Flourishing Together:
Holistic Approaches to Wellbeing in Higher Education
16-20 June 2025
Student wellbeing has become an increasingly prominent issue within higher education, the media, and amongst students themselves. At this conference, we will explore holistic approaches to wellbeing, recognising the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of health. The theme emphasises collaboration between disciplines such as theology, psychology, and sociology.
Currently, long waiting lists for psychological services leave many students feeling stuck in the system. In response, higher education institutions are establishing wellbeing offices, and students are developing their own initiatives. But where does chaplaincy fit into this landscape? How does it intersect with other disciplines, and how can it contribute to the wellbeing of students, staff, and even chaplains themselves?
We invite all chaplaincy professionals in higher education in Europe to join us in Drongen to reflect on and learn how we can collectively foster an environment where everyone can thrive.
Call for Workshop Proposals
The conference offers attendees the opportunity to lead workshops, providing intimate and focused settings for learning, sharing insights, and exchanging practices in chaplaincy within higher education. Interested in giving a workshop? Submit your proposal by 12:00 pm UTC+2 on Tuesday, 1 April 2025.
Keynotes
Ronny Bruffaerts
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, KU Leuven
Keynote: Mental Health Amongst Students: Understanding the Current State of Affairs
Hans Schilderman
Professor of Empirical and Practical Religious Studies, Radboud University Nijmegen
Keynote: The Experience of Human Flourishing
Anne Vandenhoeck
Keynote: Professional Flourishing in Chaplaincy: Lessons from Health Care Chaplaincy