THRIVE officially launches in Bern

European partners join forces to help young people learn, reflect and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The THRIVE project officially began with a two-day kick-off meeting in Bern, Switzerland, on 29–30 September 2026. Hosted by Bern University of Applied Sciences, the meeting brought together the project partners to establish a shared vision and plan the first steps of their collaboration.

THRIVE explores an important question: How can adolescents use digital technologies—including generative AI—in ways that support learning and emotional well-being?

Over the next four years, the project will work closely with young people, teachers, school leaders and other education stakeholders across Europe. Rather than focusing only on screen time, THRIVE will investigate how young people use technology, how these practices influence their ability to manage their own learning, and how they affect emotional well-being.

During the kick-off meeting, partners discussed the project’s research activities, collaboration with schools, ethical and safeguarding requirements, digital tools, communication, dissemination and the long-term use of the project’s results. The sessions also provided space to clarify responsibilities, identify connections between the different work packages and agree on priorities for the first project year.

The consortium was pleased to welcome Dr Nikoleta Giannoutsou, Project Adviser at the European Research Executive Agency, and Bartek Lessaer, Socio-economic Analyst at the European Commission. Their participation offered valuable insight into the wider European context of THRIVE and the importance of transforming research into practical benefits for young people, schools and education systems.

The meeting also marked the beginning of THRIVE’s communication and stakeholder-engagement activities. Partners agreed to work together to ensure that young people’s voices remain visible throughout the project and that its evidence, tools and recommendations reach those who can use them—from schools and families to researchers and policymakers.

With a common direction now established, the THRIVE partnership is ready to move from planning to action.