Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EUniWell Research (European University for Well-Being - Research)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2021-09-01 do 2023-02-28
The European University for Well-Being (EUniWell) is a European University initially supported in the 2nd pilot phase of the European Universities Initiative. EUniWell#Research is a top-up project coordinated by the University of Cologne.
EUniWell#Research has four key objectives:
1. To create a coordinated Research and Innovation (R&I) Strategy for EUniWell. By mapping out research activities, processes, and networks, in alignment with SDGs and Smart Specialization Strategies, EUniWell will develop a strategy to establish innovative processes and infrastructures to enable well-being-led collaborative research.
2. To accelerate the digital transformation. EUniWell will enable research collaboration and human interaction while (1) promoting various formats of human well-being that are available to enhance creative and innovative research, and (2) advancing a holistic digitalisation and data approach that entails human-centred technological, legal, ethical and social developments.
3. To develop a culture of Open Science where sharing, not owning, is the default mode of operation. The promotion of FAIR data, data sharing and transparency within EUniWell will make data results available for researchers and enable scientific knowledge to become accessible and penetrate society, economy and policy.
4. To empower researchers by equipping them with skill sets and opening career pathways beyond academia, and by developing well-being-led research evaluation and measures of success as alternatives to traditional metrics. Rapid changes in digital transformation, society and academia require researchers to up-skill and re-skill. EUniWell will focus on (1) early career researchers to develop this approach and foster a network of inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, and (2) advanced researchers assuming leadership roles.
EUniWell#Research has four key objectives:
1. To create a coordinated Research and Innovation (R&I) Strategy for EUniWell. By mapping out research activities, processes, and networks, in alignment with SDGs and Smart Specialization Strategies, EUniWell will develop a strategy to establish innovative processes and infrastructures to enable well-being-led collaborative research.
2. To accelerate the digital transformation. EUniWell will enable research collaboration and human interaction while (1) promoting various formats of human well-being that are available to enhance creative and innovative research, and (2) advancing a holistic digitalisation and data approach that entails human-centred technological, legal, ethical and social developments.
3. To develop a culture of Open Science where sharing, not owning, is the default mode of operation. The promotion of FAIR data, data sharing and transparency within EUniWell will make data results available for researchers and enable scientific knowledge to become accessible and penetrate society, economy and policy.
4. To empower researchers by equipping them with skill sets and opening career pathways beyond academia, and by developing well-being-led research evaluation and measures of success as alternatives to traditional metrics. Rapid changes in digital transformation, society and academia require researchers to up-skill and re-skill. EUniWell will focus on (1) early career researchers to develop this approach and foster a network of inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, and (2) advanced researchers assuming leadership roles.
The four work packages of #Research place well-being at the centre of a collaborative research and innovation environment.
WP1: Next Generation Research and Innovation Cycle will establish a common EUniWell agenda that promotes well-being-led R&I and focuses on green and digital transitions, diversity, inclusion and equality. The goal is to create an agile environment that can adapt to changing conditions and encourage new collaboration models. The foundational structures are:
1. The Well-Being Research Incubator launched in September 2022. An innovative model enables researchers to build a network and collaborate with peers. To date, 14 workshops have been organized. The Well-Being Research Incubator complements the EUniWell Seed Funding Programme that, using institutional resources from EUniWell partners, supports new multi-institutional collaborations.
2. The Digital Innovation Group established in December 2021 gathers researchers, designers, developers, and Open Science experts. The Group is developing a collaborative research portal focused on a user-centred approach.
3. The EUniWell Research and Innovation Strategic Framework will be developed through Focus Groups composed of institutional leaders from across the Alliance.
WP2: Share and Transfer focuses on sharing and tranfering data and knowledge in line with the FAIR principles and the EU Open Science agenda. EUniWell will address the digital challenges and focus on knowledge transfer to the public through accessible science communication.
EUniWell has developed an Open Data Management Plan. An Open Science Study considered Open Access, Research Data Management, Open Educational Resources, and Research Software, and showed that Open Access and Research-Data-Management-related activities are prioritized at our partners.
In February 2023 100 PhD students participated in Science-to-Public Communication workshops focused on communicating to the public through formats such as blogs, videos, and podcasts.
WP3: Up-skilling and Re-skilling will prepare researchers for a future world of work, both within and outside academia, with an emphasis on well-being. The focus is on:
1. Developing a research Skills Taxonomy. A preliminary study has identified skills gaps that exists between the EUniWell partners and local labour markets. The study finds that interdisciplinarity, networking and collaboration skills are crucial.
2. The Research Training Academy to develop EUniWell training offers. A leadership fellowship scheme has been conceptualized, and a MSCA COFUND proposal has been submitted. Researchers were provided access to Vitae’s Research Development Framework to promote career development with a well-being focus.
WP4: Management is focused on project, financial and quality management, and communication and dissemination. To date:
1. All beneficiaries signed the #Research Consortium Agreement.
2. The EUniWell Head Office has delegated a #Research project manager. Financial monitoring procedures have been established.
3. A Policy Brief submitted to the European Commission recommended: dedicated funding for university consortia IT infrastructures; placing well-being at the core of research assessment; and exploring synergies between European Universities and other initiatives within the ERA.
4. Quality assessment for the #Research project has been launched.
5. An Overall Dissemination and Exploitation Plan was designed to communicate and disseminate #Research activities. A #Research Communication officer was appointed.
