News & Events

Current news from EDUCA Flagship

The EDUCA Flagship gathered in Espoo

Approximately 150 EDUCA Flagship researchers in educational sciences, psychology, learning analytics, and economics, as well as representatives from our stakeholder groups, gathered in person once again at the Spring 2026 EDUCA Conference, this time on the Aalto University campus in Espoo.

EDUCA-Doc career day kicked off the EDUCA Conference at Aalto University

The EDUCA Flagship’s Spring 2026 Conference kicked off on Tuesday, May 19, with a meeting of the EDUCA Doctoral Education Pilot and it's work-life collaboration partners.

Principals are increasingly required to have crisis-resilient leadership skills

School principals constantly face change and uncertainty in the daily life at their schools, and the COVID-19 pandemic was an extreme example of this. Postdoctoral researcher Mailis Elomaa at the University of Helsinki has studied principals’ crisis-resilient leadership.

Students at the end of basic education were asked why learning outcomes are declining – segregation development is visible in the responses

The responses show a clear trend toward segregation development. While some young people receive ample support and encouragement for learning and life’s transitions from school, home, and friends, others feel left alone or otherwise face a stressful daily life.

Books now actively read in Helsinki’s daycare centres – study explores impact on children’s literacy skills

In the LuKiVa intervention study led by the University of Jyväskylä, some of the children in ECEC and pre-primary education units participate in specific reading sessions using the dialogic reading method.

Vision for Finnish comprehensive schools 2045 has been published

An advisory board appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture has formulated a vision for comprehensive schools in collaboration with thousands of Finnish teachers, students, researchers, experts, and citizens.

Easy language books helping differentiation in teaching in lower secondary schools

The Selkopolku project donated a total of approximately 85,000 easy language youth books to all Finnish lower secondary schools in 2024. The University of Jyväskylä conducted an evaluation study of the project in 2024–2025, and preliminary results are now available.

EDUCA Doc workshop brought doctoral students together in Helsinki

The third EDUCA Doctoral Pilot workshop was organized in the end of January at the University of Helsinki. EDUCA doctoral students and supervisors participated in the two-day program that included a workshop on Thursday and attending the Educa-fair on Friday. The theme of the workshop was interdisciplinary collaboration. The event also saw the launch of an award ceremony for doctoral students.

Helsinki's Third-graders to Receive Aku Ankka Magazine at Home – Study Examines Effects on Reading Motivation

EDUCA Flagship will carry out a study in collaboration with the City of Helsinki and Sanoma Media Finland on how having printed reading materials regularly delivered to the home affects chidren's reading motivation and their perception of themselves as readers.

First-grade teachers benefit from digital assessment feedback on the two-year pre-primary education trial

Researchers from the Universities of Jyväskylä and Turku have investigated teachers’ and principals’ views on the digital pupil feedback provided for them regarding the two-year pre-primary education pilot.

Travel report: The Finnish Formula: Play, Learn, Excel

EDUCA-Doc supervisor, Dr. Kati Sormunen from the University of Helsinki represented EDUCA Flagship in October 2025 in an event co-hosted by the National Children’s Museum and the Embassy of Finland in the U.S., Washington, D.C.

Raising compulsory schooling age reduced the share of underage school leavers

As part of his doctoral thesis, Juho Junttila, EDUCA-Doc doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, has studied the effects of raising the compulsory schooling age, which came into effect in 2021.

A new study investigates how municipalities implement the learning support reform

Support for learning in pre-primary and basic education was recently reformed. A research project led by the University of Jyväskylä is now investigating how the reform is taking shape in everyday school life across Finland.

Qualified Early Childhood Teachers Are More Common in Socioeconomically Advantaged Areas

The Urban Policy Council’s First Report shows that daycare centers in more advantaged areas employ, on average, a higher proportion of qualified teachers. However, variation within similar areas is significant.

EDUCA Flagship at FERA Conference

FERA Conference 2025 was organized 5.–7.11.2025 at the University of Lapland, Rovaniemi. There were many EDUCA Flagship researchers and stakeholders participating in the pre-seminars and the conference, and we had our own stand where people came to meet us.

Professor Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen has been appointed dean

The leader of EDUCA Flagship, Professor Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen, will also take up the position of Dean of the Faculty of Education and Psychology at the University of Jyväskylä on January 1, 2026.

ECEC teachers’ concerns about children’s loneliness and ostracism are common

All children have a basic need to belong and to form positive peer relationships. A recent study examined early childhood education and care (ECEC) teachers’ observations of loneliness and ostracism – or social exclusion – among 5-year-old children.

Professor emeritus Jari Lavonen awarded honorary doctorate in Argentina

The honorary title was awarded to Professor Jari Lavonen in recognition of his academic and professional career in teacher training and educational innovation. In EDUCA Flagship he is participating in the research area 4.

