Over the past year, VETNET focused on strengthening connections among its members, consolidating participation in the network’s conferences, and further developing the European Emerging Researchers Network of VETNET (EERN-VETNET) and its links with EERA’s Emerging Researchers’ Group.
ECER in Tampere provided an excellent opportunity for scientific exchange. The VETNET programme opened with a session led by Petri Nokelainen of Tampere University. Combining presentations with a research workshop, the session offered different perspectives on Finnish VET and brought together representatives from a vocational school and a company alongside the academic perspective.
This year was particularly significant because VETNET celebrated its 30th anniversary. Two dedicated symposia marked the occasion: “What Makes VETNET a Special Network? Envisaging Its Future” and “What Has Been the Core of VET Research? Learnings from the Past.” They provided space to reflect on the network’s history and achievements and to discuss its future role and direction. Two papers based on the symposia and their discussions will be published.
Current VET research from Europe and around the world was presented and discussed during the conference. Participants came from Brazil, Australia and the United States, as well as from most European countries. This broad international participation created valuable opportunities to compare developments in different VET systems and establish connections across national and regional research communities.
We were particularly pleased to welcome early-career researchers, who presented their work for discussion and critical feedback. Community and network building remained central to VETNET.
Informal encounters and social events complemented the academic programme and provided opportunities to renew established relationships and create new connections. A particular highlight was the VETNET dinner, attended by more than 120 participants. It brought together researchers at different career stages and from many countries in an informal and welcoming setting, demonstrating the strength and vitality of the VETNET community.
At the General Assembly, Susanne Peters of the Institute Technology and Education at the University of Bremen and Elena Quintana Murci of the University of the Balearic Islands were presented as the incoming Link Convenors. They are currently working closely with the existing Link Convenors during a shadowing and transition phase and will assume responsibility for leading VETNET at ECER 2027 in Debrecen. The General Assembly also elected Vidmantas Tūtlys of Vytautas Magnus University as a new board member.