About SAMUELE

SAMUELE stands for Self-Assessment Model for Universities Embracing Lifelong Learning in Europe

Our objectives

The overall aims of the SAMUELE project are on one hand to enhance transparency and implementation of ULLL across European HEIs and on the other hand to develop tools that help HEIs to reflect and improve the way they organise and offer ULLL programmes.

Who is involved

SAMUELE is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme under ERASMUS-EDU-2024-PCOOP-ENGO 101184156 Partnership for Cooperation in Education and Training for European NGOs.

Coordinated by eucen (BE), the project brings together a strong consortium of full partners, including ESU (BE), Johannes Gutenberg University (DE), Copenhagen Business School (DK), University College Cork (IE), University of Lille (FR), Stifterverband (DE), Station (DK), IRD Duhallow (IE), and FCU (FR).

Additionally, the project collaborates with 12 associated HEIs and the Lifelong Learning Platform, that have joined the project as Associate Partners.

Our process

Conduct a survey across 18 EU countries

Followed by the collection of a questionnaire from 100+ HEIs and the identification of 25+ relevant case studies. The findings will serve as the foundation for a Comparative Matrix and a Good Practices Report on ULLL.

Develop a standardised self-assessment model

For European universities to evaluate and enhance their ULLL strategies. This model will be tested in 18 HEIs to ensure its adaptability across different educational contexts.

Formulate a set of policy recommendations

Together with an Action Plan for EU policymakers at different levels to support the seamless integration of ULLL into HEIs.

Project phases

Phase ONE: Research and Analysis

1. National Survey

Collection of 18 different national surveys

2. HEI Questionnaire

Collection of over 100 questionnaires from HEIs

3. Case Studies

The Call for Case Studies is still open! We have collected so far 36 ULLL applied cases that inspire. You can send new cases for the SAMUELE ULLL Awards 2027

Submit your Case Study

4. National Analysis and Matrix

Emerging from the data collected, SAMUELE has developed a transversal analysis and a comparative matrix

Find out more

5. Mapping Report

Emerging from the collection of questionnaires to HEIs, SAMUELE has written a mapping report

Download it from here

Phase TWO: Self-Assessment Model for HEIs

1. Initial Testing

An internal session to identify key elements that the ULLL self-assessment model should include took place in Cork (October 2025). This session help the consortium to ensure that the draft model was usable for HEIs

2. Piloting

The Piloting of the draft model in 18 different institutions with different approaches to ULLL to measure adaptability and usability of the model is ongoing now

3. Final Self-Assessment Model

Articulated and self-contained model for HEIs to stop, reflect, plan and implement improvements in their ULLL approach

Find out more

Phase THREE: Policy Agenda

1. Workshop

Internal session to discuss the key priorities for policy change that ULLL needs in Europe

2. Survey and Consultation

Collection of feedback from stakeholders about the key elements of the policy recommendations

3. Final Policy Recommendations

Final version of the policy recommendations and action plan for policy makers at European, National and HEI levels

Find out more

For any questions or comments regarding SAMUELE, please contact the SAMUELE project coordinators via samuele@eucen.eu