Call for Papers: Emerging Scholars Day "Polarization in the Nordic Countries"

The University of Helsinki invite emerging scholars to apply for the Centre for Nordic Studies (CENS) Emerging Scholars Workshop, held at the University of Helsinki on 20-21 October 2025.

This multi-disciplinary training day welcomes applications from PhD candidates and postdocs working on Nordic topics, and especially in connection to various types of polarization processes in the Nordic region.
Research topics can include various aspect connecting to polarization, e.g.:
- Populist speech and politics
- Identity politics
- Values in society and politics
- Media and polarization
- Majority vs. minority debates
The Emerging Scholars’ Day includes the chance to meet other PhD and postdoctoral researchers, get feedback on your research project from senior academics, and participate in discussions on resources and opportunities available to scholars studying the Nordic region.
Format
Participants can either present their research project in the form of a poster, a draft chapter of their thesis, or a draft journal article. In this way, the organizers want to cater both to participants who are still in the early stages of a project and to those who are closer to submitting their work. Posters, chapters, and articles will be commented on by senior scholars and discussed in the seminar.
How to apply
The University of Helsinki will offer 8-10 travel stipends (300-500 €). To apply for participation and a stipend (in the case you do not have own funding), write a short motivation letter where you present you research topic (max one page). You should also add a brief budget calculation of your travel costs, your CV, and specify whether you want to present a poster, a chapter, or an article. If you have own funding, please, indicate that in the application. Send the application to jana.laintohelsinkifi. The extended deadline is 31 August 2025.
For successful applicants, a confirmation will be sent out one week after the application period ends. Accommodation, lunches, coffee breaks, and dinner will be covered by the organizers.
If you have any questions, please, contact: jana.laintohelsinkifi, or peter.stadiushelsinkifi
Posters, chapters, and articles need to be submitted by 10 October 2025.
Official website: University of Helsinki