The University of Osijek (UNIOS) proudly hosted the UNIOS CoLab – Recharge and Reconnect, a two-day event that brought together students, academics, and professionals to explore the vital connection between mental health, personal well-being, and academic success.
As part of the COLOURS European University Alliance, this CoLab focused on practical, interdisciplinary approaches to empower healthier, more resilient university communities.
MICRO LECTURES: A Dynamic Start to Personal Well-being
The CoLab began with an engaging series of Micro Lectures, setting the tone with expert insights into mindfulness, nutrition, resilience, and student support. These short, impactful sessions provided attendees with tools and perspectives to enhance their well-being and academic performance.
Micro Lecture Highlights:
- A 15-Minute Body and Breath Flow – Marko Gašić
- Mindfulness is Superpower! – Prof. Dr. Ana Kurtović
- Supportive Universities, Thriving Students – PSIHOS Student Club
- Balanced Diet, Balanced Life: The Key to Well-Being – Ivana Sović, M.Sc. (Nutrition) and Marija Kribl, M.D.
- Unbreakable: The Mindset Behind Success – David Šain
PANEL DISCUSSION: Multidisciplinary Dialogue in Action
Held on 14 May 2025, the panel discussion bridged expert knowledge and student experiences, diving deeper into the topics raised in the Micro Lectures. Panelists from diverse fields contributed to a rich, solution-oriented conversation about creating healthier academic environments.
Panelists included:
- PSIHOS Student Club (student representatives)
- Ivana Sović, M.Sc. – Nutrition Specialist
- Marija Kribl, M.D. – Medical Doctor
- Ferdo Kraljević – Business Leader
- David Šain – Olympic Athlete
- Alen Nađsombat – City Council Representative
Key Questions Explored:
- How do lifestyle habits impact academic performance?
- Can mental focus overcome physical limitations?
- What defines a truly mindful city?
- How can students bounce back from setbacks?
- What role does self-awareness play in leadership?
Core Takeaways:
- A strong connection exists between daily habits—such as nutrition, sleep, and physical activity—and cognitive performance.
- Techniques like mindfulness, visualization, and positive self-talk enhance resilience.
- Universities can model mindful communities, integrating well-being into academic culture.
- Effective leadership begins with emotional intelligence and personal clarity.
WORKSHOP: Turning Ideas into Action
In the second session, participants were randomly divided into four groups to co-create project ideas that addressed real-life challenges discussed in the panel. Guided by experts, the groups used Design Thinking and SMART Goal-setting to develop concrete, actionable proposals.
The project development process included:
- Empathize – Understanding user needs
- Define – Clarifying the core problem
- Ideate – Generating possible solutions
- Prototype – Shaping one idea into a model
- Test – Identifying feedback points
- SMART Analysis – Ensuring feasibility and impact
KNOWLEDGE CAFFÈ: Feedback and Collaboration
Each group presented its project during the Knowledge Caffè, an open exchange session designed to encourage peer feedback and collaborative refinement. This format fostered cross-group learning and enriched the final project concepts with diverse perspectives.
Second day of UNIOS CoLab started with Field Visit to Erdut Vineyards where we explored how sustainable agriculture, the circular economy, and green development come together in a real-world setting.
Participants learned about eco-friendly wine production, efficient resource use, and waste reduction through circular practices. The vineyard also highlighted the importance of preserving traditional winemaking techniques and local cultural heritage, showing how innovation and tradition can thrive side by side.
In addition to sustainable production, Erdutski Vineyards plays a key role in promoting rural tourism and supporting the local green economy, serving as a model for environmentally conscious and community-driven development.
Afterwards participants had the opportunity to truly recharge and reconnect—not only with one another but with nature and themselves. A variety of stress-relief workshops were offered, including moss & art, clay creation, painting, pasta making, straw art, yoga, and even a treasure hunt. Nearly 80 participants took part in a day filled with creativity, relaxation, and mindful reflection.
We leave this CoLab re-energized, reconnected, and committed to building healthier, more mindful academic communities.