WP1: Next Generation Research and Innovation Cycle will establish a common EUniWell agenda that promotes well-being-led R&I and focuses on green and digital transitions, diversity, inclusion and equality. The goal is to create an agile environment that can adapt to changing conditions and encourage new collaboration models. The foundational structures are:
1. The Well-Being Research Incubator launched in September 2022. An innovative model enables researchers to build a network and collaborate with peers. To date, 14 workshops have been organized. The Well-Being Research Incubator complements the EUniWell Seed Funding Programme that, using institutional resources from EUniWell partners, supports new multi-institutional collaborations.
2. The Digital Innovation Group established in December 2021 gathers researchers, designers, developers, and Open Science experts. The Group is developing a collaborative research portal focused on a user-centred approach.
3. The EUniWell Research and Innovation Strategic Framework will be developed through Focus Groups composed of institutional leaders from across the Alliance.
WP2: Share and Transfer focuses on sharing and tranfering data and knowledge in line with the FAIR principles and the EU Open Science agenda. EUniWell will address the digital challenges and focus on knowledge transfer to the public through accessible science communication.
EUniWell has developed an Open Data Management Plan. An Open Science Study considered Open Access, Research Data Management, Open Educational Resources, and Research Software, and showed that Open Access and Research-Data-Management-related activities are prioritized at our partners.
In February 2023 100 PhD students participated in Science-to-Public Communication workshops focused on communicating to the public through formats such as blogs, videos, and podcasts.
WP3: Up-skilling and Re-skilling will prepare researchers for a future world of work, both within and outside academia, with an emphasis on well-being. The focus is on:
1. Developing a research Skills Taxonomy. A preliminary study has identified skills gaps that exists between the EUniWell partners and local labour markets. The study finds that interdisciplinarity, networking and collaboration skills are crucial.
2. The Research Training Academy to develop EUniWell training offers. A leadership fellowship scheme has been conceptualized, and a MSCA COFUND proposal has been submitted. Researchers were provided access to Vitae’s Research Development Framework to promote career development with a well-being focus.
WP4: Management is focused on project, financial and quality management, and communication and dissemination. To date:
1. All beneficiaries signed the #Research Consortium Agreement.
2. The EUniWell Head Office has delegated a #Research project manager. Financial monitoring procedures have been established.
3. A Policy Brief submitted to the European Commission recommended: dedicated funding for university consortia IT infrastructures; placing well-being at the core of research assessment; and exploring synergies between European Universities and other initiatives within the ERA.
4. Quality assessment for the #Research project has been launched.
5. An Overall Dissemination and Exploitation Plan was designed to communicate and disseminate #Research activities. A #Research Communication officer was appointed.
EUniWell is committed to becoming a sustainable European University and the Voice for Well-being. We expect our impact to reach other European University Networks, the ERA, and society at large.
A common approach for research-led well-being will be implemented, enabling EUniWell to become a reference within the ERA. By promoting a culture of Open Science, EUniWell will make its research accessible. We will impact labour markets by equipping researchers with transversal and well-being skills.
In that sense:
• The R&I Strategic Framework will establish priorities for EUniWell’s well-being-driven agenda well into the future. Its development process ensures institutional commitment and researcher ownership. A well-defined R&I agenda allows EUniWell to promote research-led well-being to students, researchers, and citizens.
• Our Open Science activities will lay the foundations of a shared culture. Asymmetric developments at each institution will be addressed to establish common goals.
• The EUniWell Research Training Academy (RTA) will be a (largely) digital hub for training and career services. The RTA’s mission and audience will be expanded to promote life-long learning, reduce skills shortages and contribute to well-being-driven career paths.
EUniWell aims to contribute to society’s well-being by taking a cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary, knowledge-based approach. The focus on well-being aligns with the recommendations of the Council of Europe which acknowledge well-being as a principal aim of the European Union and promote a horizontal and cross-sectoral approach to its achievement. EUniWell aims to generate knowledge, play a role in delivering research to inform decision-making, underpin education and training, and have a measurable impact on European citizens’ quality of life, working with stakeholders across the research-innovation-education nexus. EUniWell pursues an educational environment in which boundaries dissolve, becoming a multi-campus European University strongly engaged with its local, regional and global context.
A common approach for research-led well-being will be implemented, enabling EUniWell to become a reference within the ERA. By promoting a culture of Open Science, EUniWell will make its research accessible. We will impact labour markets by equipping researchers with transversal and well-being skills.
In that sense:
• The R&I Strategic Framework will establish priorities for EUniWell’s well-being-driven agenda well into the future. Its development process ensures institutional commitment and researcher ownership. A well-defined R&I agenda allows EUniWell to promote research-led well-being to students, researchers, and citizens.
• Our Open Science activities will lay the foundations of a shared culture. Asymmetric developments at each institution will be addressed to establish common goals.
• The EUniWell Research Training Academy (RTA) will be a (largely) digital hub for training and career services. The RTA’s mission and audience will be expanded to promote life-long learning, reduce skills shortages and contribute to well-being-driven career paths.
EUniWell aims to contribute to society’s well-being by taking a cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary, knowledge-based approach. The focus on well-being aligns with the recommendations of the Council of Europe which acknowledge well-being as a principal aim of the European Union and promote a horizontal and cross-sectoral approach to its achievement. EUniWell aims to generate knowledge, play a role in delivering research to inform decision-making, underpin education and training, and have a measurable impact on European citizens’ quality of life, working with stakeholders across the research-innovation-education nexus. EUniWell pursues an educational environment in which boundaries dissolve, becoming a multi-campus European University strongly engaged with its local, regional and global context.