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Learning beyond 45: universities opening new paths for lifelong growth

Learning beyond 45: universities opening new paths for lifelong growth

Learning beyond 45: universities opening new paths for lifelong growth (3 December 2025, 14:30–17:30 CET) highlights innovative academic initiatives that empower adults aged 45 and above to learn, connect, and thrive. Through presentations and discussions, participating institutions will explore programmes that foster lifelong learning, social engagement, and personal and professional development. Organised by the WP6 EDI & CE Taskforce of the Ulysseus University Alliance—whose work package on equality, diversity, and inclusion is coordinated by the University of Genoa—the event showcases how higher education continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and community at every stage of life.

About this event

Exploring academic initiatives that empower adults to learn, connect, and thrive

We are pleased to invite you to the “Learning beyond 45: universities opening new paths for lifelong growth” event, taking place on 3 December 2025, from 14:30 to 17:30 CET.

Through presentations and discussions, participating institutions will showcase innovative programmes designed to support lifelong learning, social engagement, and personal and professional growth for adults aged 45 and over.

Join us to discover how higher education continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection at every stage of life.

The event is organised by the WP6 EDI & CE Taskforce of the Ulysseus University Alliance. Ulysseus places particular emphasis on EDI topics and has an entire work package, coordinated by the University of Genoa, Italy, dedicated to these themes.

Programme

14:30 – 14:45 | OPENING SESSION
Welcome and Introduction

  • Opening remarks (Angela Celeste Taramasso, Ulysseus WP6 “Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Community Engagement (CE)” Coordinator, University of Genoa)
  • Overview of the event’s aims and structure (Jovana Janinovic, WP6 Member, University of Montenegro)

14:45 – 16:00 | SESSION 1 – UNIVERSITY INITIATIVES FOR LIFELONG LEARNERS

Presentations of university programmes that encourage adults 45+ to learn, connect, and actively participate in academic and community life.

  • “Sustainability and Third Mission: UniGeSenior case” – University of Genoa, Federica Imperiale
  • “The University of Genova’s Social Engagement for the over-45s: the
  • UniGeSenior experience” – University of Genoa, Maria Clelia Galassi
  • “Learning Has No Age: The University of the Third Age at TUKE” – Technical University of Košice
  • “Holistic Approaches to Employee Wellbeing: Supporting All Stages of the Work Lifecycle” – Haaga Helia University of Applied Science, Susanna Seppälä

15:45 – 16:00 | Q&A and discussion

Moderated exchange among speakers and participants

16:00 – 16:05 | Short break

16:05 – 17:05 | SESSION 2 – NEW PERSPECTIVES ON LEARNING BEYOND 45

Exploring inclusive and innovative pathways that empower adults to pursue education, wellbeing, and community participation later in life.

  • “On the Benches of the University”, Université Côte-d’Azur, Pauline Achard, WP6 Member
  • “Inter-Age University”, Université Côte-d’Azur, Pauline Achard, WP6 Member
  • “Aula de la experiencia”, University of Seville, Miguel Olalla and Jesús Dominguez Platas

17:05 – 17:30 | Q&A AND DISCUSSION
Moderated reflections and audience questions (Angela Celeste Taramasso)