NUSCT Conference 2025: Lectures Now Available to Watch Online

Tórshavn, Faroe Islands – June 3, 2025 The University of the Faroe Islands hosted the first NUSCT Conference at its Faculty of History and Social Sciences, bringing together scholars and university leaders from across small nations and territories. The event featured two days of thought-provoking lectures and discussions, all of which are now available to watch online.

The conference explored the unique societal roles of universities in small-scale societies, with sessions addressing themes such as:

• Democracy and Knowledge: How universities can foster democratic values and political development.

• Research Priorities: What we choose to study and why it matters.

• Migration and Gender Balance: The university’s influence on demographic trends.

• Cultural Identity: The role of education in preserving and shaping culture.

• Societal Transformation: How academic institutions can drive meaningful change.

The conference keynote speaker was Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, former President of Iceland and professor of history at the University of Iceland. His talk, titled “Universities in Small Scale Societies: The Last Bastions of Nationalism in Academic Circles?”, offered a historical and sociopolitical perspective on the role of universities in small states. His remarks resonated strongly with the participants, emphasizing the value of academic freedom, cultural responsibility, and education as pillars of national identity.

A rectors’ meeting followed on June 4, focusing on collaborative initiatives such as knowledge sharing, the Magna Charta Universitatum, and rotating teaching exchanges.

This marks the first time the NUSCT conference has been held in the Faroe Islands, highlighting the growing importance of academic cooperation among small nations.

🎥 Watch all the lectures and explore the full programme: Watch here