The E³UDRES² Research Network “Diverse, Inclusive and Healthy Regions” is organizing a symposium which will be held at Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Enschede, the Netherlands, on December 03-04, 2024. This event will explore how small and medium-sized cities, along with their rural surroundings, are adapting to evolving social and demographic landscapes. In a time when population shifts and increased diversity are shaping communities, understanding how these changes impact local areas is crucial.
Small and medium-sized cities and their rural environments not only differ in history, economic conditions, spatial structures, living conditions, and cultural traditions, but they also face unique, location-specific sociodemographic shifts. While many European regions experience ageing populations and depopulation, other areas are seeing population growth due to new migration and mobility trends. These shifts bring greater diversity in terms of socioeconomic characteristics, age, race, ethnicity, lifestyles, and living arrangements. Adapting to such changes requires ongoing efforts to reflect on and meet the evolving needs of regional communities. Emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion is key to the sustainable development of these regions.
ENHANCING INCLUSION, HEALTH AND WELLBEING
To address these issues, we aim to strengthen cooperation with the key question: How can local and regional efforts be improved to enhance inclusion, health, and wellbeing, better meeting the needs of diverse groups and local authorities? The focus is on small and medium-sized cities, particularly in the E³UDRES² regions, while research from larger urban areas is welcome if it offers relevant insights into local and regional dynamics.
The symposium's discussions will center on how best to address these challenges and opportunities at a local level. By focusing on regions within the E³UDRES² network and beyond, the event aims to inspire strategies that support thriving, diverse communities in rural and small-town settings. Researchers are encouraged to bring insights from larger urban contexts if they offer valuable perspectives on these regional dynamics. Through collaborative sessions, participants will explore how diverse living arrangements and cross-sectional work in community health can foster more inclusive and resilient regional communities.
Researchers from the E³UDRES² institutions are invited to submit proposals on topics including:
Diverse living arrangements in rural and small-town areas
Cross-sectional approaches to community health
Local implementation of migration and social policies
Diversity and transformative justice in carceral spaces
Researchers interested in contributing are invited to submit their proposals (up to 400 words) by by the extended deadline of November 4, 2024 to Peter Gramberg via e-mail to p.j.gramberg@saxion.nl, with the subject line "Symposium Enschede." The symposium will include plenary lectures, working group discussions, and a visit to a local institution. Participation is free for researchers from E³UDRES² partner institutions, with travel costs potentially fundable through Erasmus+ funds.
Find more information on the call here:
