Unlock the Digital Future of Onomastics: 3rd ICOS Summer School in Helsinki

 Dear colleagues and name enthusiasts,

We are thrilled to announce the preliminary programme for the 3rd ICOS Summer School, set to take place in the vibrant city of Helsinki, Finland, from 24 to 28 August 2026. Organized by the International Council of Onomastic Sciences (ICOS) and hosted by the University of Helsinki, this year’s edition is dedicated to a timely and transformative theme: “Digital Tools and Databases.”

As technology reshapes how we conduct research, access information, and manage data, this summer school is designed to equip the next generation of onomastic scholars with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital academic landscape.

📍 What to Expect: A Glimpse into the Programme

The five-day programme blends in-depth lectures, interactive workshops, and networking activities, all structured to provide both theoretical insights and practical experience.

• Day 1 – Orientation & Foundations
  The school kicks off with a focus on research materials and methodologies, featuring talks on fieldwork data, multilingual linguistic landscapes, and an engaging group activity to connect participants.

• Day 2 – Data in Focus
  Topics include research data management, working with historical and “imperfect” data, digital challenges in minority language onomastics, and an introduction to AI tools in higher education. The day ends with an onomastics-themed city walk through Helsinki.

• Day 3 – Workshops & Presentation Skills
  Dedicated entirely to honing academic presentation skills and chairing sessions, this day prepares students for future conferences and seminars. An evening recreational outing offers a chance to unwind and network.

• Day 4 – Lectures & Cultural Excursion
  Explore place names in literature, video games, street naming ideologies, and linguistic landscapes both online and offline. The day concludes with a visit to the Institute for the Languages of Finland.

• Day 5 – Hands-On Practice
  The final day emphasizes practical skills: working with digital name archives, onomastic terminology databases, and the challenges of automatic pseudonymization. The school closes with a reflective discussion.

👥 Who Should Attend?

The summer school is aimed primarily at PhD students, though motivated Master’s students planning to pursue a PhD are also welcome. Please note that ICOS membership is required to participate. Not a member yet? You can join easily online.

💡 Hybrid Format & Certification

The school will be held in a hybrid format, welcoming 25 in-person and 25 online participants. All attendees will receive a diploma and a recommendation for 5 ECTS credits, to be validated through their home institutions.

💶 Financial Support

Thanks to the generous support of ICOS and the University of Helsinki, there is no participation fee. While we cannot offer scholarships or cover travel and accommodation, we are happy to advise on affordable options.

📅 Key Dates

• Application period: 12–31 January 2026

• Notification of acceptance: By 13 February 2026

❓ Questions?

For further information, please contact the course organizer:
Milla Juhonen – milla.juhonen@helsinki.fi

---

This summer school is more than a course - it’s an opportunity to connect with peers, learn from leading experts, and explore the digital frontiers of onomastic research. Whether you join us in Helsinki or online, we look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an inspiring and enriching academic experience.

Save the date, spread the word, and get ready to dive into the digital future of names!

#ICOS #SummerSchool #Onomastics #DigitalHumanities #Helsinki2026 #PhD #Research #NamesMatter