Young Researchers’ Day 2026 to Take Place
To gain insight into the current research questions engaging the minds of emerging scholars in the fields of humanities and social sciences, attendees are invited to participate in the scientific conference “Young Researchers’ Day 2026” in person on May 12. The conference is organized by the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia in cooperation with the University of Latvia Doctoral School.
Fourteen young researchers will present papers at the conference — Krista Alksne, Simona Ozoliņa-Ugore, Elīna Pentjuša, Sandra Krūmiņa, Anete Saulīte-Stačkune, Madara Stāde, Rūds Bebrišs, Elizabete Grudovska, Madara Mazjāne, Lelde Logina, Elvis Friks, Dace Aleksandraviča, Signe Bahšteina, and Tara Monet Falce — representing various higher education institutions, including the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, RTU Liepāja Academy, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, the Latvian Academy of Culture, as well as independent researchers.
This year, the conference will feature presentations by young researchers in four thematic sections: “Culture and Economy,” “Genre Boundaries and New Forms,” “Trauma and Reflection,” and “Identity, Community, and Social Change.” The sections will be moderated by representatives of the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia — Ilga Vālodze Ābelkina, Dāvis Eņģelis, and Kitija Balcare.
Words of encouragement for participants will be delivered by Eva Eglāja-Kristsone, Director of the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia, and Professor Zanda Rubene, Head of the University of Latvia Doctoral School. The plenary lecture, “The New and the Different in 21st Century Media Art,” will be given by Ieva Gintere, leading researcher at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences.
The conference will take place on Tuesday, May 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the “Sapere aude” Hall of the University of Latvia Doctoral School, located at 4 O. Kalpaka Boulevard, Riga (entrance from the courtyard side).
The “Young Researchers’ Day” conference, organized by the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia, is an annual public event held at the end of the spring semester, bringing together doctoral students and candidates for scientific degrees from Latvia and abroad. The aim of the event is to foster the academic development of researchers at the beginning of their scientific careers, while also providing opportunities for networking and collaboration with colleagues from other institutions.
The conference is supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation and the project “University of Latvia and Institutes in the European Research Area – Excellence in Research and Collaboration” (No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/011).