Una Europa: go on a staff exchange with your European peers
Staff members at Leiden University and LUMC: want to meet your professional peers across Europe for a unique job-shadowing experience? If so, apply by 11 November for the 2026 edition of the Una Europa Live My Life programme!
Successful applicants will be paired with a colleague from another European university. Together you'll exchange information and experiences, and you'll spend a week at each other's university.
Live My Life is made possible thanks to Leiden University's role as a partner in Una Europa, an alliance of 11 leading research universities.
Who can participate?
The 2026 edition of Live My Life is open to staff working in the following areas:
- Procurement, contracts and legal affairs
- Data analytics and strategic planning
- Student and staff inclusion, accessibility and wellbeing
- People and organisational development
- Research laboratories and technical services
The programme also welcomes colleagues whose roles relate to one of the following thematic priority challenges:
- Artificial Intelligence in higher education: Policies and practices
- Research security: Safeguarding open science in a contested world
- Health, safety and preparedness: Continuity of operations in a rapidly changing world
More information regarding eligible groups and the application process is available on the Una Europa website and in this PDF.
Brenda Prins
What a journey!
'From Leiden to Helsinki and back, I explored not only a new city but also new perspectives on our profession together with my HR match. We shared challenges, learned from each other's successes, and got a unique glimpse into each other’s work cultures. An experience that has enriched me both professionally and personally. Kiitos & thank you, Una Europa!'
What can I expect?
Live My Life starts in January 2027 with three online sessions, followed by a 3-5 day visit to an Una Europa university between February and June 2027. Finally, participants will create a self-selected reflective project (e.g. video, collage, interview) to present during a closing online event dedicated to lessons learned and future collaboration.
Language and costs
The working language of the Live My Life programme is English.
Applicants should first check whether their faculty, department, or institute can cover the costs associated with participation. Many faculties and departments have funding schemes available for these purposes.
If faculty or department funding is not available, a limited number of Erasmus+ travel grants may be available via our local Una Europa team, for exchanges with partners located in the European Union. Further information about potential support will be shared with applicants once their nomination to participate has been confirmed.
You are welcome to apply while exploring funding options. Due to the expected number of applications, our local Una Europa team is unable to respond to individual funding enquiries before the selection process has been completed.