Rethinking Environments for ACTive students and young professionals

ongoing

REACT is addressing the decline in physical activity among young adults during the critical transition from education to work. The project uses innovative active design, nudge techniques, and placemaking strategies to transform study and work environments into dynamic, activity-friendly spaces that enhance physical health, mental well-being, and performance. REACT begins with an in-depth desk research phase to map current sedentary trends and active design practices (workplaces and university context). It will then informs and helps to design two pilot tests : one in a French company (Bank of France) and one at Coimbra University in Portugal. In these pilots, tailored interventions will be implemented and rigorously evaluated for their impact on reducing sedentary behavior and boosting productivity. A diverse consortium drives the project, bringing together the European Federation for Company Sport, European Students’ Union, Banque de France sports association, University of Copenhagen, Portuguese university sports association, Bulgaria BeActive, and Eindhoven University of Technology. Together, they will develop a scalable framework, produce a state-of-the-art report, policy recomandations, create practical guidelines, deliver training workshops, and host a final conference. By bridging research and real-world application, REACT offers a sustainable, innovative solution to promote active lifestyles and improve the health and productivity of Europe’s youth. The pilot tests target around 500 individuals, with an expected satisfaction rate exceeding 90% and notable improvements in both physical fitness and mental clarity. Preliminary evaluations indicate that the interventions could reduce sedentary behavior by up to 60%, fostering a more active and engaged population. Leveraging interdisciplinary expertise and robust digital tools, REACT will deliver actionable, evidence-based strategies that are scalable across Europe.