 560 institutions. Swedish universities are part of 24 of these alliances. Each alliance may receive up to €14.4 million in project funding over a four-year period.