A memorial seminar honored the distinguished research career of Academy Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro

On October 10, 2025, colleagues, friends, students, and family members gathered at the University of Helsinki to celebrate the achievements and legacy of the late EDUCA co-PI, Academy Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro, in the field of developmental psychology in Finland and internationally.

Elisa Vilhunen joined the Young Academy Finland as a new member

Young Academy Finland, which operates under the Finnish Academy of Sciences and Letters, has nominated EDUCA Flagship postdoctoral researcher Elisa Vilhunen from the University of Helsinki as its new member for the next four-year term (2025–2029). This year, 18 new members from various scientific fields were invited to join.

Summer School & Mini-Conference brought together nearly 150 researchers in Jyväskylä

At the end of September, EDUCA Flagship's first scientific conference brought together nearly 150 researchers in the fields of education, psychology, learning analytics, sociology, and economics for two days at the University of Jyväskylä's Ruusupuisto campus.

Highlights from the 9th observation seminar

The 9th European Workshop on Systematic Observation in Educational Research was held in Jyväskylä on September 16–17. It's a small network of researchers who meet annually to discuss observational research on classroom interaction.

Celebrating the Legacy of Academy Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro

We warmly invite the EDUCA Flagship network to attend a scientific seminar on October 10 celebrating the legacy of Academy Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro, whose groundbreaking research has left a lasting impact on the fields of educational science and psychology.

Boys of immigrant origin more likely to show symptoms of depression and anxiety

Children and adolescents of immigrant origin are more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety. Key protective factors include supportive teachers and other close relationships.

Professor Häkkinen: Technology use in teaching remains rare

A change in the Basic Education Act restricts the use of personal phones and mobile devices during classes, but in pedagogical use different types of technology can be useful in many ways.

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Events

EDUCA Mini-Conference 2026

The EDUCA Conference in May 2026 brings together researchers from across the flagship to share and discuss their work. Hosted by Aalto University in Espoo, the conference is open to all EDUCA researchers.

Dissertation defence: KM, VTM Lotta Allemand

Lotta Allemand, KM, VTM will defend her doctoral dissertation entitled "Parental involvement in education within a Finnish school context" in the Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, on 6 June 2026.

Doctoral defence: MA (Educ.) Faisal Channa

MA (Educ.) Faisal Channa (University of Jyväskylä) defends his doctoral dissertation in teacher education "Temporal and sequential dynamics of socially shared regulation in collaborative learning among pre- and in-service teachers"on June 12, 2026.

Welcome seminar for the new Professor of Practice in teacher education

A welcome seminar for the new Professor of Practice will be held on Monday, April 20 starting at 10 AM at the University of Jyväskylä. The event will be streamed.

Dissertation defence: FM Reetta Kyynäräinen

FM Reetta Kyynäräinen will defend her doctoral dissertation at the University of Turku on April 2, 2026, as the first doctoral researcher in the EDUCA-Doc pilot program. The study explores how university students react to mistakes during a chemistry laboratory course.

Dissertation defence: MSc Umar Bin Qushem

MSc Umar Bin Qushem defends the dissertation in Learning Analytics titled “Personalizing K–12 STEM Education through Technology-Enhanced Learning and Learning Analytics” at the University of Turku on 27 March 2026.

Third EDUCA Doctoral Pilot workshop

Welcome to the third EDUCA Doctoral Pilot workshop January 22-23, 2025.

Kirsi-Marja Heikkinen, KM will defend her doctoral dissertation on 17 January 2026

Kirsi-Marja Heikkinen, KM will defend the doctoral dissertation entitled "Early Childhood Education and Care Centre Leadership Through the Lens of Complexity - From Wicked Problems to Integrated Resources" in the Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, on 17 January 2026 at 10:00.

MA (Educ.) Julia Kuusiholma-Linnamäki will defend her doctoral dissertation in early childhood education

MA (Educ.) Julia Kuusiholma-Linnamäki defends her doctoral dissertation "Children’s Care Arrangements by Age Four and Contextual Factors in the Crosscurrents of Finland’s Childcare Policies" on December 5, 2025.

Inaugural lectures by three EDUCA professors

The new professors at the Turku Research Institute for Learning Analytics are celebrated on December 2.

The 9th European Workshop on Systematic Observation in Educational Research

The First EDUCA Summer School on 25-26 September 2025 in University of Jyväskylä

Mini-Conference on 25-26 September 2025 in University of Jyväskylä.

EDUCA Flagship Consortium Meeting 14.–15.5.2025 University of Turku

The EDUCA flagship organises consortium meeting at the University of Turku. EDUCA network members (EDUCA Flagship researchers, EDUCA related post docs and doctoral researchers and representatives of the stakeholders) have been invited to the event.

MA Auli Lehtinen will defend her doctoral dissertation in teacher education on 7.2.2025

MA Auli Lehtinen (Faculty of Education and Psychology, Teacher Education) defends her doctoral dissertation in teacher education "Crossing boundaries - becoming critical, dialogical, and collaborative teachers".

