On 10 November 2025, UPF participated in EUTOPIA Day, a joint celebration of all the universities that are part of the EUTOPIA Alliance. This edition of the event focused on inclusion as a driver of cohesion, innovation, and European identity in higher education, under the motto “Empowering the EUTOPIA Identity through Inclusive Practices.”

The day featured various activities aimed at the entire university community, some of which were also available via streaming, offering students and staff from all EUTOPIA universities the opportunity to take part.

 Eva Pujadas, Vice-Rector for Social Engagement and Sustainability

The first session was a talk-workshop by Simon Perera, focused on integrating an LGBTIQ+ perspective into research. Perera began the session with a historical overview of perceptions of sexuality over time. During his talk, he also summarized the key concepts of the LGBTIQ+ movement, defining terms such as sex, gender, and queer, and exploring aspects like intersectionality, diversity, and equity.

Participants then worked in groups during a practical workshop, applying a checklist to analyze whether their research areas incorporated an inclusive LGBTIQ+ perspective. This activity allowed attendees to reflect on their own research and share concrete examples of how to improve it.

 Talk on LGTBIQ+ Perspectives by Simon Perera

The second session focused on mental health, with a workshop led by the Fundació Joia, which encouraged participants to reflect on emotional well-being, stress and burnout management, and the importance of support networks. Students shared experiences and strategies for maintaining mental health within the academic environment.

Finally, the day concluded with the session “The Construction of Otherness in Modern Western Societies” by Lolá López, who invited reflection on social biases and on how cultural identity is shaped through the perception of the “other.”

EUTOPIA Day provided an opportunity to foster reflection on the importance of inclusion and diversity within the university community, and to bring the EUTOPIA Alliance closer to UPF students and staff, highlighting its values and opportunities.

 Networking coffee break