Theme and Aims

The central theme of this year's Summer School is the meaning and impact of educational research. We invite emerging researchers to reflect on their own research projects and their significance for society, educational practice, and their own professional development. By considering ourselves and our research as situated within broader social, cultural, and other contexts, we will explore how educational research can help us make sense of an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

The discussions at the EERSS 2027 in Vilnius will revolve around several key questions: What kind of educational research is meaningful to broader society, educational communities, and researchers themselves? How can we understand and articulate the contribution of our work? And, last but not least, how can we communicate our research and demonstrate its significance and impact to wider audiences?

Questions of meaning are inherent to all research. They shape how we formulate research questions, choose methodologies, interpret findings, and engage with the communities and contexts we study. At the same time, the meaning and impact of educational research have become increasingly prominent topics both within academia and beyond. Educational researchers are often expected to contribute to educational policy, practice, and societal development, and doctoral researchers are no exception. Yet the meaning and impact of research can be understood in multiple ways and from different perspectives. The Summer School will provide a space to critically explore these perspectives, recognising the scientific, professional, personal, cultural, and societal impact of educational research.

The aims of the Summer School are to support emerging researchers in developing their research projects, strengthening their methodological and theoretical thinking, and reflecting on how to communicate their research to broader society. Through keynote lectures, workshops, group discussions, and peer exchange, participants will engage with diverse perspectives on educational research while becoming part of an international community of early-career scholars.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the EERA Summer School in Vilnius for an inspiring and memorable experience as an emerging educational researcher!