Minor Co-Creating a Healthy Society: Building a Vital Future Together

In the minor Co-creating a healthy society, the three universities of Leiden, Delft and Rotterdam (LDE) join forces with the four universities of applied sciences within the Vitale Delta network. This interdisciplinary minor offers students a challenging learning environment in which they work together on complex health-related issues in society, drawing on perspectives from fields such as Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration and Architecture.

Learning through social impact

The minor focuses on reducing health inequalities by directly connecting theory to practice. Through Challenge Based Learning, students work on current wicked problems presented by societal partners, such as municipalities and public health services. In previous editions of the minor, students developed concrete solutions for issues including:

• The living conditions and support of people experiencing homelessness.

• Reducing stress among displaced people from Ukraine.

• Improving labour market participation for refugees with recognised residence status and a background in healthcare.

Co-creation as a core value

The strength of this minor lies in collaboration. Students develop innovative prevention strategies through close co-creation with target groups and local residents. Through fieldwork and participatory action research, they learn to look beyond the boundaries of their own disciplines. In this way, the minor prepares future professionals for a complex world in which integrated solutions are essential to building a healthy society.

In recognition of its innovative approach and significant societal impact, the minor received an education award in 2025. 

The minor originates from the Healthy Society Program of LDE Universities and Medical Delta.