27 January 2026

Are you passionate about shaping a sustainable future? Keen to tackle real-world challenges together with students from many different disciplines and institutions across Europe? 

If so, apply to be one of six students or PhD candidates who will represent Leiden University at Una Europa’s seventh Student Congress from 9–12 June 2026. This event will be inspiring, interdisciplinary and highly interactive.

Who can apply? 

You are welcome to apply if you: 

• Are a student or PhD candidate at Leiden University or LUMC.
• Can communicate comfortably in English.
• Are excited to connect with students across cultures and backgrounds.

How to apply   

Complete this application form before 1 March at 23:59 CET. Successful applicants will be notified by 31 March.

What to expect

Guided by the theme Sustainability: From Challenge to Change, the Congress will focus on three subthemes: food, biodiversity and energy justice. 

Everyone who participates (about 80 students in total from across Europe) will:

• Tackle actual sustainability challenges in teams: brainstorming solutions, testing ideas and learning by doing. 
• Explore the power of Citizen Science, discovering how it can enrich research with community insights and make science accessible to all.
• Sharpen their science communication skills in an Oxford Debate, learning how to present ideas persuasively and drive change.

The Congress will be characterized by a hands-on approach known as Challenge-Based Learning. This learning style is all about collaborative problem-solving and combining knowledge from different disciplines to create practical solutions.

Since a variety of perspectives are key to Challenge-Based Learning, we encourage students from many different fields and backgrounds to join us. No matter what you’re studying, please bring your unique world view to our collective table.

Beyond plenary sessions and workshops, there will be cultural activities and informal meetups — the perfect opportunity to expand your network by getting to know your fellow participants.

Free of charge

Participation is free of charge. We have a small budget to cover small expenses (e.g. additional travel costs) for Leiden University students, if needed. After you are selected, we'll discuss this with you individually. If you have any questions or concerns about this beforehand, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Location

This year's student congress is being organised by Leiden University, and will mainly take place in The Hague.

Why this opportunity?

Leiden University is part of Una Europa, an alliance of 11 leading European universities. That means this opportunity is open to all Leiden University and LUMC (PhD) students who want to connect across cultures and help shape the future of higher education.

Further information? 

Email our team: stuco-una-europa@leidenuniv.nl