Empowering Widening universities in EUTOPIA_HEALTH consortium to foster academic excellence in Health

Project Information

EUTOPIA_HEALTH

Grant agreement ID: 101136914

DOI

10.3030/101136914

EC signature date 6 December 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 31 December 2028

Funded under

• Widening participation and spreading excellence

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 4 999 960,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI
Romania

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EUTOPIA_HEALTH (Empowering Widening universities in EUTOPIA_HEALTH consortium to foster academic excellence in Health)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Health challenges demand cohesive solutions, necessitating the integration of knowledge across diverse fields. Yet, traditional academic structures often silo expertise, hindering collaborative breakthroughs. In countries like Portugal, Romania, and Slovenia, disparities in funding and publication rates exacerbate this issue, impeding progress in critical health domains. In this context, the EU-funded EUTOPIA_HEALTH project aims to transform the academic landscape by fostering collaboration across health-related disciplines. Through capacity building, interdisciplinary training, and research support, EUTOPIA_HEALTH aims to empower institutions and researchers, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of health innovation. By embracing open and collaborative practices, the project aims to propel European research forward, enhancing visibility, funding absorption, and societal impact.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first 15 months, EUTOPIA_HEALTH delivered strong technical progress across all work packages. A strategic evidence base was created through a comprehensive challenge mapping of health research landscapes across partner institutions. Capacity-building actions were launched for Widening partners, including tailored trainings, proposal support, and funding webinars—already resulting in one successful EU proposal. The project developed key digital platforms to support collaboration: the EUTOPIA_HEALTH Research Map and the Researchers Mobility Portal. Two internal funding schemes were launched to promote transdisciplinary research and cross-university mobility for early-career researchers. Preparations began for interdisciplinary training and mobility calls.
Early efforts also advanced citizen-driven science by engaging citizens in research-related activities and laying the foundation for future participation. Collectively, these technical achievements position the project to strengthen collaboration, equity, and excellence in health research across the EUTOPIA_HEALTH consortium.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

EUTOPIA_HEALTH is piloting a new model for inclusive, transdisciplinary health research across European universities. By embedding collaboration, equity, and capacity-building at its core, the project goes beyond fragmented national efforts and limited institutional cooperation. The development of digital tools like the EUTOPIA_HEALTH Research Map and Researcher Mobility Portal, alongside targeted support for Widening institutions, creates a replicable framework for strengthening the European Research Area.
Early results show increased readiness among Widening partners to engage competitively in EU funding, while internal funding schemes and mobility calls promote bottom-up, cross-institutional innovation. The integration of citizen science and SSH perspectives marks a meaningful shift toward socially grounded research.
To ensure long-term impact, continued investment in researcher support, interoperable digital infrastructure, and funding for joint initiatives will be essential. Strategic alignment with policy frameworks and further engagement with stakeholders—academic, civic, and industrial—will accelerate uptake and sustainability.