Education, Research
Una Europa Staff Week 2026: come together as staff and students to transform how we learn and work
Would you like to reimagine your role as a member of staff or as a student, and the role of the university, in researching, teaching, and community building?
If so, please apply by 23 February for this year’s Una Europa Staff Week, happening from 2 to 5 June in Helsinki, Finland.
This year’s theme, ‘Universities as Transformative Learning Communities for All’ offers a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues from across Europe, engage in thought-provoking workshops, and foster collaboration in a vibrant and inspiring setting.
Learn more below. See also this description on the Una Europa website.
What will the programme look like?
There will be daily workshops, including plenty of active discussions. Through participatory and engaging peer-learning methods, participants will shape the contents and outcomes of the session, teach and learn from each other.
The Staff Week will also offer participants the chance to network and interact with one another in the beautiful city of Helsinki, while learning more about Finnish culture. Participants will have the chance to try a traditional Finnish sauna, experience Finnish nature, and take part in some traditional student activities.
Who should join?
This Staff Week will be especially useful for non-academic staff who:
- Work in pedagogy units or are involved in pedagogical development, curriculum planning and design, strategic educational services, or student engagement.
- Work with students or early-career researchers, such as in research services, responsibility and wellbeing units, or career and counselling services.
- Wish to develop their pedagogical skills for application outside the frame of university teaching.
The Staff Week is also open to academic staff who have regular teaching duties.
Students, including PhD candidates, should apply if they are:
- Interested in fostering more collaborative ways of working between teachers, staff, and students.
- Curious about the different roles students can take in their own learning experience.
- Interested in exploring how learning is seen within the university setting and in bringing a student’s perspective to the discussion.
The working language of the Staff Week is English, so level B2 or higher is required.
What does it cost to participate?
Attending the Una Europa Staff Week is free of charge.
Regarding travel and accommodation costs, staff and lecturers who want to participate are kindly asked to first check with their department about covering costs. Alternatively, limited funding through Erasmus+ may be available.
Students who participate will have their travel costs covered by the University of Helsinki.
For questions about funding, please contact our local Una Europa team: una-europa@bb.leidenuniv.nl
How do I apply?
Apply by 23 February using this application form.
Please be aware that the system will not save your progress automatically. You must complete the entire form then click on submit to apply.
Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email by 23 March with further details.