Programme 04th–07th October 2026

Programme / Aikataulu

IFHE European Conference programme 

Sunday, October 4, 2026

10.00–14.00 Visit to Koli National Park – adventure and outdoor pedagogy 

15.00–16.30 Research group meetings, IFHE members meetings, Senior advisors’ meetings 

18.00–20.00 Welcome reception  

  

Monday, October 5, 2026

9.00–9.30 Opening ceremony 

9.05–9.20 Dean Ilkka Huhta opens the conference

9.30–10.30 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 Research Sessions (concurrent, workshops, symposia, poster viewing)  

12.00–13.00 Lunch  

13.00–15.00 Research Sessions (concurrent, workshops, symposia, poster viewing)  

15.00–15.30 Coffee break, Kotex – Student Association

15.30–16.30 Research Sessions (concurrent, workshops, symposia, poster viewing)  

 18.00–21.00 Conference dinner  

   

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

9.00–10.00 Plenary Keynote session 2, Professor Donna Pendergast

“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 a 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 Research sessions (concurrent, workshops, symposia, poster viewing)  

11.45–13.00 Lunch  

13.00–15.00 Research sessions (concurrent, workshops, symposia, poster viewing)  

15.00–15.30 Coffee break  

15.30–16.30 Research sessions (concurrent, workshops, symposia, poster viewing)  

17.00–18.00 Young Professional networking  

  

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

8.00–9.30 School visits, Rantakylä Teacher Training School

9.30–16.30 Excursion to Niirala Border station and Hermanni Winery in Ilomantsi (Lunch in Ilomantsi)  

Please note: subject to change.