Implementing Democratic Innovations Conference
Welcome to STRONG’s Implementing Democratic Innovations conference! We’re excited to gather on June 10–11 in the Astra building at Åbo Akademi University. The event brings together researchers from the STRONG project, our stakeholders, STRONG’s Scientific Advisory Board and DEMOC partners.
The conference includes a scientific day (June 10) and a stakeholder day (June 11). Day one will be held in English, while day two will be held in Finnish and Swedish.
On June 10, you’ll get to hear inspiring talks from some of today’s most exciting researchers in democratic innovations. We’re thrilled to welcome well‑known experts such as Professor James Fishkin (Stanford University), Professor Nicole Curato (University of Birmingham), Doctor Kaisa Kurkela (University of Vaasa), and Professor Kaisa Herne (Tampere University). Members of STRONG’s Scientific Advisory Board will also partake in a panel discussion, moderated by Professor Lauri Rapeli (Åbo Akademi University), on the theme Is European democracy endangered?
For the full program, click here.
The conference takes place in Turku on June 10th and 11th. The conference is organized in Åbo Akademi University’s brand new Astra-building (Porthaninkatu 3, 20500 Turku).
The first day of the conference is held in the Bonfire-auditorium, located on the first floor in the Astra-building. On June 10th, the registration will open at 9:15 at the infodesk next to the Bonfire-auditorium.
Traveling to Turku
If you are arriving by train, tickets can be purchased through VR’s online webshop. When traveling from Helsinki, the most convenient arrival point is Kupittaa Railway Station. Travelers coming from Tampere should choose Turku Central Railway Station as their destination.
If you are traveling by bus, several regional and long‑distance services operate connections to Turku.
Traveling in Turku
The Astra‑building is located within walking distance of many central points in the city. From Turku city center the distance is no more than one kilometer. From Turku Central Railway Station the distance is 1.7 kilometers, from the Turku Bus Station 1.2 kilometers, and from Kupittaa Railway Station 1.2 kilometers.
Walking from the city center to the Astra‑building takes approximately fifteen minutes. Public transport options, including local buses and taxis, are readily available throughout the city.
For local bus routes and timetables, you can visit the Föli website at https://www.foli.fi/en. Tickets can be purchase with contactless payment or cash directly on the bus, or via the Föli mobile app.
Turku offers several comfortable and centrally located hotel options within easy walking distance to the Astra-building, the city center, the market square, restaurants, and major attractions. Below is an overview of hotels located near the city center.
Located directly by Turku’s Market Square, Scandic Börs is a historic and elegantly renovated hotel offering stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, on-site restaurants, a gym, and excellent access to shopping and cultural sights. Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the city.
Situated right next to the Market Square, Original Sokos Hotel Wiklund is a vibrant, modern hotel set within the Wiklund department store complex. It features multiple restaurants and cafés, including a rooftop bar, along with comfortable rooms, a Finnish sauna, and easy access to Turku’s shops and attractions.
A modern hotel just steps from the market square, Scandic Julia offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant and bar, sauna, gym, and family‑friendly amenities. Its central location provides quick access to the Aura River, museums, shopping areas, and key attractions in Turku.
A cozy boutique hotel set in a quiet inner courtyard in the heart of the city, Centro Hotel Turku offers individually decorated rooms, a renowned breakfast made with fresh local ingredients, and a peaceful atmosphere despite its central location. It is within short walking distance of museums, the cathedral, and the market square.