The EUniWell Rectors’ Assembly, taking place from June 26 to 28, 2024, convened rectors, vice-rectors, and other leading representatives from EUniWell member universities to deliberate on strategic initiatives and future directions for the Alliance. The three-day event provided a platform for strategic discussions on fundamental issues, with several sessions and workshops focused on key topics such as advancing the implementation of EUniWell 2030, encouraging grassroots innovation and collaboration, common Educational Programmes, alignment with the European higher education agenda, and implementing sustainable practices to become a Green University. Additionally, the EUniWell Mayors’ Meeting was part of this event, highlighting the importance of collaboration between universities and local governments.
About EUniWell
EUniWell is one of 50 European University Alliances currently funded by the European Commission with the aim of achieving a European Higher Education Area in which learning, studying, and conducting research across national borders is a matter of course. The Alliance embraces a holistic, knowledge-based, and action-oriented approach to well-being, in line with the European Union’s call to promote the ‘Economy of Wellbeing’, a virtuous cycle between society, economy, and the environment, leading to greater well-being across those dimensions.
EUniWell’s core mission is to understand, enhance, measure, and rebalance well-being at individual, community, and societal levels, guided by shared values of democracy, inclusivity, diversity, research, and challenge-based learning. With an emphasis on inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurship, and co-creation, EUniWell aims to establish itself as a leading voice for well-being.
The EUniWell Rectors’ Assembly underscored the dedication of each member university’s leadership and their commitment to advancing our common agenda for education, research, and innovation, aimed at shaping a better future with more well-being for all.
At the EUniWell Rectors’ Assembly Semmelweis University was represented by Dr. Miklós Kellermayer and Dr. Marcel Pop, EUniWell Steering Group members; Eszter Turopoli, EUniWell Management Team member; Dr. Csaba Lantos, EUniWell working group member; and Pana Djamtorki, EUniWell Student Board member.
EUniWell Chief Development Officer Dr. Beatrix Busse highlighted the unified purpose between the Alliance and its cities:
Our common research and education agenda is crucial to addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow, demonstrating the strength of our collaborative efforts. By leveraging the diverse expertise and resources of our cities and member institutions, we are well-positioned to drive impactful change and contribute to the well-being and sustainability of our societies. This assembly is a testament to our shared commitment and collective potential to become a strong voice for well-being in the European Education Area.
By building bridges between civil society, local government, and the academic world, EUniWell aims to foster well-being and sustainability across Europe and beyond and strives to create a collaborative environment that supports innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time.
On June 27, 2024, municipal officials from each city represented in the EUniWell Alliance, together with the leadership of EUniWell universities, converged in person for the second EUniWell Mayors’ Meeting to strengthen the relationship between European universities and their local communities. The event was designed to foster the exchange of best practices at the local level. It featured moderated discussions on key topics centered around the theme of well-being: European Universities and their Distributed Communities, and Strengthening Civic Engagement and Innovation between EUniWell and Our Cities.
In the second part of the Mayors’ Meeting, attendees participated in workshops focusing on topics such as Well-Being and Urban Identity, Engaging Citizens, and Fighting Climate Change.
Open Call for EUniWell Seed Funding Project Proposals
One of EUniWell’s flagship programs is the EUniWell Seed Funding Program.
The EUniWell Seed Funding Program supports collaborative projects initiated by researchers, students, teachers, and administrative staff of the partner universities. These projects align with the EUniWell mission, covering topics such as health, well-being, quality education, and environmental sustainability.
The next call for applications is available again from July 1 to September 15, 2024.
Online information sessions will be held on 17 and 25 July to support the application process. More details are available here.
Eszter Turopoli, Directorate of International Relations
