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EARLI SIG 5 Conference 2026 brought together researchers from around the world in Jyväskylä

In August 2026, the University of Jyväskylä had the pleasure of hosting the EARLI SIG 5 Conference on Learning and Development in Early Childhood. The conference gathered more than 150 participants representing over 27 countries, creating a truly international forum for exchanging ideas and research on early childhood education and children's learning and development.

The conference featured a rich scientific programme, including pre-conference workshops, keynote lectures, symposia, paper presentations, and poster sessions.

Particularly inspiring were the keynote addresses by Amanda P. Williford, Jantine Spilt, and Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen, which highlighted topics ranging from teacher-child relationships and exclusionary disciplinary practices to research-based decision-making in early childhood education.

“From relationships and interaction quality to equitable learning opportunities, home learning environments, transitions, and inclusion, the programme reflected the breadth of contemporary early childhood research. The programme also underscored the importance of translating developmental research into responsive practice and policy in an increasingly diverse and rapidly changing world,” says Senior Lecturer Jenni Salminen, Conference Chair from the University of Jyväskylä.

Kathy Sylva, Professor Emeritus of Educational Psychology at the University of Oxford, is one of the pioneers in the field of early childhood education and child development research. She has compiled a very impressive longitudinal dataset that examines the relationship between the quality of early childhood education and child development. Sylva visited Jyväskylä during the conference (here with professor Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen). She holds an honorary doctorate from University of Jyväskylä.​​​​​​​

Alongside the scientific programme, participants had opportunities to experience Finnish education and culture through visits to local ECEC centres, a teacher training school, and the historic Seminaarinmäki campus. The social programme included a memorable performance by a local choir, a gymnastics performance by Voimisteluseura Sirius, and a conference dinner featuring a scenic cruise on Lake Päijänne aboard the historic steamship S/S Suomi, followed by an evening at the lakeside restaurant Juurikkasaari.

"From a young researcher’s perspective, participating in the conference organization provided a valuable opportunity to see how much planning, coordination, and long-term preparation an international scientific conference requires. It was also rewarding to meet researchers from different countries, learn about diverse research traditions and methodologies, and engage in discussions that may lead to future collaborations. Overall, the conference offered an inspiring combination of high-quality research, international networking, and Finnish hospitality, leaving participants with new ideas and connections to support future research in early childhood education and development", says EDUCA-Doc Doctoral Researcher Tekla Seppälä from the University of Jyväskylä.