Service-learning

Research

Knowledge production

 Uniservitate seeks to generate a systemic change in Catholic Higher Education Institutions (CHEI), through the institutionalisation of Service-Learning as a tool to fulfil their mission of integral education, to generate agents of social change who are critically committed to a better society according to the social teaching of the Church. The Programme aims to articulate teaching, research and social outreach aligned with the mission and vision of the CHEI to integrate its spiritual identity in an innovative way.

 To this end, it launched two actions: the research led by the Academic Sounding Board and the call for small research grants (SRG).

 Board Research

 The Academic Sounding Board accompanies the processes of research and reflection on the spiritual dimension of AYSS with a multicultural perspective. It also conducts specific research in liaison with other participants and with members of universities from the different Hubs.

 In 2023, the coordination of Uniservitate checked the research interests of the members of the Board and, after several exchanges, the following priority lines of research were identified:

  • Networks
  • Institutionalisation of Service-Learning in CHEIs
  • Spiritual dimension of service-learning
  • Impact on the spiritual dimension, engagement and professional impact of students.

 Each research line is led by members of the Board and, depending on the subject matter, external researchers are involved in the development of the work.

Board Research

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Second call for Small Research Grants on service-learning in Catholic Higher Education

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Winners of the First Call for Small Research Grants on Service-Learning

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Board Research

Network and Knowledge Building: From a South-North Service-Learning Network to a Global Community

By Leticia Ivonne López & Montserrat Alom

This ongoing research explores how Uniservitate has evolved from a South-North Service-Learning network into a global community of Catholic universities. It focuses on identifying practices and interactions that have enabled this transformation, particularly through digital technologies. The study analyzes how knowledge related to Service Learning is co-produced and shared across diverse contexts within Uniservitate’s regional hubs. By examining emerging networks and patterns of collaboration, the project seeks to understand the conditions that foster sustainable global engagement and inform future strategies for strengthening Uniservitate’s reach and impact.

Institutionalization of Service-Learning in Catholic Higher Education Institutions

By Maria Cinque, Mercy Vasanth, Irene Culcasi, Michela Trombetta, and Andy Furco

This project explores the factors, forces, and conditions that have enabled some Catholic higher education institutions to achieve advanced levels of Service-Learning institutionalization. Through interviews with hub leaders and representatives from highly institutionalized universities, the project aims to uncover critical practices that support long-term integration. Findings will be shared in early 2026 to inform strategic efforts that strengthen Service-Learning within Catholic institutions worldwide.

Spiritual Dimension of Service-Learning: Institutional Spirituality and Training

By D. Gargantini, A. Martínez Odria, M. Martínez Martin, C. Núñez Duran, M. InzuIza

This research project investigates how the spiritual dimension manifests in higher education through university service-learning (SL) projects. Running from August 2024 over six semesters, the study seeks to conceptualize spirituality in SL, identify its key features, and develop a methodology to assess its presence and development in Ibero-American Catholic Higher Education Institutions. Early findings reveal a growing but underexplored area linking SL with spiritual growth and integral education. The project addresses conceptual challenges and emphasizes the importance of mapping spiritual dimensions beyond traditional academic literature, aiming to provide transferable tools for institutions worldwide.

Impact of Service-Learning on Students’ Spiritual Dimension, Commitment, and Professional Development

Researchers: Barbara McCrabb, Carol Ma, Bibi Bouwman

This project aims to identify the most salient dimensions of spirituality and underlying themes among students and faculty engaged in service-learning experiences. Using an open-ended dialogue format and survey, the research explores how service-learning fosters or enhances spirituality—understood broadly, whether rooted in religious traditions or in personal belief systems and life experiences.

The study is divided into three phases: a dialogue process, an open-ended survey, and the design of a structured survey to more precisely measure the impact of service-learning on spirituality. The project will be implemented across participating campuses in the African, Asian, and North American Hubs, following IRB approval. The research framework includes key themes such as meaning, purpose, mission, transcendence, ethics, belonging, interconnectedness, and awe. The results will offer insights into how service-learning contributes to students’ inner life, ethical awareness, and vocational commitment.

The first edition of this initiative, held between 2023 and 2024, distributed 70,000 euros among 33 research projects developed by teams from 28 universities in 18 countries on 5 continents. The presentation of many projects during the V Global Symposium Uniservitate , held in November 2024 in Rome, showed the variety and richness of the selected proposals.

This new call invites projects to be implemented during 2025-2026. Again, 70,000 Euros will be distributed among the 7 regional hubs of Uniservitate and each one will manage these resources according to the applications received and evaluated by an academic committee.

On this occasion, the four lines of research (detailed below) will be maintained but priority will be given to projects that contemplate comparative studies of service-learning from different institutions and regions.

