The programme combined joint sessions with profession-specific workshops, creating space for both broad discussions and more targeted meetings. Participants represented a wide range of professional services, including Admissions, Communications, HR, University Library and Learning Resource Center, Student Guidance, and International Offices.
“The week has been very successful. The days have run smoothly and been characterised by an open and generous atmosphere,” says Annacarin Larsson, organizer at Luleå University of Technology.
“We have seen a truly enriching exchange between different professional roles, which is exactly what a staff week within UNIVERSEH should create.”
Workshops, labs and knowledge-sharing
The Staff Week participants also visited the Robotics Lab and the Human Movement Science Lab at Luleå University of Technology, gaining insight into the University’s research environments and innovation capacity. A session on collaboration with the surrounding community highlighted the importance of cooperation between academia and regional stakeholders.
“The combination of structured workshops and study visits has created meaningful conversations. Although we work in different national contexts, we face similar challenges and can learn a great deal from one another,” Annacarin Larsson says.
@Florian Kardos – UNILU.
Experience from local context
In addition to the academic and professional programme, participants experienced the cultural and regional context of northern Sweden. The visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Gammelstad Church Town, as well as social activities such as a walk on Luleå’s Ice Road, provided further opportunities for networking and informal exchange.
“The social elements are just as important as the formal sessions. This is often where long-term connections are formed and future collaborations begin,” says Annacarin Larsson.
As the week concluded, the shared ambition was clear: to continue the dialogue and translate inspiration into action at each home institution.
“We hope participants return to their universities with new perspectives, concrete ideas and strengthened networks within the alliance. Whether it leads to improved processes, joint initiatives or continued professional dialogue, this is how we build a stronger UNIVERSEH together,” Annacarin Larsson concludes.
