Shaping the Future: EHB Represented at International Florence Network Meeting

At the 32nd Florence Network (FNAM) meeting from March 31 to April 4, 2025, in Leeuwarden (Netherlands), the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Berlin (EHB) was present with a committed team of teachers and students from the bachelor’s programs in midwifery science and nursing, as well as members of the EHB administration. Participants included Prof. Dr. Susanne Simon, head of the midwifery science program, Katrin Rode, lecturer, Sarah Bernhardt, research associate, Christiane Janßen-Tapken from the EHB practice office, and six students from the bachelor’s program in nursing. This year’s host was NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, which organized the network meeting under the theme “Back to the Future – Nurse and Midwives 2050.”

The Florence Network is a Europe-wide association of universities with nursing and midwifery science programs. Its goal is to connect and further develop scientific, educational, and practical perspectives internationally.

The meeting focused on many workshops, presentations, and keynote speeches, which offered opportunities for exchange, reflection, and international cooperation. Especially impressive were the talks by Dr. Esther Feijen-de Jong, Associate Professor of Midwifery in Northern Netherlands, and Teun Toebes, nurse and humanitarian activist. Both gave inspiring insights into the future of nursing and midwifery – with a focus on sustainable and accessible care.

The EHB students impressed not only with their active participation but also with their commitment in a workshop competition. Their contribution on the topic “Nurse // Midwife 2050” won first place. As a prize, they received a signed copy of the book by keynote speaker Teun Toebes.

EHB is already looking forward to the next FNAM in 2026, which will take place in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.