Whilst Lausanne already has initiatives in place to promote access to sport, movement, and physical activity for everyone, health isn’t just about exercise. Factors such as diet, rest, clean air and healthy living conditions also play a role, in addition to understanding how the urban environment can promote better physical and mental health within the population.

The Interact 2025 call for projects is an opportunity to investigate and develop the link between health and the essential role played by the city in preserving and promoting it. In a constantly evolving urban context, marked by demographic and climatic changes, how does the city ensure the health of its citizens? Encouraging active mobility; improving air, water and soil quality; promoting culture and education; thoughtful design of public spaces; and developing appropriate urban infrastructure are just some of the initiatives through which the city contributes to the good health of its residents.

In addition, the call invites applicants to consider which public policies respond to health challenges? What are the most effective methods for mobilizing the various stakeholders? The tools that could be devised and deployed are infinite. The Interact 2025  project call is an invitation to think and act together for a healthier city – today and tomorrow.

The University and the City of Lausanne launched the call for projects with an informal “breakfast”, bringing together around forty academics and potential city council partners over coffee and croissants. This thematic meeting provided an opportunity for members of the two institutions to exchange ideas and lay the foundations for a wide range of collaborations.

To be considered, projects must be conceived and directed by a UNIL-City team. They must be anchored in Lausanne, offer a development perspective that is not exclusively academic, and take place during the calendar year.

Both organisations are very much looking forward to receiving a wide range of interesting research proposals that will ultimately lead to new initiatives for a healthier city!

You can read more about Lausanne’s Interact programme and see the projects supported over previous years here.