‘Una Europa, highly valuable for students and support staff’
It is not widely known that Una Europa is not only intended for academic staff. Our university is actively involved in Una Europa: an alliance of 11 leading European research universities. This collaboration provides students and all staff with new international opportunities for cooperation and development. Within FGGA, I discussed this with student Gaia and ICT&O/FLO staff member Praneet Khandal, who shared their experiences.
Praneet, you participated in a themed week for staff last year. How did you get involved?
‘Through Laura Kamsa, Team Leader for Educational Support, I heard about a themed week on AI being organised by Una Europa. AI is a topic I engage with a lot in my work. Three staff members from each university were selected to participate. After an application process, I was chosen and went to Poland with two colleagues from the Faculty of Humanities and the LUMC.'
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? For more information: Una Europa: go on a staff exchange with your European peers - Leiden University
What was the structure of this themed week?
‘A programme was put together with various workshops, practical tips, and networking opportunities to exchange insights on current AI developments at universities. The programme included workshops, practical tips, and networking sessions where participants shared experiences about AI developments at their institutions.
There were many discussions, and I learned a lot about prompting, among other topics. I will be offering workshops on this within FGGA as well. The discussions about who and when AI is suitable for were also interesting to follow, especially given the diversity of the delegation representing the universities.
Additionally, there was a social-cultural programme where I got to know my two other colleagues better.'
Who would you recommend a theme week to?
‘Honestly, to everyone. Una Europa organises many different events. While you might quickly associate these with research and science—there’s an upcoming week for PhD students, for example—there are also opportunities specifically for support staff and students. If you get the chance to participate in an exchange (LiveMyLife) or Staff Week, seize it. It’s incredibly educational to hear and see how things are done at other universities.’
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Gaia, what has been your experience with Una Europa?
‘My experience with Una Europa has been incredibly inspiring so far. As a student representative of Leiden University, I am part of a unique alliance of eleven leading European universities. We work together to create an inclusive, inter-university campus where students not only learn but also actively contribute to education, research, and social projects. In my role, I work on strengthening the student voice within the network and fostering connections between students from diverse cultures and disciplines.’
How did you first hear about Una Europa?
‘I saw a call for new student representatives on my faculty’s (FGGA) Instagram, and my interest was immediately piqued. As I delved deeper, I discovered how broad and ambitious the network is. The international collaboration, focus on student participation, and innovative projects really appealed to me. It felt like a unique opportunity to contribute to something that truly makes an impact, both within and outside the university.’
What do you think all students should know about Una Europa?
‘That Una Europa is much more than an academic network. It’s a platform where students can take the initiative, share ideas, and collaborate on cross-border themes such as sustainability, cultural diversity, and digital innovation. There are so many opportunities, from joint courses to international projects, that broaden your horizons and make you feel like you are part of something bigger.’
What do you think staff members should know about Una Europa?
‘That it is a powerful example of how universities can collaborate across borders. It offers opportunities not only for students but also for lecturers and staff to engage in innovative educational forms, joint research, and inter-university collaboration. Moreover, staff can play an important role in guiding and encouraging student initiatives within Una Europa.’
For more information and current Una Europa opportunities for students and staff - Leiden University
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