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Successful project week: HNU students develop smart wellbeing concepts in Finland

19.02.2026, Study:

A week of intensive project work, intercultural exchange and extraordinary experiences lies behind a group of students from the Master's programme in Digital Healthcare Management at Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU). From 9 to 13 February 2026, the HNU students spent a project week in Kajaani together with students from the Finnish partner university Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK). As part of the Innovation Project, the participants developed innovative concepts for smart solutions in the field of wellbeing and made valuable international contacts.

Joint development of innovative smart wellbeing solutions

The project continues a collaboration that began during the bachelor's programme at the Faculty of Health Management and was carried out for the fourth time this year. The students were accompanied by Kirsi Moisanen and Saija Huhtala from KAMK, as well as Prof. Dr. Fady Albashiti and Prof. Dr. Alexander Würfel from HNU. The intensive work phase was supplemented by keynote speeches that provided insights into current research projects and the Finnish healthcare system. A visit to the hospital in Kajaani also gave the students a practical insight into the structures and processes of the Finnish healthcare system.

Ice swimming, winter games and international encounters

In addition to the academic work, the week also offered opportunities for sporting and cultural activities. Ice swimming and the Winter Games organised by Finnish sports and tourism students allowed participants not only to experience the Nordic way of life, but also to make contacts with international students from other countries. The combination of intensive project work and communal activities contributed significantly to the special atmosphere of the week.

Student engagement as a factor for success

"A project like this stands or falls on the commitment of the students. The fact that this week in Finland was so successful is primarily thanks to them – and, of course, to the wonderful hosts at KAMK. We owe them a special debt of gratitude," emphasises Prof. Alexander Würfel. Prof. Dr. Fady Albashiti adds: “Kajaani not only offers fantastic scenery, but also, with KAMK, an innovative environment that facilitates open exchange and creates an excellent basis for cooperation.”

Outlook: Scientific publication and return visit to Neu-Ulm

Both students and lecturers can look back on an eventful week that was not only academically enriching, but also provided personal insights and new perspectives for their future studies and careers. The cooperation will continue in the coming semester: the students will develop their ideas into a scientific article, which will then be published in a KAMK publication series. As part of this project, a return visit by the Finnish students and lecturers to Neu-Ulm is also planned.