The four-day event began with the 9th Rectors’ Assembly, followed by panel discussions, keynote lectures, and thematic workshops on October 22, focusing on well-being, inclusive education, sustainability, and scientific collaboration. The celebration brought together rectors, work package leaders, academics, researchers, and students from all twelve EUniWell partner universities.
Semmelweis was represented by a twelve-member delegation, including Dr. Beáta Dávid, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Public Administration (EKK) and Director of the Institute of Mental Health; Dr. Tamás Hegedüs, Head of the Directorate of International Relations and Alumni Affairs (NKAI); Levente Vágó, Deputy Director of NKAI; Dr. Miklós Kellermayer, Director of the Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology; Dr. Ádám Orosz and Dr. Tamás Bozó, Assistant Professors at the Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology; Dr. Márk Pulay, Research Associate at the Institute of Conductive Education, András Pető Faculty (PAK); Anna Júlia Éliás, Research and Grant Specialist at the Faculty of Health Sciences (ETK); Diána Módos, International Expert at NKAI; and Fanni Matyasovszki, Institutional Coordinator for EUniWell at Semmelweis University. Representing the student body, Renata Carvalho and Dr. Márk Havasi joined the delegation.
The opening day of the conference featured a closed session of the Rectors’ Assembly, where university leaders reflected on the most significant lessons of the past five years and discussed the future of European university alliances. Parallel sessions took place for the Institutional Coordinators and Work Package 6 (Teacher Education and Well-Being) teams, providing an opportunity for exchanging experiences, identifying funding challenges, and sharing insights into local decision-making processes.
The meeting of the institutional coordinators proved especially valuable for strengthening internal cooperation, transparency, and communication across the alliance.
The celebratory part of the program, FestiWell, began on October 22 and showcased EUniWell’s achievements and forward-looking vision. The day featured plenary sessions and panel discussions on inclusive education, ethical innovation, social justice, and the role of artificial intelligence in the future of higher education.
Distinguished speakers included Dr. Lara Aknin, Co-Editor of the World Happiness Report, and Dr. Beatrix Busse, EUniWell Chief Development Officer. The day concluded with interactive workshops on teacher education, AI ethics, sustainable development, and planetary well-being.
On October 23, the focus shifted toward student and community engagement. The second day of FestiWell offered an all-day interactive festival celebrating the multiple dimensions of well-being through the intersection of science, art, and community experiences.
Gallery
At the Base Camp – a central networking and community space – both student and academic initiatives were showcased, including the Student Board stand and the Creative Corner, where participants could take part in activities such as embroidery or tote bag painting. Alongside these interactive sessions, professional workshops continued throughout the day, including the PhD Survival Lab led by representatives of Semmelweis University, focusing on mentoring and supporting doctoral students.
The event culminated in a keynote lecture by Dr. Laurie Santos, representing Yale University, who explored the science of happiness and practical well-being strategies for everyday life. The day ended with a moving Role Model Night, where students shared their personal experiences on navigating university life and developing mental resilience.
The Semmelweis delegation played an active role throughout the event, contributing to discussions at the Rectors’ Assembly, the Institutional Coordinators’ Meeting, and the WP6 professional session. Additionally, Dr. Ádám Orosz and Dr. Tamás Bozó led an independent workshop titled PhD Survival Lab, dedicated to supporting the well-being of doctoral students.
The fifth anniversary celebration of EUniWell thus marked not only an important milestone in the history of the alliance but also a renewed commitment to fostering European cooperation for collective well-being – a mission in which Semmelweis University continues to play a leading and defining role.
The EUniWell project at Semmelweis University is funded by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH).
Photos and text by the Directorate of International Relations and Alumni Affairs