The proposed themes are:

  1. The spiritual dimension of service-learning.
  2. Service-learning contribution to Catholic Higher Education Institutions mission and identity.
  3. Service-learning institutionalization processes in Catholic Higher Education Institutions.
  4. Evidence of service-learning impact towards an integral education of students of Catholic Higher Education Institutions.

The call is open to all researchers who meet the requirements and submit projects aligned with the terms and conditions of this proposal.
We look forward to receiving your proposals by completing the following form. Each regional hub will establish the deadlines according to their schedules, which will be available soon in this space.

Winners of the First Call for Small Research Grants on Service-Learning

AFRICA

Jury: Beatrix Bouwman – Mary Cecilia Draru – Ellainne Etobe – Alice Kaudia
Coordinator: Denis Etriga Munguci

Institution: Catholic University of Central Africa (UCAC), Cameroon

Application title: “Linking Service Learning to the Christian Ethic of Service.”
Topic: The spiritual dimension of SL.
Project Leader: Simon Itabari Mwenda

Application title: “Fostering ethical leadership through service learning a case of Tangaza University College.”
Topic SL institutionalization processes in the specific contexts of CHEIs.
Project Leader: Nazarene Kabuya

Application title: “Institutionalization Processes of Service-Learning in Catholic University of Central Africa.”
Topic: SL institutionalization processes in the specific contexts of CHEIs.
Project Leader: Dr Epiphane Kinhoun

Institution: Mwenge Catholic University, Tanzania

Application title: “Towards Sustained Service-Learning Institutionalization: Understanding Advances, Opportunities and Challenges at Mwenge Catholic University, Tanzania”
Topic: SL institutionalization processes in the specific contexts of CHEIs.
Project Leader: Gilleard Minja

Institution: University of Kisubi, Uganda

Application title:  “Benchmarking the Institutionalization of service learning in selected Catholic Higher Education”
Topic:  SL institutionalization processes in the specific contexts of CHEIs.
Project Leader: Angella Beatrice Nalwanga

Asia & Oceania

Jury: Sterling Miranda Plata. Ma. Lourdes Melegrito. Froilan Alipao. Marietta Guanzon. Carol Ma Hok Ka. Mercy Pushpalatha. Victoria Tibon.  Maher Spurgeon
Coordinators: Jimi Caldea & Romina Eloisa Abuan

Institution: Assam Don Bosco University, India

Application title: “A study on stakeholders attitude towards institualization of service learning: perceived threats and opportunities across Christian Higher Education Institutions of India.”
Topic: SL institutionalization processes in the specific contexts of CHEIs.
Project Leader: Bonnie Amonge Crerar

Institution: University of St. La Salle, Philippines

Application title: “The Contribution of the Christian Service Learning Program (CSLP) Towards Spiritual, Social, and Professional Growths as Perceived by the USLS Political Science Graduate”
Topic: SL contribution to CHEIs mission and identity.
Project Leader: Elias P. Patriarca, Jr.

CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST

Jury: Bojana Culum Ilic – Alina Simona Rusu – Edina Malkic – Alžbeta Brozmanová Gregorová
Coordinator: Christiane Hoth de Olano

Institution: John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland

 Application title: “The impact of service-learning methodology on applied linguistics students success outcomes”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Viktoriia Durkalevych

Institution: Bethlehem University, Palestine

Application title: “Learning by doing at Bethlehem University; The SPEL Model”]Topic: SL institutionalization processes in the specific contexts of CHEIs.
Project Leader: Bilal Salameh

Institution: Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany

Application title: “Service Learning for Campus: Opportunities and Challenges in Relation to the Sustainable Transformation at Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Ann-Kathrin Bremer

LAC

Jury:  Alexis Rodríguez – Chantal Jouannet – Daniel García – Daniela Gargantini -Gladys Jimenez -Gretel Hernández -Isabel Tresca -Leticia López -Mercedes Morales -Nicolas Dorronsoro -Rodolfo Gallo -Rodrigo de Andrade
Coordinator:  Manuel Caire Espinoza

Institution: Catholic University of Pernambuco, Brazil

Application title:“Service-learning as a possibility of Comprehensive Education and transformation in the way of being of higher education students”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: João Elton de Jesus

Institution: Catholic University of La Plata, Argentine

 Application title: “From extension as a transfer service to dialogue of knowledge” Case study: Creation and implementation of the Center for Learning and Solidarity Service “Santa Clara de Asís”
Topic: SL institutionalization processes in the specific contexts of CHEIs.
Project Leader:Rita Marcela Gajate

Institution: Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

Application title: “Notions and practices of Christian spirituality in S+L UC: Reality and Challenges.”
Application area: The spiritual dimension of SL
Project Leader: Cristián Felipe Núñez Durán

