Welcome to the EduCare 5.0 Network!

EduCare Logo HSBI

The EduCare 5.0 Network is a European alliance of 10 leading universities and higher education institutions from eight countries, collectively shaping the future of healthcare education and delivery. Our focus is on innovative, digital, interdisciplinary and socially embedded approaches in healthcare education, research and practice. Together, we are setting new standards for healthcare delivery in Europe and beyond.

The name EduCare 5.0

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 und vision

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.

Our partner institutions

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 Lodz, Poland
  • Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Romania
  • Klaipėda State University of Applied Sciences, Lithuania
  • Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, Finland
  • 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.

Focus areas and added value of collaboration

  • 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
Why international collaboration matters

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
DigiCare Innovation

DigiCare Innovation is an international consortium that is to develop a transformative, digitally supported community care model by 2030. The project brings together partners from research, teaching and practice to foster digital technologies, entrepreneurial thinking and interdisciplinary approaches in a way that is tailored to the further development of health and care services. By means of joint training, innovative methods and the implementation of future-oriented concepts, DigiCare Innovation strengthens the formation of the knowledge triangle between education, research and innovation.

As part of the EduCare 5.0 initiative, DigiCare Innovation adds to the network with a strong digital perspective: it builds bridges between international universities, health management and social players. Thus it contributes to the innovative strength and sustainability of the EduCare goals.

The project is supported by the EIT HEI funding line. 

Recognition as a European university

The recognition of EduCare 5.0 as a European University in 2025 confirms Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI) as an internationally connected and high-performing university. It represents a close European cooperation in teaching and research and a clear pledge to the European Education Area.

European universities are alliances of several universities from different European countries, collaborating in a long-term and structured way as regards study, teaching, research and organisation. The aim is to strengthen a common European educational area and to open up international learning and working opportunities for students and employees.

For more information, please refer to this website: https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/european-universities-initiative/map
Press releases

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schäfermeier, Vizepräsident für Internationales und Digitalisierung und Dr. Sandra Jansen, Referentin für die Europäische Hochschulinitiative begrüßten die internationalen Gäste des EduCare 5.0 Netzwerks

EduCare 5.0 Network representatives during a meeting at HSBI in October 2024

Contact and more information

Learn more about our projects and how you can become part of the project by contacting our European University Officer Dr. Sandra Jansen: