Conference Theme and Programme 5.-6.10.2026

IFHE European Annual Meeting & Thematic Conference 2026 in Finland , Joensuu 

THEME:

Rethink and Re-organise – Home Economics bringing preparedness and resilience to everyday life 

We are excited to announce the Save the Date information for the Conference 2026, to be held in Joensuu, Finland, on October 5-6, 2026. The thematic conference’s theme focuses on the vital role of Home Economics in fostering preparedness and resilience in our daily lives. We invite researchers, educators, and practitioners to submit their work related to the following areas: 

Exploring innovative approaches to managing household resources, sustainability practices, and enhancing quality of life through effective home management. 

Investigating the intersection of traditional crafts and modern techniques, promoting sustainable craftsmanship, and preserving cultural heritage. 

Examining educational strategies and methodologies for teaching Home Economics including curriculum development, experiential learning, and community engagement. 

We welcome presentations that address the theme through various lenses, including but not limited to: 

  • Repair: Techniques for repairing and maintaining household items and crafts to extend their lifespan and reduce consumption. 
  • Rethink: Innovative ideas for reimagining home and craft practices to align with sustainable living and resilience. 
  • Re-organise: Approaches to reorganizing home and craft spaces to enhance functionality, efficiency, and preparedness. Strategies for minimizing waste (e.g. textile waste, food waste and electricity, water etc.) and optimizing resource use in home and craft practices. 

IFHE Euroopan vuositapaaminen ja teemakonferenssi 2026 Joensuussa

Teema: Uudelleenajattelu ja uudelleenorganisointi – Kotitaloustiede vahvistamassa arjen valmiuksia ja resilienssiä

Voimme ylpeydellä esitellä, että vuoden 2026 konferenssi järjestetään Joensuussa, Suomessa, 5.–6. lokakuuta 2026. 

Konferenssin teemana on kotitaloustieteen  rooli arjen valmiuden ja resilienssin vahvistamisessa. Kutsumme tutkijoita, opettajia ja alan ammattilaisia esittelemään työtään seuraavien aihealueiden parissa: 

  • Kotitalouden resurssien hallinta ja kestävyys: Uusien innovatiivisten lähestymistapojen tutkiminen kotitalouden resurssien hallintaan, kestävien käytäntöjen edistämiseen ja elämänlaadun parantamiseen tehokkaan kotitalouden hoidon kautta. 
  • Perinteiset käsityötaidot ja nykyaikaiset tekniikat: Perinteisen käsityön ja modernien menetelmien yhdistäminen kestävän käsityöperinteen tukemiseksi ja kulttuuriperinnön säilyttämiseksi. 
  • Kotitalousopetuksen strategiat ja menetelmät: Kotitalousalan opetukseen liittyvien pedagogisten ratkaisujen, opetussuunnitelmien, kokemuksellisen oppimisen ja yhteisöyhteistyön tarkastelu. 

Toivotamme tervetulleiksi esitykset, jotka käsittelevät konferenssin teemaa eri näkökulmista, kuten: 

  • Korjaaminen: Menetelmät kotitaloustavaroiden ja käsitöiden korjaamiseen ja ylläpitoon käyttöiän pidentämiseksi ja kulutuksen vähentämiseksi. 
  • Uudelleenajattelu: Innovatiiviset ideat kotitalous- ja käsityökäytäntöjen uudelleenajatteluun kestävän elämäntavan ja resilienssin tukemiseksi. 
  • Uudelleen organisointi: Lähestymistavat kodin ja käsityötilojen uudelleenjärjestelyyn toimivuuden, tehokkuuden ja valmiuden lisäämiseksi. 
    Lisäksi strategiat jätteen vähentämiseen (esim. tekstiili- ja ruokajäte, sähkön- ja vedenkulutus) sekä resurssien käytön tehostamiseen kotitalous- ja käsityökäytännöissä. 

Programme/ Aikataulu

IFHE European Conference programme 

Sunday 4.10.2026 

10.00 -14.00 Koli - 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 5.10.2026 

9.00–9.30 Opening ceremony  

9.30 – 10.30 Plenary Keynote session, professor Dr. Ming Cui

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.

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

Brief description: 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?

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 Coffee 

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

 18.00 – 21.00 Conference dinner  

    

Tuesday 6.10.2026 

9.00–10.00 Plenary Keynote session 2, professor Donna Pendergast

Brief biography – Professor Donna Pendergast AM

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.

Title of presentation

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

Abstract

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.

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 7.10.2026   

8.00 – 9.30 School visits, Rantakylä University training school 

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