Toulouse Seminar: Inspiring Exchanges for a More Inclusive Academia

 How can we build more inclusive universities? This question brought together academics from EQUNI partner institutions for an engaging seminar in scenic Toulouse. Over 5 days, participants explored emotional intelligence, discrimination, and innovative ways to foster inclusion on university campuses.

Nine participants from Lodz University of Technology, University of Groningen, and University of Algarve joined forces to tackle these crucial issues. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, they developed concrete strategies to drive meaningful change. A key highlight was playing the EQUNI board game, a dynamic tool designed to challenge biases and spark dialogue.

Role-playing exercises and real-world scenarios helped participants experience the complexities of inclusion firsthand, refining their approaches to create more welcoming academic spaces. They also explored inversion thinking, a powerful technique for anticipating obstacles and improving decision-making.

But the seminar was not just about work. It was also a chance to connect, exchange ideas, and enjoy the unique charm of Toulouse, from its picturesque streets to its renowned gastronomy.

This seminar was not a starting point, but another key step in a broader movement for diversity and inclusion in European higher education.