The University of Helsinki is hosting this year´s Staff week around the theme “Universities as Transformative Learning Communities for All”, inspired by a shared intention of re-imagining universities as holistic learning communities.
Staff week will focus on following themes:
The Staff Week is based on the Una Europa’s strategic goal to improve student-centred and research-driven education from Una Europa Vision and Action Plan for teaching and learning.
Tuesday, 2 June
10.00 – 10.30: Registration & Coffee
10.30 – 12.00: Welcome & Introduction
12.00 – 13.30: Lunch
13.30 – 15.30: Workshop 1: Students as knowledge-seekers and knowledge-builders
15.30 – 16.00: Wrap-up and introduction to day 2
16.30 - : Networking “afterit”
Wednesday, 3 June
10.00 – 12.00: Workshop 2: Students as solution oriented critical thinkers
12.00 – 13.00: Lunch
13.00 – 13.45: Wrap-up and introduction to day 3
14.00 – 16.00: Excursion
Thursday, 4 June
10.00 – 12.00: Workshop 3: Students as peacemakers and empowered citizens
12.00 – 13.00: Lunch
13.00 – 13.30: Wrap-up and introduction to day 4
13.30 – 19.00: Participant free time
19.00 – 21.00: Joint dinner
Friday, 5 June
10.00 – 12.00: Workshop 4: Students as active agents of change for the sustainable future
12.00 – 13.00: Lunch
13.00 – 14.00: Conclusions & evaluation
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a coastal city known for its unique connection to nature, high-quality of life and urban design. Built across islands and surrounded by the Baltic Sea, the city offers easy access to green spaces, often just minutes from the city center.
Here are some fun facts about Helsinki and Finnish Culture:
Midnight sun and polar nights. In summer, Helsinki enjoys up to 19 hours of daylight, with bright evenings that seem to never end. In winter, daylight is shorter, but the city adapts with cozy cafés, illuminated streets, and a strong indoor culture.
Clean air capital. Finland consistently ranks among the countries with the cleanest air in the world, and Helsinki’s sea breezes and extensive green areas contribute to excellent air quality throughout the year.
The sauna capital. With more saunas than cars nationwide, sauna culture is an essential part of Finnish life and a common setting for social interaction and relaxation.
The world’s happiest country. Finland has been ranked the World’s Happiest Country multiple times, often attributed to high levels of trust, work-life balance, and strong public services.
Founded in 1640, the University of Helsinki is one of the most prestigious universities in Northern Europe; guided by the values of truth, Bildung, freedom and inclusivity. Originally established in Turku, the university was relocated to Helsinki in 1828, where it has since played a central role in the development of Finnish education, research, and society. Today, the University of Helsinki is a leading international research university, known for its strong commitment to research, teaching, and community relations.
The University of Helsinki in numbers:
11 Faculties, 4 campuses
31,871 students and 8,796 employees
2,944 international degree students
Ranked among the top 1% of the world’s universities
The Una Europa Staff Week 2026 is taking place in the