Mange hilsner fra solrige Aarhus, Danmark!

We had the opportunity to attend the Nordic Educational Research Association (NERA) Conference 2026 at VIA University College. The theme of this year’s conference was “Courage and Agency in Education for the Present,” which felt particularly timely, reflecting the uncertainty and rapid change that students, teachers, researchers, and education professionals are currently navigating.

Over the three days, the program offered a rich mix of keynote talks, symposia, and presentation sessions. We also had the opportunity to present our own PhD research as posters. One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was engaging with diverse perspectives on current educational issues within the Nordic countries. Common themes included, for example, the role of AI in teaching and learning, questions around appropriate screen time, and the use of smartphones in schools, particularly in relation to student well-being, learning outcomes, and classroom practices. Many discussions also opened up exciting possibilities for future research collaborations, providing us with valuable moments for reflection on our own research contexts and ideas.

The social program offered opportunities for networking, e.g., while admiring and contemplating modern art at the Aros Museum. Aarhus proved to be a pleasant conference city, where it was easy to wander around on foot or by bike. The sunny weather was a bonus, giving us a glimpse of the coming spring.

We would like to warmly thank the organizers for facilitating and hosting the event!