Program


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

Sunday, October 4, 2026

8.45–15.00 Pre-conference Excursion to Koli National Park – adventure and outdoor pedagogy

Optional research group meetings

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

18.00–20.00 Welcome reception at Sulo Iso Myy Restaurant

  

Monday, October 5, 2026

8.15–9.00 Registration in the lobby of the Agora building

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

12.00–13.00 Lunch

Lunch at participants’ own expense at campus restaurants.

13.00–15.00 Concurrent Research Sessions

15.00–15.30 Coffee Break, refreshments by Kotex 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 Utran Uittotupa

   

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

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

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

15.00–15.30 Coffee Break, refreshments by Kotex Student Association

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

16.30–18.00 Visit to the Craft Science teaching facilities at Taitola and the Home Economics teaching facilities in the Natura Building

  

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

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

Please note subject to change.