The name EduCare 5.0 is a portmanteau of the terms Education and (Health)Care, underscoring the thematic focus of the alliance.
The number 5.0 refers to the transformation of European organisations from 4.0 (focused heavily on digitalisation and technology) to 5.0, which stands for sustainable, resilient and human-centred approaches.

Our mission is to create sustainable improvements in healthcare through transformative education, research and entrepreneurship. By 2040, we aim to establish an integrated European higher education model that benefits students, researchers and professionals alike.
Our Vision:

• Promotion of excellence-oriented healthcare education and research
• Development of sustainable, digitally supported solutions for healthcare delivery
• Building a European healthcare ecosystem that empowers communities and addresses global challenges

In June 2024, our network was awarded the EU Seal of Excellence, reinforcing our commitment to continue on this path.

The network includes the following universities and institutions:

• Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Germany
• Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Austria
• Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Spain
• Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Portugal
• CESPU, Portugal
• Medical University of Lublin, Poland
• Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Romania;
• Klaipėda State University of Applied Sciences, Lithuania
• University of Jan Evangelista Purkyně in Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic

Each partner university contributes unique expertise, allowing us to address healthcare challenges from diverse perspectives.

In October 2024, all university partners met in person for the first time and agreed upon a roadmap for further collaboration. In December 2024, the EduCare 5.0 Network submitted a funding application for the EIT HEI funding line. Further funding applications are planned.

• Digital transformation: Development of innovative technologies such as VR simulations, telemedicine and AI-supported teaching methods
• Interdisciplinary approaches: Linking medicine, engineering, data science and social sciences
• Sustainability: Promoting ecological and social sustainability in the healthcare sector
• Educational innovation: Introduction of Joint Degrees, Summer Schools and flexible study paths
• Research excellence: Joint research projects on topics such as chronic diseases, mental health and future healthcare systems

The challenges of healthcare, such as demographic changes, the increase in chronic diseases, and digitalization, require global solutions. International collaboration within EduCare 5.0 enables:

• Access to diverse expertise and resources
• Development of transnational solutions for global healthcare problems
• Promotion of interculturality and innovation through the exchange of students, educators, and researchers

Mobility and participation opportunities
For students:

• Participation in international exchange programmes
• Access to innovative educational formats such as Summer Schools, Hackathons and virtual learning platforms

For researchers:

• Participation in joint research projects
• Access to cutting-edge research equipment and interdisciplinary teams

For partner organisations:

• Collaboration in the development and implementation of new technologies and educational formats
• Access to scientific innovations and highly qualified professionals

• A Common Vision for the EduCare 5.0 Network: First Meeting of the European University Alliance at HSBI

• Seal of Excellence for EduCare 5.0 [German]