The EUniWell (European University for Wellbeing) alliance, formed by the collaboration of 11 European universities, strives to support the physical and mental wellbeing of university communities each year through new educational and research opportunities. One of the key initiatives of this university collaboration is the EUniWell Seed Funding Program, which provides €25,000 in funding twice a year for university projects that explore and develop methods and tools to improve physical, mental, and social wellbeing from an innovative perspective.
The application for the eighth round of the EUniWell Seed Funding Program opened on January 20, 2025, with registration available until March 16. The winning projects will launch in June 2025. For Semmelweis University, participation in the program is not only important for strengthening the institution’s reputation but also because the EUniWell Seed Funding enables outstanding university lecturers, students, and researchers to showcase their talents in a global academic environment. Therefore, all those working on innovative projects as part of an international team are encouraged to apply and take an active role in improving social wellbeing.
Our colleagues and students have performed exceptionally well in previous calls; they have contributed to successful outcomes not only with their professional expertise but also with their innovative thinking and commitment. This new call once again presents a great opportunity for our university to demonstrate its research and innovation potential within a consortium of excellent European universities”
– said Dr. Marcel Pop, Director of the Directorate of International Relations.
About the Seed Funding Program
Through the EUniWell Seed Funding Program, lecturers, researchers, and students from EUniWell partner universities collaborate on selected projects. The program aims to provide financial support for initiatives that, in line with the alliance’s mission, offer concrete solutions to everyday challenges related to wellbeing. Thanks to the awarded funds, project team members gain professional experience, gain insight into international collaborations, and have the opportunity to share their work’s results with a broader audience beyond universities.
As a result of the seventh round of the program (SFC7), a total of nine projects received funding, each addressing different aspects of wellbeing—from mental health and the application of artistic tools to studying the effects of psychoactive substances. It is a source of great pride that Semmelweis University played a significant role in four of the successful projects.
SFC7 Winning Projects with Semmelweis University Participation
iHera
This project, led by students from Semmelweis University, aims to raise awareness, provide support, and offer educational materials and interactive training on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The initiative seeks to foster a healthier, more empathetic academic environment. Participants from Semmelweis University included Pana Djamtorki, Tina Shahsavari, Dr. Xénia Gonda, Ágnes Alexandra Ger, Gökçe Can, and Dr. Kinga Gecse, representing the Faculty of Dentistry, the Department of Clinical Psychology, and the Institute of Pharmacology.
MAT-Toolkit
This project focuses on developing a multilingual toolkit to support university students’ mental health and academic success. The toolkit aims to enhance engagement and the sense of support within academic communities. Participants from Semmelweis University included Dr. Zsuzsanna Papp, Dr. Bea Pethesné Dávid, Dr. Fruzsina Albert, Dr. Ádám Orosz, Dr. Zsuzsanna Szabó-Jaki, Dr. Márton Járay, Tamara Kovács, and Dr. Imola Sándor, representing the Institute of Behavioral Sciences, the Institute of Mental Health, and the Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology.
PSYSUB
This project investigates the social and psychological factors influencing psychoactive substance use among university students. The aim is not only to identify problems but also to develop culture- and gender-specific prevention strategies. Participants from Semmelweis University included Júlia Anna Éliás and Andrea Ambrus from the Health Sciences, Program Coordination, and Development Office.
The Semmelweis EUniWell team is happy to assist those interested in the latest application call. To help applicants navigate the process, an online information session will be held on January 30 at 11:00 AM, where interested parties can register via the provided link. (The necessary link for joining will be sent by the organizers the day before the event.) Additional English-language online information sessions will take place on January 28, February 5, and February 13, with connection details available via the registration link.
Beyond Seed Funding – Free Learning Opportunities by EUniWell
EUniWell offers not only research and project-based initiatives but also numerous free online courses. These courses provide exciting practical knowledge on a wide range of wellbeing-related topics, making it worthwhile to explore the EUniWell course catalog, where students, lecturers, and researchers alike can find valuable training opportunities.
Directorate of International Relations