16 January 2026

University Fund Limburg:
‍ Supporting bear-illiant student initiatives for years

Being a student at Maastricht University means more than acquiring knowledge in lecture halls. For 50 years, the university has been known for its practice-oriented learning method (Problem-Based Learning) and its strong social engagement. Students who set up initiatives that reflect these core values naturally make the university proud. They can also count on support from the Universiteitsfonds. Since a long time, the Universiteitsfonds’ Committee for the Support of Student Activities (CooSa) has supported remarkable socially engaged student projects.

‍Fifty years of social engagement

This year, UM is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking 50 years of engagement with society through our education, research and wider initiatives. We’re proud of the many great initiatives UM is involved in, and of the active role our students play in society. During this anniversary year, we’re shining a spotlight on a selection of initiatives that have emerged over the past half-century.

Support from the University Fund

In 2025, the University Fund celebrated its 60th anniversary and in 2026, Maastricht University marks its 50th year. Each year, the Universiteitsfonds Limburg supports outstanding initiatives by students and staff of Maastricht University.

Thanks to the CooSa grant, students are given the opportunity to organise activities and events that strengthen the university community. The CoBes grant helps UM staff to realise teaching and research projects or to organise scientific events.

Teddy Bear Hospital

One of the cuddliest projects that the Fund has supported, is the Teddy Bear Hospital. This is an annual project where children can take their ‘ill’ stuffed animals to the MUMC+, which is temporarily transformed into a teddy bear hospital. Schools from the Maastricht region are invited to visit the fictitious hospital with their pupils. “For the kids who visit us, it’s a very special experience. Teachers and parents tell us that the kids still talk about it in class and at the kitchen table long after the event is over,” says FHML student Isabelle Bastiaens. She is one of the volunteers and former committee member of student organisation IFMSA-Maastricht, initiator of the event.

Positive experience with the doctor

The Teddy Bear Hospital introduces children to healthcare in a playful way. Bastiaens: “The hospital environment can be quite intimidating and a doctor’s appointment is sometimes very stressful. We hope that through a visit to the Teddy Bear Hospital, they develop a positive association with the hospital and healthcare in general. We, on the other hand, as future doctors, learn to anticipate a child’s perceptions.”

The region Zuid-Limburg has a persistent health disadvantage compared to the rest of the Netherlands, according to health organisation GGD Zuid-Limburg. For instance, the region scores significantly lower than nationally in areas such as life expectancy, healthy lifestyle and obesity. That’s why in this province in particular, the event is so valuable. “If a child’s first introduction with a hospital environment is positive, they will hopefully ask for professional help in time when they grow up”, Bastiaens hopes.

Opportunities

The event is now so successful, that there is a waiting list: after all, the current location can only accommodate 1,000 kids. There were even queues during the open walk-in afternoon, when employees could drop by with their children. “It would be amazing if we can facilitate an extra edition in the coming years,” Bastiaens fantasises out loud. “Or if we could work together with other hospitals and healthcare organisations in the area. That way, we can also give children from other parts of Zuid-Limburg the opportunity to learn about healthcare in a playful way. It would be a wonderful opportunity to all work together to address the health inequalities in the region.”

All stories

University Fund Limburg:
‍ Supporting bear-illiant student initiatives for years

Teddy Bear Hospital

Positive experience with the doctor

Opportunities

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