Network Activities

In June 2026, EERA Network 34 organised the three-day Season School 2026: On Field Research in Citizenship Education, hosted by CIIE-FPCEUP (Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas da Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto) at the University of Porto (Portugal). The programme brought together 17 doctoral researchers from 10 countries (Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Chile, Romania, Georgia, the United Kingdom, Croatia, and Poland), creating a vibrant international learning community focused on citizenship education research. Designed for PhD candidates working in the field of citizenship education, the programme addressed methodological challenges and opportunities in conducting field research. It combined keynotes, workshops, group work, and participant presentations, enabling attendees to engage deeply with methodological questions, exchange experiences, and receive feedback on their ongoing studies. The Season School began with a preparatory webinar on 5 May 2026, featuring a keynote by Edda Sant (University of Manchester, UK), who introduced participants to key theoretical foundations and perspectives in democratic and citizenship education. The on-site programme included four keynotes: Valeria Damiani (Lumsa University, Italy) discussed the assessment of civic and citizenship education across countries through the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS); Carla Malafaia (CIIE-FPCEUP, Portugal) explained her research on youth visual practices of citizenship; Jetske Strijbos (UHasselt, Belgium) presented participatory visual research methods in citizenship education research; and Pedro D. Ferreira (CIIE-FPCEUP, Portugal) examined the possibilities of researching citizenship education through engagement with video games. The keynote sessions alternated with interactive workshops and group work. This combination of expert input, collaborative activities, and peer discussions created ample opportunities for participants to engage in in-depth reflection, critically process new ideas, and explore how methodological and theoretical insights could inform their own doctoral research projects. On the final day, participants presented posters of their research projects. Special thanks are due to Professor Isabel Menezes and Filipa César, whose thoughtful hosting, excellent organisation, and warm hospitality made the Season School a highly enriching and memorable experience for all involved.

Plans for the Network include: the programme for the next ECER in 2027, featuring a new Network keynote on emerging research issues in Citizenship Education; and the possibility of organizing another round of the PhD Season School in 2027 or 2028.

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