Program


The conference will take place in the Agora Building (8) on the Joensuu Campus unless the program specifies a different location.

Visit the University of Eastern Finland’s 360.uef.fi website to explore the campus virtually.


Sunday, October 4, 2026

8.45–15.00 Pre-conference Excursion to Koli National Park – adventure and outdoor pedagogy for registered excursion participants.

Optional research group meetings

You may choose any location for your research group meetings. The following cafés in Joensuu are open on Sundays:

The conference fee includes the welcome reception on Sunday. We look forward to welcoming you!

18.00–20.00 Welcome reception at Sulo Iso Myy Restaurant (Address: Kauppakatu 28, 2nd floor, Joensuu)

  

Monday, October 5, 2026


🚌 CONFERENCE BUS SHUTTLE
We have arranged transportation for conference participants. To ensure easy access, we will provide a bus to transport attendees to and from campus.

The shuttle bus will transport participants between the campus and shuttle stops near accommodations.The campus is only a short walk from Joensuu city center, so we recommend walking.


8.00–8.45 Registration in the Agora Building (8) Lobby
Please, register for the conference upon your arrival by the registration desk and collect your name badge.

9.00–9.20 Opening ceremony in the auditorium AT100

Dean Ilkka Huhta will open the conference, followed by a musical performance and a welcome address from Professor Hille Janhonen-Abruquah

9.20–10.20 Plenary Keynote Session, Professor Ming Cui

“Preparing Emerging Adults for Successful Transition to Adulthood: The Role of Families and Communities“

The speech will focus on a theoretically and empirically driven discussion of several important and relevant questions to the theme of the conference: What are the features of emerging adults in the current society? How well are they prepared for adulthood? And what are roles of families and communities in facilitating emerging adults for their successful transition to become independent and responsible adults?

Dr. Ming Cui is a U.S. Fulbright Scholar, Fulbright Specialist, and professor of Human Development and Family Science at Florida State University. She holds a PhD degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Statistics from Iowa State University. Dr. Cui’s research interests include emerging adult development, family processes and relationships, and cultural studies. She has published over 100 articles, conducted several NIH funded projects, and received many awards, including the New Contribution Award from the International Association for Relationship Research.

10.30–12.00 Concurrent Research Sessions 1 (presentation schedule)

12.00–13.00 Lunch
Lunch at participants’ own expense at campus restaurants.

We recommend campus restaurants Restaurant Aura and Wicked Rabbit Metria. Other campus restaurants are also open → https://www.uef.fi/en/campus-restaurants.

13.00–15.00 Concurrent Research Sessions 2 (presentation schedule)

15.00–15.30 Coffee Break, refreshments by Kotex Home Economics and Craft Student Association

☕️ Elina Larsson, President of the European Association for Home Economics, invites all home economics teachers working in schools to join her for coffee.

15.00–15.45 Poster viewing
Poster presentations will be displayed throughout the conference.

 18.00–21.00 Conference dinner at Restaurant Utran Uittotupa
Organized bus transportation from Joensuu city center to the restaurant. Dinner is reserved for participants who have registered and paid in advance.

   

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

🚌 CONFERENCE BUS SHUTTLE
We have arranged transportation for conference participants. To ensure easy access, we will provide a bus to transport attendees to and from campus.

The shuttle bus will transport participants between the campus and shuttle stops near accommodations. The campus is only a short walk from Joensuu city center, so we recommend walking.


8.15–8.45 Registration in the Agora building (8) Lobby

8.45–8.55 Brief Presentation on IFHE’s Activities in the auditorium AT100

9.00–10.00 Plenary Keynote session 2, Professor Donna Pendergast in the auditorium AT100

“The Transformative Capacity of Home Economics: Sustainability, Resilience, and Advocacy through HELM“

Home Economics is increasingly recognised as an interdisciplinary field with significant transformative potential to address contemporary global challenges. This presentation interrogates the capacity of Home Economics to cultivate sustainable, resilient, and socially responsible communities through a futures‑oriented, critical, and human‑centred pedagogical lens. Central to this argument is the Home Economics Literacy Model (HELM), which provides a theoretically robust framework for building sustainability literacy, adaptive resilience, and the capacity for advocacy – key competencies for shaping equitable and future‑focused ways of living. Home Economics emerges as a powerful catalyst for enabling people to understand complexity, act purposefully, and contribute to more sustainable and resilient futures.

Professor Donna Pendergast AM is a leading scholar and strategic educator whose work has shaped the field of Home Economics globally. With career spanning leadership roles across education and community sectors, she is renowned for advancing contemporary understandings of wellbeing, futures thinking, and the transformative power of Home Economics in everyday life. As Director (Engagement), she forges partnerships that strengthen impact, innovation, and professional connection. She has extensive experience as Dean of Education, and is Board member of leading education authorities in Australia. Donna’s research and advocacy champion the role of Home Economics in preparing individuals and communities to thrive in a complex world. She is widely recognised for her visionary leadership, collaborative approach, and commitment to empowering others. In 2024 she was invested as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) by King Charles for her contribution to education.

10.15–11.45 Concurrent Research Sessions 3 (presentation schedule)

11.45–13.00 Lunch
Conference participants are invited to lunch at Restaurant Aura or Wicked Rabbit Metria. Lunch vouchers will be provided upon registration. Please note that lunch is not included for students attending as part of their courses.

13.00–15.00 Concurrent Research Sessions 4 (presentation schedule)

15.00–15.30 Coffee Break, refreshments Kotex Home Economics and Craft Student Association

15.30–16.30 Opportunities for Meetings: Young Professional Networking and IFHE Members’ Meetings

15.30–17.00 Campus Tours: Choose One
Please register on-site at the registration desk.

  1. The Craft Science teaching facilities: Taitola is the center of Craft Teacher education
  2. The Home Economics teaching facilities in the Natura building
  3. UEF SenseLab: a multi-purpose research space located in the Educa building
  4. The North Karelia Martha Association and its facilities, located opposite Joensuu Market Square

17.00–20.00 Kotex International Parties in the Metria Building Lobby
Experience the best of Finnish student culture and a relaxed party atmosphere together with IFHE conference guests and Kotex students from Home Economics and Craft Education!

  

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

7.45–17.00 School visit & Excursion to Niirala Border Crossing Point and Ilomantsi (Parppeinpirtti Restaurant & Hermanni Winery) for registered excursion participants.

Please note subject to change.