Institución: Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador

 Application title:“Family and community strategies to combat Childhood Malnutrition as comprehensive learning tools for Nutrition and Dietetics students.”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Edgar Wilson Rojas González

Institution: Catholic University of Córdoba

Application title: “Service-learning as a predictor of academic-social commitment of Bachelor of Nutrition students at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Catholic University of Córdoba”
Topic:  SL contribution to CHEIs mission and identity.
Project Leader: Constanza Rodríguez Junyen

USA & CANADA

Jury: Barbara McCrabb – Andy Furco – Rebecca Sawyer – Patrick Green – Jennifer Pfigza
Coordinator: Nadine Jalandoni

Institution: University of St. Thomas -Center for the Common Good, USA

 Application title: “Exploring the impact of a community-engagement project on students’ perceptions of housing justice and housing insecurity and their intention for continued engagement”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Jessica Hodge

Institution: Loras College, USA

Application title: “Cultural Snapshots: Institutionalizing Catholic Social Teaching and Asset Based Community Development through Community Engagement”
Topic: SL institutionalization processes in the specific contexts of CHEIs.
Project Leader: Jake Kurczek

Institution: University of Notre Dame -Center for Social Concerns, USA

Application title: “Lives in the Balance: College Engagement and the Development of Moral Solidarity”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Jay W. Brandenberger

Institution: Saint Mary’s College of California, USA 

Application title: “From mission to practice: Instructor perspectives on creating engaged learning experiences that foster the spiritual development of Lasallian university students”
Topic: SL contribution to CHEIs mission and identity.
Project Leader: Sarah Beth Dempsey

WEN

Jury: Stijn Latré (UCSIA, Member Advisory Board). Aaron Soens (Odisse, Education coordinator and lecturer in Philosophy). Marie-An Knops (Hub). Nicolas Standaert (Hub).

Coordinator: Nicolas Standaert

Institution: Université de Namur, Belgium

Application title: “Anthropologie et Service Learning en contexte associatif: enjeux moraux, politiques et épistémologiques”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Rigaux Natalie

Institution: Université Catholique de Lille, France

Application title: “Reading students Service-learning journals from the perspective of a Christian anthropology”
Topic:  The spiritual dimension of SL.
Project Leader: Thierry Magnin

Institution: KU Leuven, Faculty of Architecture, Belgium

Application title: “Levers as a pre-condition for integral education: an exploration of principles and transformative mechanisms of service-learning”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: De Smet Aurelie

WES

Jury:  Marian Aláez –  Míquel Martínez – Arantzazu Martínez – María Cinque  – Luísa Mota
Coordinator: Marian Aláez

Institution: Pontifical University Comillas, Spain

Application title: “The social profitability of community educational methodologies: Case study. “University service-learning in the field of ADE studies”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Carlos Ballesteros Garcia

Institution: Catholic University of Ávila, Spain

Application title:  “Education in values ​​and development of skills through service-learning: impact on students at the Universidad Católica De Ávila 2015-2023”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Ana Isabel Muñoz Alcón

Institution: University of Deusto, Spain

Application title: “Working on language didactics with the service-learning methodology”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Ariane Díaz Iso

Application title: “La empatía y autocompasión en el alumnado de CAFyD tras una experiencia de ApS”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Yolanda Lázaro Fernández

Institution: IQS Universitat Ramon Llull, Spain

Application title: “Analysis of published service-learning experiences in chemistry and chemical engineering programs”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Núria Agulló Chaler

Institution:  San Jorge University, Spain

Application title: “Impact of the service-learning programme on the perception of learning humanized care in students and usefulness in the community”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Raquel Lafuente-Ureta

Application title: “The reflective processes in SL projects in the CHEIs. “His contribution to the development of the spiritual dimension of students and educators”
Topic: The spiritual dimension of SL.
Project Leader: Arantzazu Martínez Odría

Institution: Loyola University, Andalucía, Spain

Application title: “Impact evaluation indicators in Service-Learning from the experience of the Social Sector of the Society of Jesus”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Ignacio Sepúlveda del Río

Institution: Portuguese Catholic University, Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Portugal

Application title: “Interdisciplinary Service-Learning: An (im)possible agenda?”
Topic: SL institutionalization processes in the specific contexts of CHEIs
Project Leader:  Paulo C. Dias

Institution: Portuguese Catholic University, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Portugal

Application title: “Examining University Students’ and Final Beneficiaries’ Perceptions of SL and their Community: A pre- and post-Service-Learning Analysis”
Topic:  Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Luísa Mota Ribeiro

Institution: St Mary’s University, United Kingdom

Application title:  “Examining the medium-term impact of a service learning project using a value creation framework”
Topic: Evidence of SL impact towards an integral education.
Project Leader: Abbe Brady