M.A Janni Alho (Educ.) will defend her doctoral dissertation on 30.11.2024

MA (Educ.) Janni Alho defends her doctoral dissertation in teacher education "Student teachers' leadership development in a Finnish class teacher education-integrated study group".

EDUCA Flagship in the media

Suomen kuvalehti 31.5.2026

Koulun päättäjäiset

Pienen Rautalammin kaltaisista paikoista lakkautetaan eniten kouluja. Muutos on historiallisesti täysin poikkeuksellinen, mutta se on vasta alkusoittoa. Haastattelussa koulutussosiologian professori Janne Varjo Helsingin yliopistosta.

YLE uutiset 23.4.2026

Nuoret opettajat väsyvät tuen puutteessa – joka neljäs miettii alan vaihtoa

The new Professor of Practice at the University of Jyväskylä, Olli Luukkainen, proposes a model in which experienced teachers mentor younger ones.

Uusi Juttu 12.3.2026

Pidempiä koulumatkoja, lisää etäopetusta, vähemmän luokkakavereita

The declining number of children will drastically change schools in the coming years. Professor of Sociology of Education Janne Varjo from the University of Helsinki is interviewed on the "Pihvi" program of the "Uusi Juttu" publication.

tygodnik powszechny 24.2.2026

In Finland, Donald Duck teaches reading to successive generations of children

Newspaper article about EDUCA Flagship's Comics as a gateway to reading -study in a polish weekly magazine.

Helsingin Sanomat, mielipidekirjoitus 18.2.2026

Rehtoreille tulisi antaa lisää oppia johtajuudesta

Helsingin Sanomat, pääkirjoitus 13.2.2026

Kun puhe on koulusta, Suomessa on 4,6 miljoonaa asiantuntijaa

YLE 26.1.2026

Miehikkälän kunta lopetti ainoan yläkoulunsa – oppilaat kertovat, millaista on opiskella naapurikunnassa

Länsiväylä 22.1.2026

Helppoa suomea | Tutkimus: Valmistavan opetuksen tavoitteita pitää nostaa

YLE 12.1.2026

Helsinkiläislapsille ilmainen Aku Ankka kotiin – Tutkimus etsii keinoja heikentyneen lukutaidon parantamiseen

Helsingin Sanomat 3.12.2025

Marinin hallituksen uudistuksen seuraus: Koulupudokkaiden määrä laski

Iltalehti 2.12.2025

Hälyttävä tutkimustulos Helsingin varhaiskasvatuksesta

STT / Keskisuomalainen 16.11.2025

Neuvoloissa jaettavat kirjakassit ovat lisänneet suomalaisvanhempien lukuintoa

Helsingin Uutiset 9.10.2025

Helppoa suomea | Koulujen täytyy muuttua, jotta eri taustoista tulevat lapset voivat oppia

YLE uutiset 11.9.2025

Luokanopettajan koulutus ei tulevaisuudessa enää riitä, kun oppilaiden määrä vähenee

YLE uutiset 11.9.2025

Peruskouluista katoaa lähivuosina puolet – katso, miten oman alueesi lasten määrä on vähentynyt

Helsingin Uutiset 29.8.2025

Helppoa suomea | Tutkija: Maahanmuuttajanuoret eivät aina puhu vanhemmilleen

YLE 6.8.2025

Tampereen uusin koulu palasi perinteiseen tyyliin – siellä on luokkahuoneet

YLE 17.4.2025

”Lapseni ansaitsee kympin” – opettajat kertovat vanhempien yleistyvästä painostuksesta

Suomen Kuvalehti 2.4.2025

Koulutuspolitiikka ei kaipaa populismia (puheenvuoro)

Helsingin Sanomat 16.3.2025

1990-luvun lamasta lähtien on lakkautettu 80 peruskoulua joka vuosi ja tahti jatkuu, sanoo asiantuntija

Opettaja-lehti helmikuu 2025

Tutkimuksesta ja tohtoreista tahdotaan tulevaisuuden vetureita

YLE Radio Suomi 16.12.2024

Yli 2 000 helsinkiläistä tokaluokkalaista mukana tutkimuksessa, jonka tavoite on parantaa lukutaitoa

Keskisuomalainen 20.9.2024

Jyväskylän yliopiston suurhankkeessa on selviämässä, miksi Suomen Pisa-tulokset romahtivat: kotitausta ja lukemiskiinnostus ratkaisevia

Helsingin Sanomat 6.10.2024

Maahanmuuttotausta itsessään ei vaikuta oppimistuloksiin (mielipidekirjoitus)

EDUCA Flagship stakeholder newsletters

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 2/2026 (in Finnish)

EDUCA-lippulaiva uutiskirje 1/2026 (in Finnish)

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 4/2025 (in Finnish)

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 3/2025 (in Finnish)

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 2/2025 (in Finnish)

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 1/2025 (in Finnish)

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 2/2024 (in English)

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 1/2024 (in English)