
From Challenges to Achievements: the Project Closing Seminar of the HAPPY Project in Thimphu in Bhutan
In November, at Royal Thimphu College in Bhutan, the final seminar of the HAPPY Project opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Tshewang Tandin, President of Royal Thimphu College (RTC), setting a positive tone for a day of reflection and celebration. Project coordinators Esther den Hartog from VU Amsterdam and Dr. Samir Patel from RTC shared the inspiring journey of the HAPPY Project, detailing how it began and grew, uniting four colleges in Bhutan around a shared goal: to strengthen qualitative research methods in higher education and foster evidence-based policies for social and developmental progress.
While the project faced significant challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in sustainable development fees, the team adapted and redefined its approach, allowing the project to continue making an impact. Despite these obstacles, the four partner colleges—RTC, CLCS, Sherubtse College, and NRC—achieved several key milestones and spin-offs.
Throughout the day, speakers from each college presented on the impact of HAPPY activities on their research and educational programs in social and human sciences. The presentations showcased how deeply integrated the HAPPY initiatives have become, influencing both research and curricula. The commitment and passion of all four colleges were evident in these presentations, which highlighted tangible outcomes, key achievements, and future initiatives inspired by HAPPY.
The day was filled with joyful energy, and the collaborative spirit that defined the four years of the HAPPY Project was felt and appreciated by all external participants at the conference.




