Integrating experts by experience into social work education: a European collaborative study

This project aims to promote the systematic involvement of experts by experience (EBE) in social work education at the bachelor’s level. By integrating individuals with lived experience of mental illness or social disadvantage into teaching, the initiative seeks to enrich learning, foster empathy, and reduce stigma among future professionals. The research will map current practices and institutional readiness, analyse benefits and challenges, and develop practical recommendations for sustainable implementation. Conducted across six European institutions, the study combines surveys, focus groups, and SWOT analysis, and will produce a final report, a peer-reviewed article, and guidelines for higher education institutions.