27 April 2026
What if you could explore today’s biggest global challenges in a way that truly invites you in, not just to listen, but to reflect, ask questions, and exchange perspectives with others?
This May, YUFE Academy 2026 returns with a new series of open events designed for anyone curious about the world, not only academics. Whether you are interested in sustainability, democracy, urban life, culture or social change, you will find a topic that feels relevant and engaging.
And the best part? You can join from wherever you are, online or locally, in different languages, and in formats that go far beyond traditional lectures.
This year, YUFE Academy once again joins forces with the YUFE International Café, creating even more space for conversation and exchange across borders. We are also proud to welcome outstanding early-career researchers from the prestigious YUFE4Postdocs programme, who will present their work on some of the most urgent challenges facing our cities and communities.
Start with a story and see where the discussion takes you
One of the highlights of this year’s programme is a unique shared film event organised across several European locations: Megaprojects and our ecological limits.
On 28 May 2026 (14:00-16:30 CET), participants in different countries will come together for a collective screening of the documentary SAKBE – Roads of Life in the Maya Forest. The film explores environmental protection and the impact of large-scale development projects in South America.
The event begins with a short online introduction from the filmmakers and a researcher, followed by the film screening and local discussion sessions in each participating location. Onsite participation will be possible in Kuopio (Finland), Madrid (Spain), Nicosia (Cyprus) and Toruń (Poland).
👉 Register here +
From listening to acting, democracy in practice
How much influence do we actually have in our everyday lives, and how does this translate into our role in democratic processes and public decision-making? These questions will be asked during the Empowerment in Democracy: From Human Rights to Everyday Agency event.
On 29 May 2026 at 12:00 CET, YUFE Academy invites you to a hybrid international session exploring how democratic engagement begins long before election day. Empowerment in Democracy focuses on participation in daily life, human rights, and the practical tools that help people shape their communities.The event will open with a shared lecture streamed online, followed by local on-site intergenerational workshops designed to connect legal frameworks with real-life experience. A final international wrap-up will bring together insights from all participating locations.
👉 Register here +
On-site participation will be available at YUFE Partner universities Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and University of Rijeka.
Both these events continue the spirit of the YUFE International Café, where people from different countries meet to exchange ideas in an open, welcoming atmosphere.
Fresh perspectives from young researchers
YUFE Academy is also a platform for the next generation of researchers shaping Europe’s future.
On 19 May 2026 at 14:00 CET. In the online event Young Scientists on a Social Mission, Tackling Urban Challenges and Opportunities, three early-career researchers from the YUFE4Postdocs programme will present their work on the future of cities from sustainability and inclusiveness to the challenges and opportunities of urban transformation.
This is a chance to discover how academic research connects directly to real-world problems and everyday life in urban environments.
👉 Register here +
More to explore, in different formats and languages
These are only a few highlights of the programme. YUFE Academy 2026 offers many additional events organised by partner universities across Europe, covering topics such as multilingualism, feminism, social justice, civic engagement and other pressing issues.
Importantly, some sessions will be held in languages other than English, making the programme more accessible and locally rooted.
Whether you prefer a lecture, workshop, discussion, film screening or international exchange, you can find a format that suits you.
Find your entry point
There is no single way to experience YUFE Academy. You can join a discussion, attend a workshop, watch, listen, question, share your perspective, or simply explore.
Start with what interests you, and see where it leads.
👉 Browse the full programme in the YUFE Virtual Campus and find your event.
*YUFE4Posdtoc is Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA (European Research Executive Agency). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
