The Nordic-Baltic Doctoral Network in Social Work (NBSW) is a joint network of doctoral schools, universities, and other social work institutions in seven countries – Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The Summer School aims to bring together doctoral students in social work from the Nordic and Baltic countries and beyond for five days of intensive lectures and in-depth discussions focusing on creativity and reflexivity in social work research while striving to bridge social work research and practice in times of uncertainty.

We invite doctoral students whose research intersects with social work to join us on this transformative academic journey to explore the dynamic interplay of creativity, reflexivity, and innovative methodologies in addressing the complexities of our time. Through a lively program of keynote lectures, interactive workshops, and collaborative discussions, the Summer School will delve into emerging creative methods, particularly in the digital era, and foster a deeper understanding of the researcher’s reflexive role as an instrument in the research process. Special attention will be given to navigating the challenges of burnout and sustaining well-being during doctoral studies.

Highlights include insights from leading academics, such as pioneers in interdisciplinary approaches to well-being research, experts in creative methodologies for analysing multimodal content, and distinguished scholars of reflexivity in social work. Expect engaging workshops that provide opportunities to experience the theatre of the oppressed, role-playing, and practical strategies for integrating reflexivity into research and practice.

1. Prof Andero Uusberg (University of Tartu, Institute of Psychology, Head of the Centre of Excellence for Well-Being Sciences EstWell, ESTONIA)
   "Food for reflexive thought: the role of appraisals in emotion and self-regulation"
2. Prof Kerstin Svensson (Lund University, School of Social Work, SWEDEN)
   "Creativity in knowledge circulation: navigating perspectives and realities in social work"
3. Ass Prof Donata Petružytė (Vilnius University, Department of Social Work and Social Welfare, LITHUANIA)
   "Between engagement and exhaustion: the epistemic significance of subjective experience in ethnographic research"
4. Ass Prof Jing Wu (University of Gothenburg, Department of Sociology and Work Science, SWEDEN)
   "Creativity and reflexivity in resilience promotion and burnout prevention: Cross-cultural insights from healthcare research"

1. Prof Lars Uggerhøj (Aalborg University, Department of Sociology and Social Work)
   "Theatre of the oppressed, role-plays and other creative methods"
2. Ass Prof Mariann Märtsin (Tallinn University, School of Governance, Law and Society – SOGOLAS)
   "Reflexivity in social work research and practice"

Time

Start Monday, August 18, 2025, at 14:00 (Estonian time)
End Friday, August 22, 2025, at 13:00 (Estonian time)

Host university and location

Tallinn University, School of Governance, Law and Society (SOGOLAS)
Tallinn University campus (ESTONIA)

Key dates

• The paper (4000-5000 words, excluding references) and the presentation must connect the participant’s research project to the theme of the Summer School. Participants are expected to read preparatory literature relevant to the theme before the Summer School. A reading list will be distributed by May 09, 2025.
• The paper should begin with a concise description of the participant’s doctoral research focus (introduction) and continue with an in-depth discussion linking it to the Summer School theme (main body). There are no strict requirements for the structure of the main body but depending on the maturity of the participant’s own research project, it may include: theoretical framework, methodology, results of the data analysis, discussion, conclusions.
• Papers must be written in English and adhere to academic writing standards, including proper citation and referencing (APA7 style). Formatting: Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 spacing, standard margins.
• Paper presentations will consist of a short oral presentation followed by a group discussion facilitated by experienced researchers. All participants are expected to read each other’s papers beforehand and to provide meaningful feedback during the group discussions.

Local organising committee

Prof Merike Sisask, Kersti Kriisk, Mariann Märtsin, Reeli Sirotkina, Olga Lupanova, Stella Vaik-Täht, Käthlin Mikiver, Sandra Laurimaa, Agnes Aas, Kristina Šadeiko-Liiva

Contact

Prof Merike Sisask
merike.sisask@tlu.ee
Tallinn University, School of Governance, Law and Society (SOGOLAS)