Asian Studies Days 2025 – Asia and Ukraine
3-4 November 2025
University of Turku
We proudly present the 15th edition of the Asian Studies Days,
the only regular academic event in Finland focusing on Asia
The ongoing war in Ukraine has unsettled energy supplies, disrupted trade and food security, and intensified questions of security and diplomacy. Its repercussions are being felt across Asia — from Central Asia’s vulnerabilities to East Asia’s strategic calculations, from South Asia’s economic challenges to Southeast Asia’s shifting alignments.
Registration for the main event on Monday, November 3 is now open
Registration link: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/04B9B2ADBF33496B
Registration closes on October 30.
The Asian Studies Days 2025 examines these complex ripple effects. It highlights how global crises intersect with local realities, shaping the lives, policies, and futures of Asian societies.
Special attention will be given to Central Asia, marking the expansion of the Asia Network’s focus on this region. Responding to the growing demand for knowledge on Central Asia, the Network will launch new courses on the region next year.
The programme features a keynote on the multiple challenges faced by Central Asian countries today, followed by a panel discussion with leading experts on Asia, who will explore the diverse responses of Asian countries to the war. In addition, the programme includes a hands-on workshop on ‘AI for Asian Studies’, introductions to new Asia-related projects and networks, as well as a seminar for doctoral researchers.
Join us for a timely exploration on recent developments in Asia, to reconnect with old colleagues and build new networks!
Programme (subject to changes)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3
9.30-12:00 Generative AI for Asian studies – and beyond – hybrid workshop
Venue: Publicum, PUB431, 4th floor. Zoom link will be sent to registered participants.
Workshop instructors: University lecturer Paavo Arvola and University instructor Mary Nurminen, Tampere University
Program of the workshop behind this link
13-16.30, Venue: Publicum, PUB5 (Publicum on map) Zoom link will be sent to registered participants.
13:00 Opening words, Prof Elina Mainela-Arnold, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Turku
13:10 Keynote speech Dr Asel Doolotkeldieva, Research Fellow, University of Potsdam
“Towards ‘vernacular’ Central Asian geopolitics: Russia-Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan entanglements after 2022”
Abstract of the keynote and introduction of Dr Doolotkeldieva
Discussant: Professor Emilian Kavalski, Tampere University
14:15 Refreshments, courtesy of the City of Turku
14:45 Panel discussion on responses of Asian countries to the war in Ukraine
Chair: Prof Lauri Paltemaa, Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku
Panelists:
Dr Asel Doolotkeldieva, Research Fellow, University of Potsdam
Dr Emilian Kavalski, Professor, Tampere Univesrity
Dr Agnieszka Małgorzata Nitza-Makowska, Research Fellow, University of Tartu Asia Centre
Dr Kamila Szczepanska, University Lecturer, Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku
15: 45 – 16:30 Short introductions to Asia-related projects and networks
Dr Kristiina Silvan, FIIA, Introduction to the Central Asia Network
Dr Ayu Pratiwi, and Dr Erja Kettunen-Matilainen, Turku School of Economics: Introduction to the project funded by Kone Foundation: Good and bad palm oil. Food security, paradigm shift and stakeholder negotiations in Indonesia and the EU (2023-2027)
Professor Okuno Tsunehisa, Visiting Porfessor at the Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku. Introduction to the project: The current state of Japan’s constitutional politics
Dr Yoko Demelius and Dr Kamila Szczepanska, Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku. Introduction to the project funded by Kone Foundation: Conspiracy Theories, Anti-Science, and Disinformation in East Asia: Perspectives from Japan (CADEA)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
9-16:00 Doctoral seminar
More information about the doctoral seminar and registration behind this link
Student travel grant to enable participation in the AI workshop and the main event
Students of the Jyväskylä and Tampere Universities (member universities of he Finnish University Network for Asian Studies) can apply for a travel grant (maximum of 50€) to cover travel costs and accommodation.
Criteria for the grant:
– attendance in the AI workshop at 9:30-12:00 in the morning AND the main event in the afternoon at 13:00-16:30.
– applicant is registered as a student in the University of Jyväskylä or the Tampere University
– applicant does not live in Turku region
Ten travel grants will be offered to students from both Jyväskylä and Tampere Universities, with 5 grants allocated to students of each university, on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Asian Studies Days registration form includes a section for travel grant applications.
APPLICATION CLOSED on October 9, decisions announced on October 13.