CoLab “Mental Health, Body Image, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) - Challenges for Future Society” at Paderborn University
From October 7 to 9, 2025, the CoLab "Mental Health, Body Image and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) - Challenges for Future Society" has taken place at the Paderborn University (UPB). International guests from the COLOURS university alliance, UPB researchers, students, and representatives from business and society came together for three days to discuss the connections between mental health, body image, and well-being in the areas of equality and inclusion. Together, they have developed solutions for current societal challenges in the areas of EDI and mental health.
Exchange of experiences between research and practice
The CoLab kicked off with brief introductions by experts on the topic and a panel discussion, highlighting present social challenges and current approaches from psychology, sports didactics, and sports education at the interface with the EDI sector. How can we design interventions that work equitably across diverse communities, recognizing their specific needs and strengths? How can we establish support for female and minority students through coaches, counsellors, networks, etc.? How do we ensure young people themselves are empowered as active agents in shaping solutions? International experts from academia and practice pooled their knowledge and engaged with CoLab participants. From different perspectives that brought together theory and practice, the participants exchanged viewpoints on the challenges of mental health for different target groups.
Solutions for a positive body image and mental health
In the subsequent workshops, four approaches to current challenges were addressed, targeting the connection between body image and mental well-being for different population groups. One focus was on support services for relatives and contact points for EDI.
Participants developed creative, innovative, and implementation/practice-oriented solutions based on the real-life needs of specific target groups and presented their results to the group at the end of the CoLab.
Exchange for tomorrow's challenges
The CoLab format provides a platform for exchange between stakeholders from research and education, business, politics and administration, and civil society. All participants have the opportunity to contribute their experience and knowledge on current topics and to contribute to possible solutions for societal challenges by developing viable ideas. Paderborn University organizes two CoLabs per year as part of COLOURS – European University Alliance (https://colours-alliance.eu/), with additional CoLabs being organized throughout Europe by the alliance partners. Through international exchange, universities and regions can jointly contribute to the development of social innovations.
