INSPIRE
Innovative Networks and Strategies for Prevention, Intervention, and Research on Sexual Violence in European Higher Education (INSPIRE) aims to support higher education institutions in this process. The project will develop a research-informed self-assessment tool to help institutions reflect on and strengthen their approaches to sexual violence prevention and support, with a focus on intersectionality and lasting change.
About us
We are a consortium of four higher education institutions, a consultancy & communications agency across Europe, and we are committed to contributing to the prevention of sexual violence. Based on research and our own best practices and challenges, we have joined to develop a research-informed self-assessment tool.
We are doing this because sexual violence remains a persistent issue in higher education, affecting students and staff across Europe. The EU gender-based violence survey (2024) indicates that 1 in 3 women in the EU experiences physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, and 1 in 3 women has been sexually harassed at work. UNISAFE’s (2022) survey on gender-based violence in universities and research organizations across 15 European countries found that almost a third of respondents reported having experienced sexual harassment since they started working or studying at their institution. Students, particularly first-year students, are a vulnerable group with a high prevalence of SV.
Higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to drive change. By strengthening both prevention and support, they can play a decisive role in reducing sexual violence and fostering safer, more inclusive academic communities. While knowledge on sexual violence is widely available, implementation remains a critical gap. Institutions often lack the tools, guidance, budget, and capacity to translate existing evidence into effective and sustainable action. So, they need practical tools and strategies to move from awareness to action – especially when it comes to supporting all individuals, including those from equity deserving communities.
Members of the consortium during their first study visit to University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. February 2026.
About the project
The project will develop a research-informed self-assessment tool to help institutions and strengthen their approaches to sexual violence prevention and support – with a focus on intersectionality and sustainable change. The self-assessment tool will enable institutions to reflect on their current practices, identify areas for growth, and take informed action.
Our shared ambition:
- Bridging research and implementation
- Embedding intersectionality as a core principle
- Developing a practical, research-based self-assessment tool as the project’s final output
This project is co-funded by the European Union.
Project phases
Step 1: Investigate and research
May to July 2026
The four higher education institutions will conduct research among their students and staff. To inform the development of the tool, insights from practice are essential in ensuring it is relevant and fit for purpose.
This research will consist of two components:
- Interviews with leadership and focus groups with colleagues who are involved, to any extent, in the implementation of policies, activities, or support related to sexual violence within their institution.
- Focus groups with students and staff who are part of smaller or underrepresented communities within the university. We are particularly hoping to learn from these voices to understand whether current approaches are inclusive, what may be missing, and how institutions can better support diverse needs.
Maastricht's University Ethical Comittee Approval Number: FHML-REC/2026/013
Step 2: Innovate
Development of the Self-Assessment Tool
Step 3: Launch
The tool will be launched at our digital conference (end of 2027).
Step 4: INSPIRE dissemination
The tool will be actively disseminated to the wider field.
Project duration: 1 January 2026 to 29 June 2028
Who are we?
INPSIRE is a collaboration between:
Maastricht University
Maastricht University (UM) is a public research university in the Netherlands, known for its international outlook and innovative teaching methods. Founded in 1976, UM is the most international university in the country, with nearly 23,000 students and 5,000 staff members. The project INSPIRE is coordinated by SHE Collaborates, the international office of the School of Health Professions Education (SHE). With over a decade of experience, SHE Collaborates specializes in developing sustainable and needs-driven international projects through close collaboration with partners. The project is a UM collaboration between experts of the Sexual Safety Programme and SHE Collaborates. UM launched the Sexual Safety Programme in 2023, an innovative university-wide, evidence-based initiative aimed at preventing sexual violence and enhancing support structures.
University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp (UAntwerp) is a public university in Belgium recognised for its strong performance in international young university rankings. Founded in 2003, the university hosts around 23,000 students, including an international community representing 127 nationalities. UAntwerp is known for its high-quality education, research excellence, and international orientation. The university contributes expertise in research, collaboration, and innovation within higher education and social impact projects. The project is led by researchers of the Philosophy department with extensive experience in research on harassment of academia and structural and ethical dimensions of sexual violence and the development of training.
University of Ljubljana
The University of Ljubljana (UL) is Slovenia’s oldest and largest higher education and research institution, founded in 1919. With around 40,000 students and more than 6,000 staff members, UL is recognized for its strong academic and research performance across multiple disciplines. The university ranks among the top 500 universities globally and plays a leading role in Slovenia’s research landscape. UL contributes extensive expertise in education, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration within international projects. Involved in the project are experts with experience in addressing gender-based violence, with a particular focus on sexual violence, both in research and practice. They have been actively involved in various projects aimed at prevention, awareness-raising, policy development, and victim support in this field.
University of Maia
The University of Maia (UMAIA) is part of Maiêutica, a private not-for-profit higher education institution based in the Porto metropolitan area in Portugal. Founded in 1990, UMAIA is one of the largest private higher education institutions in Portugal, offering a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes. UMAIA contributes expertise in gender based violence research, social sciences, behavioural sciences, communication, and innovation in higher education. The team members are affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies at UMaia, the first research centre dedicated to the study of gender in Portugal. Together, they bring expertise across gender-based violence, violence based on sexual orientation, identity and gender expression, criminology, and forensic psychology.
The University of Antwerp collaborated closely with the University of Maia, two of the seven partner institutions in Uni4Equity, engaging in joint research and and the development of interventions.
Schuttelaar & Partners
Schuttelaar & Partners (S&P) is an international strategic communications consultancy based in the Netherlands with more than 30 years of experience. As a certified B Corporation, S&P is committed to social responsibility, sustainability, and transparent communication practices. With a multidisciplinary team of over 130 experts, the organisation specialises in stakeholder engagement, public affairs, community-building, creative communication, and multimedia production. S&P contributes expertise in communication strategy, dissemination, and impact-driven engagement within international collaborations.