Workshops
Our workshops offer hands‑on learning and practical insights into key topics across the conference tracks. Each workshop is designed to give you the opportunity to engage actively, explore concrete challenges, and exchange experiences with colleagues from across the Nordic higher education community.
Attractive Working Environment – Creating a Sense of Belonging
This workshop will focus on the positive effects of new working environment. What spaces sharing and change in the workplace can contribute to in creating an attractive workplace that makes a meeting place and increases sense of belonging. The sharing can be between faculties, other functions and with externals.
The workshop will include two presentations from recent workplace development projects on Aalto University and University of Bergen. Both projects have included new or refurbished offices for administrative staff applying new types of work environment. The presentations will focus on the planning process, key success criteria and the positive effects of the new ways of working. This workshop includes a facilitated guide in workplace development projects facing new ways of working practices. Participants from universities that are developing working environments to enhance a sense of belonging will benefit from joining this session.
Speakers: NB!
Case Study: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Student Wellbeing
In today’s rapidly changing world, students face unprecedented challenges as they transition from academia to the workforce. Concerns about climate change, geopolitical tensions, and economic instability are just a few of the factors contributing to a sense of uncertainty about the future. As educators, study- and career advisors, it is crucial to address these anxieties and equip students with the tools they need to thrive. By fostering resilience and optimism, we can empower students to navigate their student life and future careers with confidence and hope. Join us in sharing our knowledge, strategies, and techniques on how to support students in overcoming their fears and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead. We believe that together, we can build a future where students not only succeed academically but also enter the workforce with a strong sense of purpose and direction.
Speakers: NB!
DEI for Nordic Universities: Tips, Tricks and Troubleshooting
How can Nordic universities move from DEI ambitions to practical action in everyday university life? This workshop will focus on concrete approaches to diversity, equality and inclusion, with particular attention to what helps, what gets in the way, and how to respond when challenges arise.
The workshop will combine practical examples, shared reflection, and discussion on common barriers in DEI work, such as resistance, unclear lines of responsibility, communication gaps, or difficulties embedding inclusion into existing structures. Participants will explore strategies that can strengthen belonging, improve access and participation, and support more inclusive environments for both students and staff. Rather than presenting DEI as a fixed model, this workshop creates space for honest exchange, problem-solving, and learning across institutions. Participants will leave with ideas, inspiration, and practical perspectives that can be adapted to their own university context. The workshop will be especially relevant for colleagues working in HR, student services, equality, leadership, and organisational development.
Speakers:
- Joanna Marcinkowska
- Arnar Gíslason
Facilitators:
How Geopolitics affect Research Collaboration
This workshop will focus on risk management and responsible research cooperation with foreign collaborators. This will include input on how researchers and administrative employees can work together on risk management of research collaboration.
Speakers:
Possibilities and Limitations in using AI
This workshop will focus on what the administrative employee needs to be aware of, when researchers or educators use AI in research and education. This includes knowledge of how GDPR, copyright and the AI Act impact, what considerations should be made when researchers want to use AI for research and education – knowledge of the potential pitfalls when researchers use Gen AI when working on publications.
Speakers:
Secure Recruitment
In an age of geopolitical tension, universities face growing challenges in safeguarding their integrity. Responsible recruitment is no longer only about hiring the right talent—it also means protecting research areas, collaborations, environments, partnerships, and administrative processes from risks of espionage and foreign influence.
This workshop will explore how Nordic universities can strike a balance between vigilance and openness: ensuring security in recruitment and collaborations while safeguarding researchers and research areas as well as fostering inclusive environments where international staff and their families feel welcome, regardless of nationality.
We will examine both risks and opportunities for safeguarding academic freedom, diversity, and trust.
Speakers: