Lecture series offers research insights and fresh perspectives on learning
Education is undergoing significant change. Ongoing developments –such as increasing political polarisation and social segregation, declining learning outcomes and the rise of artificial intelligence – are reshaping the future outlook of education in Finland.
The Conversations in Education lecture series asks how education as an academic discipline can offer hope by bringing the latest research evidence to bear on current educational issues. Researchers invite the public to join the dialogue by attending the lectures held this spring.
“We welcome teachers, educators, decision‑makers, parents and anyone interested in the themes of the lecture series to join us. We are looking forward to inspiring conversations that open up fresh perspectives and provide new insights for us all,” says Tiina Silander, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Culture.
Lectures in the spring of 2026
The Conversations in Education lecture series will take place at the Main Library Metso in Tampere.
Please note that all the lectures will be delivered in Finnish.
- Wednesday 6 May at 17.30–18.30: Should school change and on whose terms?
- Monday 18 May at 17.30–18.30: How does early childhood education and care create expectations for parents?
- Thursday 21 May at 17.30–18.30: Is work changing faster than workers?
- Tuesday 26 May at 17.30–18.30: How do global crises affect everyday life in schools?
- Thursday 28 May at 17.30–18.30: Does the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) serve learning or policy-making?
A learning society is a thriving society
The Faculty of Education and Culture (EDU) strengthens societal resilience by advancing knowledge, learning and education in Finland. EDU conducts research on learning and education as well as prepares teachers and education professionals for diverse roles across society.
In 2020, the City of Tampere, Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences established a strategic partnership. Together, they are working to promote the well-being and literacy of local children and young people and to pilot new approaches that support research‑informed decision‑making. This partnership also enables the organisation of the Conversations in Education lecture series.
The lecture series is organised as part of the European Conference on Educational Research (ECER) 2026 and the FERA Conference on Education 2026, both of which will take place in Tampere.
