Building Resilience Together – Universities and Society for Civil Preparedness

How can we build societies that remain strong when the unexpected happens? 
In a time of climate-related emergencies, pandemics, cyber threats and a changing security landscape, civil preparedness must be a shared societal responsibility.  
This CoLab brings together academia, public authorities, industry and civil society to explore how we can strengthen civil preparedness and societal resilience, and what role universities can play in this collective effort.

In November 2026, Kristianstad University invites you to take part in a Co-Lab focused on exploring how these actors can combine their different knowledge, experiences and resources to strengthen inclusive civil preparedness and societal resilience, ensuring that preparedness responds to the needs of diverse communities. 

The Societal Challenge 

Europe is facing increasingly complex and interconnected risks, from climate-related emergencies and pandemics to cyber threats and geopolitical instability. Building resilient societies therefore requires collaboration across sectors. 
This CoLab brings together universities, public authorities, industry and civil society to explore how their different knowledge, resources and experiences can contribute to stronger civil preparedness. By working together, we aim to support the development of more inclusive, adaptive and resilient communities. 

Programme

The agenda and programme for the co-lab are currently under development. 
We are in the process of engage relevant speakers with representation from the entire quadruple helix. The full programme will be published no later than 30th of October. Programme details will be updated regularly. 

Purpose of the CoLab 

• Explore how universities can contribute to strengthening civil preparedness and societal resilience.
• Bring together the Quadruple Helix actors – universities, public authorities, industry and civil society, to share perspectives, knowledge and experience.  
• Identify needs, resources and capabilities across the different sectors.  
• Find gaps and opportunities for collaboration between the actors.  
• Co-create ideas and possible solutions for stronger and more effective civil preparedness.  
• Ensure an inclusive approach, considering the different needs and circumstances of communities and individuals.  
• Create a foundation for future collaboration and action, both locally and across the COLOURS European University Alliance  

Available funding  

After the completion of the CoLab and the jury’s evaluation, a call for project funding for students and PhD students will be announced and remain open for four weeks. The aim is that selected ideas will be further developed within structured innovation and research processes, creating real opportunities for long-term societal impact. The funding is only open for HKR-students and Phd-students. Read more how to apply for SE-project funding (Student Enterprice Project) here. 

The Jury

A jury composed of experts from the relevant fields will provide feedback on the ideas developed during the colab. The jury will also rank the ideas based on the following evaluation criteria: 
Impact 
Feasibility and potential societal value. 
Relevance 
Significance of the societal or regional need and alignment with the CoLab theme. 
Sustainability 
Contribution to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
The Expert Jury Panel consists of members of the Steering Committee of The Forum for Civil Preparedness and Crisis Management. The ideas developed during the CoLab will have the opportunity to be further developed towards implementation within the Forum for Civil Preparedness.  

Participation and commitment 

Active participation in the CoLab requires full attendance on Day 1.  
Day 2 continues with Implementation Day, where researchers and other interested stakeholders will continue the discussions and work together to define the next steps. The workshops build progressively over the two days, and continuity is essential for meaningful outcomes.

The CoLab workshops will be conducted in English. Please inform the CoSpace Officer, Fredrika Braw, if you require language support.

Practical information and registration 

Co-Lab: 10 November 2026, 09.00-17.00. The day will conclude with an optional dinner at participants’ own expense.  
Venue: Krinova Incubator and Science Park, Stridsvagnsvägen 14, Kristianstad. 
 
Implementation Day: 11 November 2026, 09.00-15.00 
Venue: Kristianstad University Building 4, floor 4, Elmetorpsvägen 15, Kristianstad. 

Registration

Register here for the CoLab and the Implementation Day. The registration is open until October the 30th. 

How to get to Kristianstad 

By plane

The nearest airport is Copenhagen Airport or Malmoe Airport (Sturup).

By train

Take the train from Copenhagen Airport or Malmoe C, bound for Karlskrona, the stop is Kristianstad C. 

Accomodation – hotels 

All the hotels suggested below are located close to the CoLab venue and close to the city centre, with good bus and train connections. 

Grand hotel Kristianstad 
Hotel C4 
Stadshotellet 
Hotell Park Allé 
Näsby gård

Organiser

Kristianstad University, Forum for Civil Preparedness and Crisis Management together with Co organisers Kristianstad Municipality (associated partner), Krinova Incubator and Science Park (associated partner) together with the Municipalities in Northeast Skåne; Kristianstad, Hässleholm, Östra Göinge, Hörby, Osby, Bromölla. 

Secure your place already now and expect full and engaging days on site in Kristianstad. 
We hope to welcome you to Kristianstad in November! 

CoLab partners: