Why North? Which North? Multidisciplinary seminar on research in and of the North

7.-8.2.2008 Lasaretti Conference Center, Merikoski Hall, Oulu

Free of charge, deadline for registration January 25th, 2008

It is both important and somewhat trendy to do research in or of the North. But why? As the concept of the North is essentially relative: which North? These intentionally provocative questions are approached in this seminar philosophically, theoretically, empirically, ethically and even methodologically.

The purpose of the seminar is to bring together insights of North from various disciplines. The aim is to converge across disciplines in order to critically unpack, demystify and deconstruct the concept of the North.  Updated programme (pdf).

Organisers: Research projects Life in Place and PLACEs (Dept. of Educational Sciences and Tearcher Education) and Thule Institute, University of Oulu.

Keynote speaker: Mark Nuttall, FiDiPro professor, Thule Institute

Opening speech: Riitta Keiski, vice-rector, University of Oulu

Guest speakers:

Terry Callaghan , Director, Abisko Research Station, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Jessica Shadian, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Barents Institute, Kirkenes, Norway

Kevin Edwards, Professor, Dept. of Geography and Environment, Univ. of Aberdeen, Scotland

Doctoral student presentations:

Pauliina Rautio, Dept. of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education, University of Oulu

Maija Lanas, Dept. of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education, University of Oulu

Kaarina Tervo, Dept. of Geography and Thule Institute, University of Oulu

Helena Haapsamo, Department of Pediatrics, Clinic of Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu and University Hospital of Oulu

Simo Sarkki, Thule Institute, University of Oulu

Franz Krause, School of Social Science, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK and the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, Finland

The programme also includes a panel discussion with representatives from research, stakeholders, and the media.

Panellists
Markku Heikkilä, journalist, Kaleva (chairman)

Mark Nuttall, FiDiPro professor, Thule Institute

Terry Callaghan , Director, Abisko Research Station, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Maija Lanas, Dept. of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education, University of Oulu

Seppo Heikkilä, Director, European North Lapland-Oulu EU-office

Lauri Lajunen, rector, University of Oulu

Ken Caine, doctoral student, University of Alberta, Canada

Social event: A social event with a light dinner and refreshments takes place on 7th February at 6:30 pm at the Botanical Gardens of Oulu University. Bus to Botanical Gardens leaves from Hotel Lasaretti at 6:15 pm and returns back to the hotel at 9 pm. Notify Pauliina Rautio (pauliina.rautio(at)oulu.fi) about your participation to the social event and your need of bus transportation by Feb 1st.

Registration: Send an e-mail with your name, contact information and affliliation to pauliina.rautio (at) oulu.fi by 25th January, 2008.

Accomodation: The participants coming outside of Oulu can reserve accomodation from Hotel Lasaretti, located at the seminar venue. Single room 84 e, double room 100 e per night. The rooms will by payed by the participants upon check-out.  Mention the code "Thule" when reserving the room. We recommend making the reservations before 17th January.