HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht wins ECIO Inclusion Award Public Prize with StudieHUiskamer

On Tuesday, October 28, the winners of the ECIO Inclusion Award 2025 were announced. For the first time, a public award was also presented – and it was decisively won by the StudieHUiskamer of Hogeschool Utrecht. Students often wrote: “Without this, I wouldn’t have made it.” The jury award went to the University of Groningen.

About 1,400 votes were cast for the first ECIO Inclusion Award public prize, nearly half of which went to a single initiative: the StudieHUiskamer at Hogeschool Utrecht. Students frequently commented: “Without this, I wouldn’t have made it.” The StudieHUiskamer provides students who struggle with studying a fixed place and time to study together with others, supported by a coach or mentor. The initiative helps with planning, motivation, and study skills, assisting students in regaining structure and rhythm in their studies.

Chris de Bruin, lecturer, coach, and former project leader, received the award from jury member Jan Willem Meinsma. Meinsma described the StudieHUiskamer as an initiative characterized by simplicity that makes a significant impact. “Every week, a fixed place, consistent guidance, and clear expectations: that gives peace, structure, and success.”

“This recognition feels like an appreciation for everyone working to make studying more inclusive and to help students feel at home. Recognition for students to be themselves,” said Chris. He is the founder of the StudieHUiskamer. The project, coordinated for several years by Marieke Scheepstra, is part of the Student Support Centre at HU, which focuses on supporting students.

Jury award goes to Groningen

The jury award went to The Inclusive Teacher from the University of Groningen. This e-learning course provides a range of tools and tips to leverage student diversity as a valuable asset, leading to more effective teaching and greater student success. “The initiative makes knowledge sharing easy and accessible, allowing other institutions to implement it directly,” the jury noted. An honorable mention went to Fontys University of Applied Sciences, with WAVE, a project supporting neurodivergent young people in finding internships and jobs.

About the ECIO Inclusion Award

ECIO (Expertise Centre for Inclusive Education) is a national knowledge and expertise center that supports educational institutions in realizing inclusive and accessible education for students with support needs, such as disabilities, chronic illness, psychological vulnerability, or neurodiversity. With the ECIO Inclusion Award, ECIO provides a platform for initiatives that contribute to more inclusive education and an equitable start in the labor market for young people with support needs. The award promotes the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in educational practice.