Auli Toom
University of Helsinki
Key Issues of PhD graduates’ Career Literacy for Successful Future Trajectories
About
6 – 10 July 2026
The 30th JURE 2026 Conference will take place in Tartu, Estonia, hosted by the University of Tartu. The conference brings together junior researchers and doctoral students around the world to present their work, participate in workshops and keynotes, and engage in inspiring discussions on educational research. JURE 2026 offers early career researchers valuable opportunities for academic exchange, skills development, and international networking in a vibrant university city.
Although the JURE conference is primarily intended for JURE members, it is not an exclusive event. We therefore warmly welcome submissions from non-junior researchers for JURE 2026.
Venue
Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city and its intellectual capital, is renowned for its rich academic traditions and youthful energy. Located in southern Estonia, Tartu is home to the University of Tartu, one of Northern Europe’s oldest universities, which shapes the city’s vibrant student life and innovative spirit. The city combines history and modernity, with its charming medieval old town, lively cafés, museums, and cultural institutions.
Known as the “City of Good Thoughts,” Tartu offers a welcoming atmosphere, a strong focus on science and education, and an inspiring setting along the Emajõgi River, making it an ideal venue for international conferences.
Theme
Learning in Transition: Science, Society and the Challenges of Tomorrow
The JURE 2026 Conference invites junior researchers to reflect on the connections between science, education, and society under the theme "Learning in Transition: Science, Society and the Challenges of Tomorrow". The theme emphasises the transformative role of education in preparing individuals and communities to face rapid technological change, global uncertainties, and urgent societal challenges.
Education functions as both a driver and a bridge during times of transition: encouraging scientific thinking, fostering critical and creative problem-solving, and supporting resilience in addressing issues such as climate change, digitalisation, and social inequality. Learning in transition highlights the importance of equipping learners not only with knowledge and skills but also with flexible mindsets that help them succeed in uncertain futures.
This theme invites interdisciplinary contributions that examine how learning environments, teaching practices, and educational policies can promote personal development and collective well-being. By linking science and society, JURE 2026 aims to inspire innovative approaches to teaching, research, and collaboration that contribute to both academic knowledge and societal progress.
The conference provides a unique platform for junior researchers to share their work, take part in critical dialogue, and build international networks dedicated to shaping education for tomorrow’s challenges.
Programme
Register
Registrations will open on the 2nd of March 2026. The early bird deadline will expire on the 26th of April 2026 at midnight CEST.
Please note that membership is required to join the JURE 2026 conference. If you are not a member, you are required to purchase your membership first before being able to complete your conference registration. The fees mentioned below do not include your membership dues.
Please note that for JURE and Longstanding memberships it is required to send a proof of your student status or date of birth to info@earli.org before your membership can be approved.
The reduced rate applies to JURE members, Longstanding members and EARLI members currently working in low GDP countries (consult the list of qualifying countries). Also included in these rates are SIG Coordinators, EARLI Board members, Past Presidents of EARLI and JURE 2026 keynotes and workshop leaders.
The regular rate applies to full EARLI members who do not meet the requirements for the reduced rate, as described above.
Conference fees include access to all conference sessions, coffee breaks and lunches and the opening reception. Fees do not include tickets for the conference dinner or afterparty. These tickets can be purchased along with your conference registration.
All fees include 24% Estonian VAT.
Present
We welcome the following presentation types:
Paper
Paper sessions consist of three thematically clustered paper presentations, followed by a discussion with the audience. It is important that empirical papers have data and results or they will not be accepted. Theoretical papers, which provide background research, specific evidence, analytical thinking and/or recommendations on specific themes and topics, are also welcome.
Paper sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes. Three presenters are given 20 minutes presentation time followed by 10 minutes for questions.
Poster
Interactive poster sessions involve up to six posters. A short presentation of about 3 minutes for each poster is given to an audience gathered as a group. After the authors’ brief presentation, an in-depth discussion between them and the audience follows. The poster sessions offer researchers the chance to present their work in a visual format and offer more opportunities for interaction and discussion.
Poster sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes. Six presenters are each offered a brief presentation slot to introduce the poster (max. 3 minutes), after which there will be time to discuss each poster in greater depth, in smaller groups.
Roundtable
Roundtable sessions involve three thematically clustered presentations and offer opportunities for a more discursive exploration of research issues. This may well involve discussion of work in progress. The presenters elaborate on their emerging data and theory, and invite the participants to contribute to a discussion on potential challenges. Three presenters will explain and discuss their research one after another.
A roundtable session is scheduled for 90 minutes. Each presenter has five minutes to introduce his/her project and raise one or two open questions. Twentyfive minutes are intended for discussion.
Travel Grant
The EARLI Board of Directors remains committed to foster equity across conferences and to support high quality research being conducted by researchers facing financial struggles. As such, we are keen to continue our Travel Award initiative for presenters working in low-GDP countries. On top of a waived conference fee for the JURE 2026 conference, awardees will be provided with funds to cover travel and/or accommodation expenses (€ 1.000 per award winner).
In order to qualify for the grant, the applicant must:
- Have a JURE membership for 2026
- Have an accepted proposal for JURE 2026
- Work and reside in a low-GDP country
Preference will be given to accepted presentations with the highest review scores.
We hope and believe that this funding will be helpful to sustain and further expand our research community. If you are working in a low-GDP country, we therefore warmly welcome you to submit your proposal!
Application deadline: 26th of April 2026 (midnight CET)
Keynotes
We were honoured to welcome these keynote speakers to the conference!
Helena Granziera
University of New South Wales
From Doing Research to Becoming a Researcher – Navigating Identity Development in Early Career Academia
Lorna Waddington
University of Leeds
Developing Your Research Superpowers: Navigating GenAI, Epistemic Justice, and Academic Freedom in Doctoral Research
Margus Pedaste
University of Tartu
Inquiry-based Innovation for a Vision of Future Learning
Workshops
We were excited to offer all delegates a varied programme of outstanding and interactive workshops on relevant and timely topics.
Äli Leijen
University of Tartu
From Context to Contribution: Writing Effective Research Introductions
Eric Roldan Roa
Leipzig University
Design-Based Research: Lessons Learned From The Play My Math Use Case
Helena Granziera
University of New South Wales
From Doing Research to Becoming a Researcher – Navigating Identity Development in Early Career Academia
Imogen Casebourne
University of Cambridge
Digital Education Futures: Enabling Participation in Education for Collective Intelligence
Julia Mori
University of Bern
You Do Belong Here: Working With Impostor Feelings and Owning Your Place in Academia
Juuso Nieminen
Deakin University
Publish with Impact
Kai Pata and Terje Väljataga
Tallinn University
Sustainability of Education - Predictive Methods for Future Designing
Kristina Raave
Leipzig University
Pedagogical Flight Simulations: Practising Adaptive Instruction with AI Students
Lorna Waddington
University of Leeds
Doing Research with (and against) GenAI: Integrity, Risk, and Epistemic Survival for Early-Career Scholars
Margus Pedaste
University of Tartu
Introduction to Systematic Literature Review
Mark Carver
University of St Andrews
Where Does ‘Doctorateness’ Live in AI-assisted Research? Preparing for Your Viva from the Start of Your Doctorate.
Mindel van de Laar
Maastricht University
How to Communicate Research Through Policy Briefs
Robert Harry Evans
University of Copenhagen
Moving Beyond ‘Communication as Merely Telling’ by Facilitating Cognitive Engagement in Classes, Conferences and Meetings
Sarah Hopkyns
University of St Andrews
Starting, Managing, and Growing Journals as Scholarly Communities in a Changing Academic Landscape
Social Events
It's not all work and no play at JURE 2026! Our JURE conferences are known for providing formal and informal spaces to connect with fellow delegates and senior researchers while enjoying the best that the city of Tartu has to offer. We were proud to offer a wide range of social events to boost your conference experience.
Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to register early.
Board Games Night
Sunday 5th of July
Get ready for a fun and relaxed Board Games Night! Join us on Sunday, 5 July 2026, from 18:00 to 21:00 for an evening of board games ranging from quick and casual to more strategic and complex. It’s a great opportunity to connect, unwind, and meet fellow participants ahead of the JURE 2026 conference!
Tartu City Center Tour
Tuesday 7th of July
Discover the charm of Tartu with a guided walking tour through the city centre! Join us on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, from 18:30 to 21:00 for a relaxed and engaging 1.5-hour exploration of the city’s highlights. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Tartu’s history and culture while connecting with fellow JURE participants. Headsets will be provided to ensure a comfortable experience throughout the tour.
Guided Tour in A. Le Coq Beer Museum
Tuesday 7th of July
Join us for a unique guided museum tour led by an English-speaking guide on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, from 18:30 to 21:00. This experience includes museum admission and an engaging guided visit, offering insights into the exhibits and their stories. After the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and socialize in the museum pub, with the option to taste local lemonade or beer.
Boat Trip on the River Emajogi
Wednesday 8th of July
Enjoy a relaxing evening on the water with a guided boat trip on the River Emajõgi! Join us on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, from 18:30 to 21:00 for a 1.5-hour cruise accompanied by an English-speaking guide. This is a perfect opportunity to take in scenic views of Tartu from the river while connecting with fellow JURE participants. A bar will be available on board, where you can purchase snacks and drinks during the trip.
Bike City Tour
Wednesday 8th of July
Explore Tartu with a guided electric bike tour! Join us on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, from 18:00 to 19:30 for a 1.5-hour ride led by an English-speaking guide. Electric bikes will be delivered to the starting point and collected afterwards. Hop on and enjoy a fun and eco-friendly way to experience Tartu!
Conference Dinner
Thursday 9th of July
Join us for a special evening at the JURE 2026 Gala Dinner, taking place on Thursday, 9 July 2026, from 19:30 to midnight at the AHHAA Science Centre. Set in one of Tartu’s most unique venues, the evening offers a chance to slow down after a full conference day, enjoy good food and conversation, and share a memorable night with fellow participants!
Travel
Arrival by air
- Tallinn Airport - Estonia's international airport, Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, provides direct flights or connections to Tallinn from many European cities. Check these out here. In addition, there are many connecting flights from Riga Airport (Latvia) and Helsinki Airport (Finland).
- Tartu Airport (Helsinki-Tartu-Helsinki connection) - There are 6 trips per week between Tartu and Helsinki Airport during the summertime. Flights start departing from Helsinki to Tartu at 13:50 p.m. and from Tartu to Helsinki at 15:00 (except on Saturdays). You can view the exact flight schedule and buy tickets on Finnair's website.
Arrival by sea
Ships from Helsinki bring thousands of travellers to Tallinn's busy passenger port each day, also there is an overnight ferry link with Stockholm.
- Connections between Helsinki-Tallinn-Helsinki - Ferries cross the Gulf of Finland between Tallinn and Helsinki several times a day, covering the distance in roughly 2 to 3 hours. From late spring to late autumn, high-speed vessels also operate on the route, reducing travel time to just 1.5 hours. Ferries between Tallinn and Stockholm depart every evening, with the trip taking approximately 15 hours. The largest ferry operators are Tallink, Viking Line and Eckerö Line.
- Overnight cruise - Tallink and Viking Line are offering overnight sea cruises. It is a good choice if you like to get a cheaper alternative for your accommodation. Also, it is a good choice when you arrive late to Helsinki and need a place to stay or have an early flight in Helsinki. Read more about Viking Line possibilities and Tallink.
Arrival by bus
- Connections between Tallinn-Tartu-Tallinn - The are regular bus services on the Tallinn(airport)-Tartu-Tallinn(airport) route. The most convenient way to get to Tartu from Tallinn is to take the Lux Express coach. Buses depart every hour from Tallinn Coach Station (Lastekodu 46, 10144 Tallinn; last departure at 23:55), stopping at Tallinn Airport (last departure at 23:59), and continue to Tartu Coach Station (Turu 2, 51014 Tartu). The journey lasts about 2.5 hours, but time flies when seated in the lounge area. The coaches have free WiFi, hot beverages, and an entertainment system onboard. Bus tickets can be bought from Tpilet or Lux Expresswebsites.
- Connections between Riga (airport)-Tartu-Riga - Two international bus companies offer connections to Tartu from Riga Airport and Riga Coach Station. Regular routes between Riga and Tartu operate twice a day. These international connections are provided by Lux Express and FlixBus.
Arrival by train
- Connections between Tallinn-Tartu-Tallinn - The Elron train service has regular trips between Tallinn and Tartu several times a day. The train departs from Balti Jaam in Tallinn (address: Toompuiestee 37, Tallinn) and stops at Ülemiste Station (for Tallinn Airport) before continuing to Tartu Railway Station (address: Vaksali 6, Tartu). Tartu Railway Station is located in a historical station building 1.5 km from the city centre. The journey lasts 2 to 2,5 hours. Train tickets can be bought from Elron webpage or on the train.
Dates
Please consider the following important dates in preparing for the JURE 2026 conference:
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Submissions Open
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Submission Deadline
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Registrations Open
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Review Deadline
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Review Results
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Early Bird Deadline
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Presenter Registration Deadline
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Conference Programme Available
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JURE 2026 Conference
Team
Chair
Moonika Teppo - University of Tartu, Estonia
Local Organising Committee
Maarja Sõrmus - University of Tartu, Estonia
Getriin Aaviste - University of Tartu, Estonia
Janari Teessar - University of Tartu, Estonia
Yaroslav Opanasenko - University of Tartu, Estonia
International Organising Committee
Charles Selorm Dzormeku - University of Helsinki, Finland
Natalia Molina - University of Bern, Switzerland
Sara Souza Pimenta - University of Szeged, Hungary
Peter Bannister - Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Spain
Partners
The JURE 2026 conference is proud to collaborate with the following partners:
Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS)
The organisation of the EARLI JURE 2026 Conference at the University of Tartu is supported by 19 576,90 EUR by Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) under the European Union Cohesion Policy funds.
The EARLI JURE 2026 Conference is an international academic event aimed at junior researchers in education, bringing together around 300 doctoral students and early-career scholars from all over the world. The conference offering participants an opportunity to present their research, develop professional skills, and build valuable international connections.
As many participants will be visiting Estonia for the first time, the social programme will introduce the city of Tartu through guided tours and conference gala dinner. This will help enhance the visibility of Tartu and Estonia as attractive destinations for tourism and international academic events.
University of Tartu
The University of Tartu, located in the vibrant academic city of Tartu, Estonia, is one of Northern Europe’s oldest and most distinguished universities, founded in 1632 and re-opened as the Estonian-language university in 1919. As the nation’s leading center of research, education, and innovation, it combines rich academic traditions with a forward-looking approach to science and technology. The university’s modern campus facilities, intertwined with its historic architecture, create an inspiring environment for learning and discovery. Internationally recognised for its strong research performance and diverse academic community, the University of Tartu attracts lecturers, researchers, and students from all over the world.
Visit Estonia
Welcome to Estonia — a place where medieval charm meets digital innovation. Located in Northern Europe, Estonia is a unique blend of centuries-old history, untouched nature, and one of the world’s most advanced digital societies. It is an ideal destination for international academic conferences, offering both inspiring surroundings and excellent value.