22 May 2026 - Child Citizen Lab International Seminar
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
In recent years, research involving children has increased significantly across academic disciplines. This development is strongly welcomed from the perspective of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasizes children’s right to be heard and to participate meaningfully in matters affecting them. However, conducting research with children also brings important methodological, ethical, and
practical challenges. Researchers often face dilemmas related to power dynamics, informed consent, safeguarding children’s rights, and the diverse realities of childhood.
To explore these complexities, share experiences, and strengthen good practices, we invite submissions for contributions to one of the following four workshops. Abstracts may be based on empirical research, methodological reflections, ethical analyses, or interdisciplinary perspectives.
Workshop Themes
1. What Went Wrong? - Lessons From Research With Children
Contributions highlighting challenges, mistakes, setbacks, or unexpected outcomes in research processes. The goal is to create an open learning space to discuss what did not go as planned—and what we can learn from it.
2. Impact of Scientific Research on Children: Empowering or Harmful—Who Cares?
Papers addressing the short- or long-term effects of research participation on children. How do we balance empowerment and potential harm? Who evaluates this, and whose voices are prioritized?
3. Child-Friendly Research Methodologies: Key Design Elements
Submissions focusing on methodologies that genuinely accommodate children’s perspectives, capacities, and contexts—whether through creative, participatory, or adapted research designs.
4. Diversities in Childhood
Contributions are invited that examine how research methods must adapt to the diverse realities of childhood—spanning (very) young children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as varied living circumstances such as residing at home, in youth care, in precarious conditions, or while on the move. We also welcome papers that address cultural diversity in childhood and critically engage with Eurocentric perspectives and constructions of childhood.