What, then, will I bring from the Nordic Summer University’s gathering in Jyväskylä? I remember calm sauna evenings in the soft darkness of late July, as well as the vivid democratic process that maintains the Nordic Summer University and defines its upcoming activities… From visiting ongoing study circles I recall the mapping of conflicting interests in Belarusian and Lithuanian places of heritage; the re-imagining of time from a queer perspective; the enactment of a Parliament of Things, on the hot topic of in vitro fertilisation in Poland… to mention just a few highlights.

And, above all, I bring the experience of a teamwork that fulfilled its purpose of co-planning the concept for a new three-year circle. During the week-long gathering, our proposal for Studies in Remoteness was presented, discussed and approved by the NSU board, and confirmed by the General Assembly of NSU members. Planning is now underway – but this, I feel, deserves a separate post. I left Jyväskylä feeling deeply grateful for this new opening.