The International XI Conference on Childhood Studies

The XI Conference on Childhood Studies, Childhood and Borders, will be held on 6–8 May 2026 at the University of Eastern Finland in Joensuu. This internationally recognised conference is taking place for the eleventh time in Finland and for the first time in Joensuu. The event is organised by the Finnish Society for Childhood Studies and the University of Eastern Finland. Partners include SOS Children’s Village Finland and the Coordination Project on Children’s, Young People’s and Families’ Participation.

The conference highlights the diverse boundaries of childhood and opens a discussion on how multidisciplinarity and multiparadigmatic approaches can renew childhood studies. It crosses disciplinary boundaries and opens dialogue among fields such as sociology, law, history, education, health sciences, and the arts.

The Keynote Speakers of the conference are Professor Helen Stalford (University of Liverpool) and Associate Professor Pekka Mertala (University of Jyväskylä). 

For the first time, the conference will also feature a panel discussion. The panel is chaired by Professor emerita Maarit Alasuutari from the University of Jyväskylä, Faculty of Education and Psychology. The panelists are the keynote speakers, Professor Noora Ellonen (Tampere University), and Professor Karin Murris (University of Oulu).
See information on the Keynote speakers and other panelists here. 

The conference will highlight children’s perspectives through art. In collaboration with the Joensuu Children’s Cultural Centre, children’s artwork will be presented at the event. Visual artists Tuija Hirvonen-Puhakka, Tiina Miettinen, and Johanna Turunen will implement a community art exhibition in which children’s and young people’s works visually and experientially open a dialogue on how they perceive and cross boundaries themselves. In addition, children and young people will be visible and heard in the conference’s side programme. Participants will enjoy performances by the Joensuu Conservatory String Orchestra and the youth folk dance groups of Nuorisoseura Motora. 

Programme, participation fees, registration

See updating information on the Childhood Studies Conference web pages.

Registration is open until 6.5.2026.

Further information

Elina Weckström, [email protected] or Anna Kristiina Kokko, [email protected].

The Finnish Society for Childhood Studies LinkedIn channel

Welcome to Joensuu!